list of materials


you can search the page for specific materials



This is an always expanding list of materials.

It merely provides a backlog of things I used and that seemed to have worked at at least one time in the past. Not all the items on this list are recommended, permanent, lightfast or necessarirly of good quality.

I have provided a brief description of every item but it is important to do proper research on materials if you plan to use them so that you know what to expect when it comes to permanence or maintainability. Know that it is often better to make your own materials than to pop something from a can or tube. Always check for health risks involved before choosing to work with a substance.


  • Acrylic varnish

    • Acrylic varnish Acrylic varnish(Acrl) is a fast-drying varnish made of acrylic polymer emulsion and plasticizers,silicon oils,defoamers,stabilizers,metal soaps.

      Acrylic acid has the chemical formula of CH2CHCOOH. So,it is a 3-carbon compound starting with a carboxylic acid and between carbons 2 and 3 is a double bond.




      This product should be handled with care.

  • Brush cleaner solvent

    • Brush cleaner solvent Brush cleaner solvent(Afo) is a supposedly environmentally friendly cleaning solvent for brushes mixed with soap.

      It contains fatty alcohol etoxylates and soap.




      This product should be handled with care.

  • Brush cleaner soap

    • Brush cleaner soap Brush cleaner soap(Afp) is a phosphate free,supposedly environmentally friendly cleaning soap for brushes.

      It contains soap,dipentenes and lemon essence.




      This product should be handled with care.

  • Aleppo gall nuts

    • Aleppo gall nuts Aleppo gall nuts(Alep) are hard nutlike galls that form on the Aleppo oak (Quercus infectoria) in response to the developing larva of a gall wasp. They are used as a source of gallic acid and tannin.

      Tannic acids are organic compounds that contain a 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid moiety. Gallic acid exists as a solid,slightly soluble (in water),and a weakly acidic compound (based on its pKa).

      Have been harvested for thousands of years as a concentrated source of tannins for use in high-quality inks,in medicine,etc.


      This product is safe to use.

  • Alizarin crimson

    • Alizarin crimson Alizarin crimson(Aliz) is an aquarel paint tube manufactured by Old Holland called 'Alizarin Crimson Lake Extra'.

      color index: PV19-PR177-PBR23.

      It is possible to mix aquarel paints with tempera but this is not a great idea. This can create stability problems and problems in the varnishing stage as some compounds in the tube seem to act as retardants for oil varnish.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Aluminium salt

    • Aluminium salt Aluminium salt(Alum) is an aluminum based salt crystal readily available in drug stores.

      Alum is a type of chemical compound,usually a hydrated double sulfate salt of aluminium with the general formula XAl(SO4)2·12 H2O.

      Alum was the most common mordant used in the dye industry in the middle ages.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Ammonia

    • Ammonia Ammonia(Amo) is the most widely studied nonaqueous ionising solvent. Its most conspicuous property is its ability to dissolve alkali metals to form highly coloured,electrically conductive solutions containing solvated electrons. Apart from these remarkable solutions,much of the chemistry in liquid ammonia can be classified by analogy with related reactions in aqueous solutions.

      The molecular formula is NH3.

      This is a commonly available product.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Azurite blue

    • Azurite blue Azurite blue(Azbl) is composed of mineral basic carbonate of copper,found in many parts of the world in the upper oxidized portions of copper ore deposits. Azurite mineral is usually associated in nature with malachite,the green basic carbonate of copper that is far more abundant.

      It has the formula Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2,with the copper(II) cations linked to two different anions,carbonate and hydroxide.

      Azurite was the most important blue pigment in European painting from the fifteenth to the middle of the seventeenth century.


      This product is toxic.

      warp: 1.8306

  • Bleached flaxseed oil

    • Bleached flaxseed oil Bleached flaxseed oil(Bflax) is made by exposing raw,cold-pressed linseed oil to sunlight in shallow tanks covered with clear glass for a period of more than one month.

      Is is less prone to yellowing because of this process.

      It was used by painters from the late middle ages on.


