How long can oil paint stay workable after application?

Oil paint can remain workable for several hours depending on the environment and the thickness of the application. Generally, it can stay workable for approximately 8 hours after application, which allows artists to manipulate the paint, blend colors, and make adjustments before it begins to dry. This extended working time is one of the advantages of using oil paints, as it enables a level of flexibility and creativity that is less common in faster-drying mediums like acrylics.

In contrast, the other durations provided in the options are too short or too lengthy for traditional oil paints. For instance, a time frame of 1 hour does not accommodate the usual working period artists require for layering and blending. Though oil paints can remain workable for up to a day in some cases, the typical maximum is closer to 8 hours. Lastly, suggesting a duration of up to 3 months is misleading, as while the paint itself can take a long time to fully dry and cure, the workable phase is indeed limited to a much shorter time frame.