Leo Martínez
Paint tubes contain a variety of mysterious codes, names, and symbols that convey important information about the product. From health and safety standards to pigment composition and lightfastness, these labels provide valuable insights for artists and consumers alike. Understanding these markings can help artists make informed choices about colour selection, application, and the long-term stability of their creations. With various brands and pricing series available, deciphering paint tube labels can guide consumers in their purchasing decisions, ensuring they acquire the desired quality and characteristics for their artistic endeavours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the colour | Various names |
| Scientific numeric designation | Corresponds to a standardised Colour Index |
| Series number | Indicates the price range of the paint |
| Lightfastness | Indicates how the paint will look in the future |
| Health and safety warning | Conforms to ASTM D 4236 and ACMI |
| Ingredients | Undisclosed by the manufacturer |
| Pigments | May be a single pigment or a mixture of pigments |
| Opacity | Indicated by a black square, semi-transparent by a square with a diagonal line, and transparent by a clear square |
| Hue | Indicates an imitation of the real pigment |
| Undertone | Thin film of colour |
| Colour temperature | Warmer or cooler |
| Colour bias | Indicates which colour it leans towards |
| Colour value | Lightness or darkness |
| Chroma | Intensity |
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What You'll Learn
Health and safety standards
Since 1990, the federal Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act has required that all art materials sold in the United States be reviewed to determine their potential for causing chronic health hazards, and that appropriate warning labels be included on the products. This means that manufacturers must include safety information on the product label, such as a statement that the paint "Conforms to ASTM D-4236", indicating that the manufacturers submitted their product formulas to a board-certified toxicologist for review.
The health hazards associated with painting and drawing have been known for centuries, and working safely involves being mindful of the art materials selected and how they are handled. For instance, the use of lead-containing or carcinogenic pigments should be avoided, and the least toxic pigments should be used instead. In addition, pigments should not be mixed, but if they are, it should be done inside a glove box or a laboratory-type fume hood. Surfaces should be wet-mopped and wiped when using dry pigments, and eating, drinking, and smoking should be avoided in the studio to prevent the accidental ingestion of pigments.
When working with water-based paints, it is important to avoid using sodium fluoride, phenol, or mercury compounds when adding preservatives to paints. A window exhaust fan or open window should be used when working with acrylic paints, and gloves, goggles, and a protective apron should be worn when handling ammonia. Oil paints, encaustic, and egg tempera use linseed oil, wax, and egg, respectively, as vehicles, and solvents are often used as thinners.
When working with non-water-based paints, turpentine or ordinary mineral spirits should be replaced with less toxic, odourless mineral spirits, and a window exhaust fan should be used to provide ventilation. Epoxy paints may contain irritants and suspect carcinogens, and epoxy hardeners may cause skin and respiratory allergies and irritation.
Spray painting poses additional health and safety risks. Smoking should be prohibited in spraying and paint storage areas, and no open flame or spark-producing equipment should be within 20 feet (6.1 m) of a spraying area unless it is separated by a fire-retardant partition. Spray booths should be constructed of non-combustible materials and have smooth interior surfaces, and be separated from other operations by at least 3 feet (0.91 m) or by fire-retardant partitions or walls. Mechanical ventilation should be provided during spraying operations and for a sufficient period after to exhaust hazardous vapour concentrations.
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Colour names and pigment content
The colour name on the tube can be misleading, as different manufacturers may use distinct ingredients and processes to create similar colours. Thus, it is essential to understand the ingredients and pigment content to make an informed purchase. The pigment content is indicated by the Colour Index (C.I.) Name, which serves as a standardised reference for pigments. This index helps artists identify the specific pigments used in a paint, ensuring they know exactly what they are buying.
Additionally, some manufacturers indicate the transparency and opacity of their paints through symbols or colour swatches on the tube. For instance, a black square may denote an opaque paint, while a clear square suggests transparency. The lightfastness of a paint, or its resistance to UV light and atmospheric conditions, is also crucial. While this information may not always be on the tube, it can impact the longevity of a painting, particularly when displayed in a well-lit room.
The series number on a paint tube label is another important consideration. It indicates the price range, with higher numbers or letters corresponding to more expensive paints. This pricing is influenced by the availability and cost of pigments, with rarer and more expensive pigments commanding a higher price. Student-grade paints, such as Winsor & Newton's Winton range, tend to have higher percentages of undisclosed additives and substitute pigments, which can impact the quality and properties of the paint.
Lastly, understanding the ingredients used in paint is essential for artists. While manufacturers may not disclose all ingredients due to trade secrets, knowing the pigments and their combinations can help artists make informed choices. Artists should also be aware of any health and safety warnings on the labels, especially when working with potentially hazardous materials.