      This product is safe to use

  • Bees wax

    • Bees wax Bees wax(Bee) is a natural wax produced in the bee hive of honey bees.

      It is composed mainly by esters of fatty acids and various long chain alcohols.

      This is a commonly available product.


      This product is safe to use

  • Bic blue pen ink

    • Bic blue pen ink Bic blue pen ink(Bic) is normally used to refill ink pens.

      It is manufactured by the company Bic. Opposed to pigments,dyes are colored substances that chemically bond to the substrate to which it is being applied.

      This is a commonly available product in stores.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Bister

    • Bister Bister(Bis) is a pigment made from the soot and tar of burnt wood or shellac or the ground bark of walnuts and gum arabic. Bister comes from French from the word 'bistre' which stands for brown,hazelnut,dark brown or chocolate brown.



      The disadvantage is the non-lightfastness of this material,which easily dissolves in water. The more water used,the lighter the drawing. Drawings made in bister gradually disappear when exposed to sunlight.


      This product is safe to use

  • Brun molybdene

    • Brun molybdene Brun molybdene(Bmo) is an inorganic dark pigment.

      It is made from molybdenum,which is a silvery-white metal that is ductile and highly resistant to corrosion.

      Molybdenum pigments are made since the 20th century.


      This product is toxic.

      warp: 0.946

  • Bone glue

    • Bone glue Bone glue(Bone) is a dry,pearl shaped substance made from bones. The glue is very strong.



      It was used by carpenters mainly for glueing wood.


      This product is safe to use

  • Block printing black

    • Block printing black Block printing black(Bpb) is a water-based,thick paint used specially for printing blocks.






      This product is safe to use

  • Bleu perm fonce

    • Bleu perm fonce Bleu perm fonce(Bpf) is a phthalocyanine derivative.

      Phthalocyanine (H2Pc) is a large,aromatic,macrocyclic,organic compound with the formula (C8H4N2)4H2.

      Phthalocyanine was first synthesized in 1933.


      This product should be handled with care.

      warp: 1.8327

  • Brick

    • Brick Brick(Br) is a pigment made of ground bricks.

      Bricks are basically baked clay containing silica,alumina,lime,iron oxide and magnesia.

      Baked earths have been used forever.


      This product is safe to use

  • Burnt umber (lefebvre)

    • Burnt umber (lefebvre) Burnt umber (lefebvre)(Bu) is a brown or reddish-brown earth pigment that contains iron oxide and manganese oxide.

      It is made by heating raw umber,which dehydrates the iron oxides and changes them partially to the more reddish hematite.

      The first recorded use of burnt umber as a color name in English was in 1650.


      This product is toxic.

      warp: 0.8827

  • Burnt umber (le lion)

    • Burnt umber (le lion) Burnt umber (le lion)(Bul) is a natural brown or reddish-brown earth pigment that contains iron oxide and manganese oxide.

      It is made by heating raw umber,which dehydrates the iron oxides and changes them partially to the more reddish hematite.

      The first recorded use of burnt umber as a color name in English was in 1650.


      This product is toxic.

  • Caput mortuum

    • Caput mortuum Caput mortuum(Cam) also known as cardinal purple,is the name given to a purple variety of haematite iron oxide pigment.



      The name for this pigment may have come from the alchemical usage,since iron oxide (rust) is the useless residue (caput mortuum) of oxidization. It was originally a byproduct of sulfuric acid manufacture during the 17th and 18th centuries,and was possibly an early form of the copperas process used for the manufacture of Venetian red and copperas red.


      This product is safe to use

      warp: 1.194

  • Carbon

    • Carbon Carbon(Carb) is powdered charcoal.

      Mostly it is made from young vines baked in the absence of air.

      Charcoal has been used forever.


      This product is safe to use

      warp: 0.3827

  • Cement

    • Cement Cement(Cem) is a binder,a substance used for construction that sets,hardens,and adheres to other materials to bind them together.

