What is oil of rosemary?

I was thinking of getting oil of rosemary for oil painting.  It's used for similar tasks as turpentine,  spike lavender oil, and mineral spirits.   Only you need way less.

Rosemary is also one of the few essential oils I can tolerate.

https://arttreehouse.com/artstore/product/oil-of-rosemary-painting-medium/

Oil of Rosemary was relatively well known among painters up until about 100 years ago, when some makers of art supplies still sold it, but its use was gradually eclipsed by turpentine.  In the early 1800s, it was commonly referenced along with Oil of Spike Lavender by artist’s handbook writers.   For experimenters, it is an interesting oil, with unique working qualities.  At one point, Oil of Rosemary was considered the best alternative to Oil of Spike Lavender, especially for those who had allergy concerns.  It has strong solvent properties, but is less toxic than turpentine.  It is actually stronger than Oil of Spike Lavender – only a small amount is needed.

Our Oil of Rosemary is of exceptionally high quality, 100% certified organic from Tunisia. In the photo, the Rosemary Oil we sell is being processed by the farmers using steam distillation. On the left, it is being harvested.

For copal and amber varnishes, copal crystals can be dissolved in Oil of Rosemary. According to Thon, T. (1826) Die Gebäudemaler und Decorateur, Ilmenau: Bernh. Friedr. Voigt, this was a technique practiced in the 19th century. Likewise, the famous porcelain manufacturers Hutschenreuter & Rosenthal in Germany use only Copaiba with Rosemary or Clove, as a painting medium.  Oil of Rosemary is generally used a drop or two at a time.

But pricy to get here.

Do you think it’s possible this is just expensive essential oils?  Like what comes from the health food shop?

The best indicator, to me, is the last line, about "a drop or two". I would say yes - my bet would be on rosemary essential oil. That is seriously potent stuff.

You're in my ecosystem. Last year a friend dropped off a huge armful of rosemary branches/leaves. Could you make your own?

I would have to admit to owning a still.  And once it's used for essential oils, it's not supposed to be used for alcohol again.  Then again, the distilled alcohol it makes...if I had one, of course....tasted so bad it wasn't worth the bother for alcohol.

But it might make a good option, if I end up liking it.  And can learn how to keep rosemary alive.

Might be best to try some essential oils from the shop first and see if it does the trick?   Or would the health store oils be too diluted?

I stay so far away from essential oils that I don't know enough about them to know what I don't know.

S long as you get one from a trusted brand that says 100% or 'pure', it should be fine.

Wow! Thanks for all the contributions to this post...I never knew Rosemary oil worked like turp...Always happy to earn new stuff here at Permies