Compared to linseed oil, poppy oil dries slower, is paler, yellows less and is less likely to scorch the paint. Because of these properties, a homemade medium based on poppy oil can be used in combination with light colours in the "alla prima" technique. However, poppy oil forms a weaker film than linseed oil and, when used in the lower layers, can cause problems for the adhesion of linseed oil paint in subsequent paint layers. It is therefore recommended to use poppy oil only in the last layer when layered painting.