      It is a mixture of calcium oxide,silicon dioxide,aluminium oxide,ferric oxide and sulfur oxide.

      Some form of cement was known since antiquitiy,but modern day cement dates back to the 18th century.


      This product is safe to use

  • Cerulean blue imitation

    • Cerulean blue imitation Cerulean blue imitation(Ceri) is a form of Phthalocyanine Blue,a bright,crystalline,synthetic pigment from the group of phthalocyanine dyes.

      The chemical name is (29H,31H-phthalocyaninato(2−)-N29,N30,N31,N32)copper(II) .

      The discovery of metal phthalocyanines can be traced to the observation of intensely colored byproducts from reactions of benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid or its derivatives with sources of nitrogen and metals. CuPc was first prepared in 1927 by the reaction of copper(I) cyanide and o-dibromobenzene.


      This product should be handled with care.

      warp: 1.3922

  • Cerulean blue

    • Cerulean blue Cerulean blue(Cero) is an aquarel paint tube manufactured by Old Holland called 'Cerulean Blue'.

      Contains oxides of cobalt and tin. color index: PB35.

      It is possible to mix aquarel paints with tempera but this is not a great idea. This can create stability problems and problems in the varnishing stage as some compounds in the tube seem to act as retardants for oil varnish.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Champaign chalk

    • Champaign chalk Champaign chalk(Cham) is a soft,white,porous,sedimentary carbonate rock,a form of limestone composed of the mineral calcite. It has a slightly yellowish tint,hence the name.

      The molecular formula is CaCO3.




      This product is safe to use

  • Vert chrome

    • Vert chrome Vert chrome(Chgr) is one of the oxides of chromium.

      It's an inorganic compound with the formula Cr2O3.

      Because of its considerable stability,it is a commonly used pigment. It was originally called viridian.


      This product is toxic.

      warp: 0.9246

  • Orange chrome

    • Orange chrome Orange chrome(Cho) is a mixed oxide of lead and chrome. It can be made by treating a lead salt with an alkaline solution of a chromate or by treating chrome yellow with strongly basic solution.

      The molecular formula Pb2CrO5.

      In 1797 a French scientist Louis Vauquelin discovered the mineral crocoite,or lead chromate,which led in 1809 to the invention of the synthetic pigment chrome orange.


      This product is toxic.

      warp: 1.4621

  • Kalk rood

    • Kalk rood Kalk rood(Chr) is a pigment of wich the composition is known only to the manufacturer.

      I have no further information on this pigment except that I bought it under the name 'chaux rouge' at Le Lion Bruxelles.




      This product should be handled with care.

      warp: 1.7126

  • Clove oil

    • Clove oil Clove oil(Clov) is an essential oil extracted from the clove plant.

      It is used as a drying retardant in oil paints.




      This product is toxic.

  • Copal varnish

    • Copal varnish Copal varnish(Cop) is a varnish produced by boiling ground copal stone in linseed oil at high temperatures.

      Copal is a resinous substance in an intermediate stage of polymerization and hardening between more viscous resins and Amber. Amber is fossil resin or tree sap that although not mineralized,it is sometimes considered a gemstone.

      Copal varnish was first used in the late middle ages.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Copper

    • Copper Copper(Cper) Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu (from Latin: cuprum) and atomic number 29. It is a soft,malleable,and ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. A freshly exposed surface of pure copper has a pinkish-orange color.






      This product should be handled with care.

  • Cadmium red

    • Cadmium red Cadmium red(Cred) is the inorganic pigment that is a solid solution of cadmium sulfite and cadmium selenide.

      The molecular formula are Cds and CdSe.

      The general commercial availability of cadmium derivatives from the 1840s led to its adoption by artists.


      This product is toxic.

      warp: 0.8265

  • Cadmium red maimeriblu

    • Cadmium red maimeriblu Cadmium red maimeriblu(Crem) is an aquarel paint tube manufactured by Maimeriblu called 'cadmium red'.

      Reference: WMB12226.

