Holbein Vernét Superior Artists' Oil Color - Silver White Flake (Linseed), 50 ml tube

Pigment Information

This color contains the following pigments:

PW1-Lead White

Pigment Name

PW1-Lead White

Chemical Name

basic lead(II)-carbonate

Chemical Formula

2PbCO3Pb(OH)2 or 4PbCO32Pb(OH)2PbO

Properties

Lead White is a fast drying, heavy consistency, flexible, opaque white with a very subtle reddish-yellow undertone and excellent covering capacity. Most artists stopped using this pigment over the last century because of its toxicity, but its working properties are positive enough to keep some artists using it. It is the most structurally sound white for underpainting. Lead White is quick drying, and it will help accelerate the drying time of any color it is mixed with.

Permanence

Lead White has excellent permanence and lightfastness. However, it may become discolored over long periods of time.

History

Lead White has historically been the most important of all white pigments. The use of this pigment dates back to the days of the ancient Greeks and Egyptians. It was the only white used in European easel painting until the 19th century, and it is one of the oldest synthetically produced pigments. It has been mostly replaced by Titanium White and Zinc White, depending on the opacity the artist desires.