By The ARTnews Recommends Editors

Make clean cuts. Cutting oil is a lubricant utilized in a variety of glass-cutting processes. Used to keep the machine cool and reduce friction, oil increases the overall life of your cutting machine and reduces the amount of energy consumed. Additionally, lubricating oil produces a cleaner edge. Although not all glass cutters require oil in order to operate, it’s important to use it whenever possible, to ensure blade longevity and a more accurate cut. Formulated with either a mineral oil or a water-soluble synthetic formula, the perfect oil should be thin enough to flow freely while in use but thick enough that it won’t leak. To help you choose, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best products below. 

This glass-cutter oil comes packaged in a four-ounce bottle and is designed for general oil-fed glass cutters as well as production glass-cutting machines. A few drops of this go a long way, so this bottle is sure to last a long time.The odor-free formula won’t cause headaches, unlike some glass-cutting oils that have a strong petroleum smell, and it doesn’t dry out quickly. Most importantly, it flows freely, allowing you to spread it with ease, but it’s still thick enough to resist leaking or dripping all over your work surface. 

The draw of this product is the bottle. Decorated with Keith Haring–like black-and-white geometric graphics, the vessel is capped with a precision-dropper tool to ensure minimal spillage. You won’t have to look for a dropper anymore. Easy to clean with soap or alcohol, this oil is compatible with a wide array of implements, glass-cutting tips, and machines. Custom formulated for glass, this oil is a synthetic blend rather than a mineral oil and won’t dry up or leak out. 

This noncorrosive oil is specially formulated for use with popular Toyo glass cutters, though it functions with machines from other brands as well. Recommended for both regular and stained glass, this formula comes in a four-ounce bottle and will satisfy all precision-cutting needs. It flows easily, resists rust, and won’t clog even if you leave it on a shelf for months. Unlike many oils, this one is water-soluble, which makes cleanup a breeze.

For classrooms and workshops looking for a reliable formula that comes at a good value, go with this eight-ounce bottle. As other products on this list show, this size is relatively hard to find, doubling the amount of fluid you get from most other brands. Compatible with a wide range of glass types, this bottle features a twist top that helps to reduce mess, and you can also pour liquid easily from the well-designed cap. Those who have never used glass-cutting oil will also appreciate the clear and easy-to-follow directions on the back label.

This product is immediately appealing for its modern, minimalist label design, but what makes it even more enticing is that its formula is nontoxic and biodegradable. This means you can clean it up with linseed soap and water and feel good about your impact on the environment. It works well with all cutting tools, showcases consistent flow, and the four-ounce bottle doesn’t leak. We also like that it’s clear so you know exactly how much formula you have left.

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