      It is possible to mix aquarel paints with tempera but this is not a great idea. This can create stability problems and problems in the varnishing stage as some compounds in the tube seem to act as retardants for oil varnish.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Dammar gum

    • Dammar gum Dammar gum(Dag) is a resin obtained from the tree family Dipterocarpaceae in India and Southeast Asia.



      It was introduced as a picture varnish in 1826.


      This product is toxic.

  • Dammar varnish

    • Dammar varnish Dammar varnish(Dam) is a varnish made by dissolving dammar gum in turpentine.

      Damar gum is a resin obtained from the tree family Dipterocarpaceae in India and East Asia.

      It was introduced as a picture varnish in 1826.


      This product is toxic.

  • Scheveningen blue deep

    • Scheveningen blue deep Scheveningen blue deep(Dbl) is an aquarel paint tube manufactured by Old Holland called 'Scheveningen blue deep'.

      color index: PB15.

      It is possible to mix aquarel paints with tempera but this is not a great idea. This can create stability problems and problems in the varnishing stage as some compounds in the tube seem to act as retardants for oil varnish.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Derwent 62 red pencil

    • Derwent 62 red pencil Derwent 62 red pencil(Dw62) is a studio pencil with a reddisch color.



      It is widely available.


      This product is safe to use

  • Green deep

    • Green deep Green deep(Dgr) is an aquarel paint tube manufactured by Old Holland called 'Permanent green deep'.

      color index: PW4-PY3-PB29-PG7.

      It is possible to mix aquarel paints with tempera but this is not a great idea. This can create stability problems and problems in the varnishing stage as some compounds in the tube seem to act as retardants for oil varnish.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Cadmium lemon dark

    • Cadmium lemon dark Cadmium lemon dark(Dlem) is an aquarel paint tube manufactured by Maimeriblu called 'cadmium yellow lemon'.

      Reference: PY35.

      It is possible to mix aquarel paints with tempera but this is not a great idea. This can create stability problems and problems in the varnishing stage as some compounds in the tube seem to act as retardants for oil varnish.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Drawing gum

    • Drawing gum Drawing gum(Drag) is a removable liquid for temporarily masking parts of a painting or drawing.



      This is a commonly available product.


      This product is safe to use

  • Scheveningen red deep

    • Scheveningen red deep Scheveningen red deep(Dred) is an aquarel paint tube manufactured by Old Holland called 'Scheveningen red deep'.

      color index: PV19-PR177-PBR23.

      It is possible to mix aquarel paints with tempera but this is not a great idea. This can create stability problems and problems in the varnishing stage as some compounds in the tube seem to act as retardants for oil varnish.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Scheveningen rose deep

    • Scheveningen rose deep Scheveningen rose deep(Drose) is an aquarel paint tube manufactured by Old Holland called 'Scheveningen rose deep'.

      color index: PV19.

      It is possible to mix aquarel paints with tempera but this is not a great idea. This can create stability problems and problems in the varnishing stage as some compounds in the tube seem to act as retardants for oil varnish.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Drying oil

    • Drying oil Drying oil(Dryo) is a fast drying form of linseed oil.

      It contains essence of petroleum.




      This product should be handled with care.

  • East india ink

    • East india ink East india ink(Eai) is a simple black or colored ink once widely used for writing and printing and now more commonly used for drawing and outlining.

      The ink is composed of a variety of fine soot,known as lampblack,combined with water to form a liquid. No binder material is necessary.

      The process of making India ink was known in China as early as the middle of the 3rd millennium BC,in Neolithic China.


      This product is safe to use

  • Ecoline yellow

    • Ecoline yellow Ecoline yellow(Ecoy) is an ecoline manufactured by Talens called 'Pastel yellow'.






      This product should be handled with care.

  • Vert emeralde

    • Vert emeralde Vert emeralde(Egr) is a pigment made by mixing and heating copper verdigris with vinegar and white arsenic.

      Unfortunately,it is also chemically not stable.

      It was first commercially produced in Schweinfurt,Germany in 1814.