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Series numbers and pricing
Paint manufacturers often group their products into different series, with series 1 being the cheapest and the price increasing as the series number gets higher. The series number on a paint tube label is an indication of the amount of pigment versus the binder and fillers included in the paint. The more pigment a paint contains, the more expensive it is. This is because some pigments are harder or more expensive to acquire or manufacture than others. For example, cadmium and cobalt are expensive and dangerous to manufacture, so hues are often used as acceptable replacements. Hues are imitation pigments that may differ in intensity, mass tone, hue, and opacity from the original pigment.
Some paint brands indicate the transparency of the paint inside the tube using squares on the side of the tube. A black square denotes an opaque paint, a square with a diagonal line through it and the bottom half black means semi-transparent paint, and a clear square means transparent.
Other brands, such as Golden, have a streak of paint laid over diagonal black and white lines, indicating the paint's transparency over both light and dark backgrounds. The label will also tell you how lightfast each paint is, which is useful information for predicting how your painting will look in the future, especially if it will be displayed in a room with lots of light.
Student-grade paints, such as Winsor & Newton's Winton range or Royal Talens' Van Gogh, have higher percentages of undisclosed additives, such as toners, preservatives, and fillers, as well as substitute pigments for more expensive options.
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Lightfastness and permanence
Lightfastness is indicated on paint tube labels through symbols or text. Some brands use a square symbol, with variations denoting the opacity of the paint. A black square indicates opaque paint, a square with a diagonal line and a black bottom half indicates semi-transparent paint, and a clear square indicates transparent paint. Other brands may use a streak of paint over diagonal black and white lines to indicate transparency over different backgrounds.
The absence of a lightfastness rating is common with fluorescent colours, which are made with dyes instead of pigments. These colours tend to be fugitive, meaning they will fade quickly and should be kept out of direct sunlight.
While lightfastness focuses on UV light exposure, permanence considers the long-term durability of a pigment. This includes its resistance to fading or discolouration over time due to light and other environmental factors. Permanence is particularly important for artists concerned with the preservation of their artwork.
To ensure the permanence of their paintings, artists should select paints with good lightfastness ratings and take steps to protect their artwork from prolonged exposure to sunlight or other harsh conditions. Additionally, artists can research the permanence ratings of specific pigments to make informed choices when purchasing paints.
In summary, lightfastness and permanence are crucial factors in paint selection, impacting the longevity and appearance of artwork over time. Artists can utilise the information on paint tube labels, as well as their own research, to choose the most suitable paints for their creations.
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Marketing and consumerism
To address this, paint manufacturers include additional information on the labels, such as the scientific numeric designation corresponding to a standardised Colour Index. This index is a comprehensive reference that helps consumers identify the specific pigments used in the paint. However, it is important to note that some ingredients, such as stabilisers, dryers, and extenders, are not typically listed on the labels as they are considered trade secrets.
Another marketing strategy employed by paint brands is the use of series numbers to indicate price ranges. Higher series numbers generally correspond to higher prices, with the most expensive pigments being the hardest to acquire. This pricing strategy is not always indicative of paint quality, as cheaper paints may still be of good quality, but rather reflects the rarity or difficulty of obtaining certain pigments.
Paint manufacturers also provide information about the opacity and transparency of their products. For instance, some brands use symbols like black squares, partially filled squares, or clear squares to indicate whether the paint is opaque, semi-transparent, or transparent. This information is particularly relevant for artists who want to create specific effects or achieve certain results with their paintings.
In terms of consumer safety, paint manufacturers often include health and safety warnings on their labels. While these warnings are voluntary, they are widely adopted by European paint manufacturers to conform to American standards. For example, the label may state that the paint "Conforms to ASTM D 4236", indicating that it meets the ASTM's standards for labelling art materials with potential chronic health hazards. Additionally, the presence of the Art & Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) seal certifies that the paint is non-toxic for both children and adults.
Overall, the marketing and consumerism aspects of paint tubes and their labels play a crucial role in helping consumers make informed decisions about their purchases. While names and colours may be chosen for their marketing appeal, consumers can rely on additional information provided on the labels to understand the pigments, opacity, and safety of the paint products they intend to use.
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Frequently asked questions
The boxes on paint tubes indicate the opacity of the paint inside the tube. A black box denotes an opaque paint, a square with a diagonal line through it and the bottom half in black means semi-transparent paint, and a clear square means the paint is transparent.
Paint manufacturers group their paints into various price ranges, which are referenced as "series numbers" on the paint tube labels. The higher the number or letter, the more expensive the paint is.
Any tube labelled "hue" is an imitation of the real pigment. Cadmium is expensive and dangerous to manufacture, so the manufacturer has deemed the hue to be an acceptable replacement in terms of colour.