      This product is toxic.

      warp: 1.8461

  • Egg yolk

    • Egg yolk Egg yolk(Egy) is yolk from a henn's egg. It can act as binder for pigments.

      The characteristics of egg tempera are very unique. It requires a different technique than gouache or oil. 'Brush load' -meaning the amount of paint suspended in the brush when going from the recipient to the painting,is an important aspect of developing feel for the handling of tempera. It requires premeditated and accurate handling and is therefore less suited for expressive gesture. The finished look is incomparable to any other medium. The resulting paintwork is very brittle and must therefore be covered with some type of varnish for protection.

      Egg yolk has been used as a binder since the earliest times.



  • Ethanol

    • Ethanol Ethanol(Eth) is ethyl alcohol,the same type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages.

      The molecular formula is C2H5OH.




      This product should be handled with care.

  • Euro coins

    • Euro coins Euro coins(Eur) of 1,2 and 5 are used for oxidation in vinegar to create a brown color.

      They consist of 89% copper,5% aluminium,5% zinc and 1% tin.




      This product is toxic.

  • Bright cadmium red

    • Bright cadmium red Bright cadmium red(Fcred) is an aquarel paint tube manufactured by Maimeriblu called 'cadmium Red Orange'.

      Reference: MBLT224.

      It is possible to mix aquarel paints with tempera but this is not a great idea. This can create stability problems and problems in the varnishing stage as some compounds in the tube seem to act as retardants for oil varnish.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Mars noir

    • Mars noir Mars noir(Feo) is an iron oxide pigment,with high lightfastness.

      The molecular formula is Fe3O4.

      It was developed in the 20th century.


      This product is safe to use

      warp: 1.0602

  • Fish glue (flakes)

    • Fish glue (flakes) Fish glue (flakes)(Fish) is a traditional woodworking glue with a strong bond that dries crystal-hard.

      It is made from fish blatters.

      It was widely used by carpenters and bookbinders in the past.


      This product is safe to use

  • Flaxseed oil

    • Flaxseed oil Flaxseed oil(Flax) is a colorless to yellowish oil obtained from the dried,ripened seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). The oil is obtained by pressing,sometimes followed by solvent extraction.

      Linseed oil is a drying oil,meaning it can polymerize into a solid form by chemically binding with oxygen in the air.

      It is used by painters since the 13th century and perhaps even earlier.


      This product is safe to use

  • Gall nuts

    • Gall nuts Gall nuts(Gal) are hard nutlike galls that forms on varieties of oak (Quercus cocinea a.o.) in response to the developing larva of a gall wasp. It is used as a source of gallic acid and tannin. It differs slightly from Aleppo galls found in Asia and southern Europe but serves the same purpose.

      Tannic acids are organic compounds that contain a 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid moiety. Gallic acid exists as a solid,slightly soluble (in water),and a weakly acidic compound (based on its pKa).

      Has been harvested for thousands of years as a concentrated source of tannins for use in high-quality inks,in medicine,etc.


      This product is safe to use

  • Asphaltum

    • Asphaltum Asphaltum(Gil) is a naturally occurring soluble solid hydrocarbon,a form of asphalt (or bitumen) with a relatively high melting temperature.



      Gilsonite was discovered in the 1860s. By 1888 Samuel H. Gilson had started a company to mine the substance.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Glair

    • Glair Glair(Gla) is egg white beaten into a froth and allowed to settle. The beating somehow alters the viscosity and makes the substance flow.

      The molecular formula is Ca(OH3)

      Glair was used extensively in medieval manuscripts for ornamentation.



  • Glycerin

    • Glycerin Glycerin(Gly) is a simple polyol compound. It is a colorless,odorless,viscous liquid that is sweet-tasting and non-toxic.

      Glycerol is generally obtained from plant and animal sources where it occurs in triglycerides,esters of glycerol with long-chain carboxylic acids. The hydrolysis,saponification,or transesterification of these triglycerides produces glycerol as well as the fatty acid derivative.




      This product is safe to use

  • Vert brux

    • Vert brux Vert brux(Grbx) is a pigment of wich the composition is known only to the manufacturer.

      I have no further information on this pigment except that I bought it under the name 'Vert bruxelles' at Le Lion Bruxelles.




      This product should be handled with care.

      warp: 0.5826

  • Vert lion

    • Vert lion Vert lion(Grl) is a pigment of wich the composition is known only to the manufacturer.

      I have no further information on this pigment except that I bought it under the name 'Vert le lion' at Le Lion Bruxelles.




      This product should be handled with care.

      warp: 1.9658

  • Gravel

    • Gravel Gravel(Grvl) is used in a concrete mixture along with sand and cement.







  • Green vitriol

    • Green vitriol Green vitriol(Gvit) is often used as a moss killer in gardening.

      The molecular formula is FeSO4.

      It can be used in combination with tannic acid from gall nuts to create a black ink. This form of ink was widely used in Europe in the middle ages.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Distilled water

    • Distilled water Distilled water(H2O) is useful whenever water must be added to any mixture,it is much cleaner and makes for a smoother mixture than tap water or drinking water.







  • Hydrogen peroxide

    • Hydrogen peroxide Hydrogen peroxide(Hyp) is a mild antiseptic.

      The molecular formula is H2O2.

      This is a commonly available product.


      This product is safe to use

  • Kaolin

    • Kaolin Kaolin(Kao) is a clay mineral,part of the group of industrial minerals with the molecular formula Al2Si2O5(OH)4. Rocks that are rich in kaolinite are known as kaolin or china clay.



      Porcelain is made from kaolin.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Cadmium Lemon

    • Cadmium Lemon Cadmium Lemon(Lem) is the inorganic pigment that is a sulfide of the metal cadmium.

      The molecular formula is CdS.

      The general commercial availability of cadmium sulfide from the 1840s led to its adoption by artists.


      This product is toxic.

      warp: 1.012

  • Fish glue (liquid)

    • Fish glue (liquid) Fish glue (liquid)(Lfsh) is a traditional bookbinding glue with a strong bond.

      It is made from fish blatters.

      It was widely used by carpenters and bookbinders in the past.


      This product is safe to use

  • Calcium hydroxide

    • Calcium hydroxide Calcium hydroxide(Lime) is an inorganic compound with the molecular formula Ca(OH)2. It is a colorless crystal or white powder and is produced when quicklime (calcium oxide) is mixed,or slaked with water.

      The molecular formula is Ca(OH)2.




      This product is safe to use

  • Lamour black covering varnish

    • Lamour black covering varnish Lamour black covering varnish(Lmc) is a hard,opaque,shiny liquid.

      is made from bitumen and turpentine. It is especially recommended for the Aquatint technique. Like etching,aquatint is an intaglio printmaking technique,but is used to create tonal effects rather than lines. Essentially this is a variation of etching varnish.




      This product is toxic.

  • Lamour Black Satin Varnish

    • Lamour Black Satin Varnish Lamour Black Satin Varnish(Lms) is a hard,fast-drying varnish made from bitumen.

      It is mainly used for etching,where a varnished metal plate is carved and then exposed to acid to create a design that can be reproduced.




      This product is toxic.

  • Madder

    • Madder Madder(Mad) is a herbaceous perennial plant species belonging to the bedstraw and coffee family Rubiaceae.

      The botanical name is rubia tinctorum.

      The roots can yeild a strong,permanent deep red color used in dyes and lakes. In order to draw out the red color,alum is often used.


      This product is safe to use

  • Marble dust

    • Marble dust Marble dust(Marb) is powder from metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals,most commonly calcite or dolomite

      The molecular formula is CaCO3.




      This product is safe to use

  • Moth balls

    • Moth balls Moth balls(Moth) are small balls of chemical pesticide and deodorant.

      They can be used when storing your your marter brushes,which are susceptible to moths.




      This product should be handled with care.

  • Salt

    • Salt Salt(Nac) is a mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride (NaCl).






      This product is safe to use

  • Baking soda

    • Baking soda Baking soda(Nah) is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO3.

      Sodium bicarbonate is a white solid that is crystalline,but often appears as a fine powder.




      This product is safe to use

  • Bleached walnut oil

    • Bleached walnut oil Bleached walnut oil(Nut) is oil extracted from walnuts,Juglans regia.

      It is a drying oil,meaning it can polymerize into a solid form by chemically binding with oxygen in the air.

      It is used by painters since the 13th century and perhaps even earlier.


      This product is safe to use

  • Ocre brun

    • Ocre brun Ocre brun(Ocb) is a natural clay earth pigment which is a mixture of ferric oxide and varying amounts of clay and sand.

      The molecular formula is FeO(OH).

      It has been in use since the earliest time.


      This product is safe to use

      warp: 1.0213

  • Ocre rouge

    • Ocre rouge Ocre rouge(Ocr) is a natural clay earth pigment which is a mixture of ferric oxide and varying amounts of clay and sand. It takes its reddish color from the mineral hematite,which is an anhydrous iron oxide.

      The molecular formula is Fe2O3.

      It has been in use since the earliest time.


      This product is safe to use

      warp: 0.911

  • Ocre jaune

    • Ocre jaune Ocre jaune(Ocy) is a natural clay earth pigment which is a mixture of ferric oxide and varying amounts of clay and sand.

      The molecular formula is FeO(OH).

      It has been in use since the earliest time.


      This product is safe to use

      warp: 0.7706

  • Old Holland glossy painting varnish

    • Old Holland glossy painting varnish Old Holland glossy painting varnish(Omg)

      is made from natural or synthetic resins,which we dissolve in volatile thinners. The exact composition is known only to the manufacturer.




      This product should be handled with care.

  • Orange molybdene

    • Orange molybdene Orange molybdene(Omo) is an inorganic orange pigment.

      It contains lead molybdate,lead chromate and lead sulfate. It is brightly colored and has a full-color spectrum,with light and thermal stability.

      Molybdenum pigments are made since the 20th century.


      This product should be handled with care.

      warp: 0.9536

  • Old Holland matt painting varnish

    • Old Holland matt painting varnish Old Holland matt painting varnish(Omt)

      is made from natural or synthetic resins,which we dissolve in volatile thinners. The exact composition is known only to the manufacturer.




      This product should be handled with care.

  • Omber natur

    • Omber natur Omber natur(Onat) is a natural brown or reddish-brown earth pigment that contains iron oxide and manganese oxide.

      Umber is not one precise color,but a range of different colors,from medium to dark,from yellowish to reddish to grayish. The color of the natural earth depends upon the amount of iron oxide and manganese in the clay.

      It was one of the first pigments used by humans.


      This product should be handled with care.

      warp: 0.8964

  • Oxide red

    • Oxide red Oxide red(Ox) is a natural reddish-brown earth pigment that contains iron oxide.

      The molecular formula is FeO.

      It was one of the first pigments used by humans.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Blue oxide

    • Blue oxide Blue oxide(Oxbl) is a blue pigment made by sintering cobalt oxide with Aluminum Oxide.

      Chemically,cobalt blue pigment is cobalt oxide-aluminium oxide,or cobalt aluminate,CoAl2O4.

      It is extremely stable and historically,has been used as a coloring agent in ceramics,jewelry,and paint.


      This product should be handled with care.

      warp: 1.7952

  • Pourpre

    • Pourpre Pourpre(P) is a pigment of wich the composition is known only to the manufacturer.

      I have no further information on this pigment except that I bought it under the name 'Pourpre' at Le Lion Bruxelles.




      This product should be handled with care.

      warp: 1.8291

  • Lead white

    • Lead white Lead white(Pb) is the most commonly used white before modern times.

      The molecular formula is 2PbCO3·Pb(OH)2.

      What is known today as the \"Dutch method\" for the preparation of white lead was described as early as Theophrastus of Eresos (ca. 300 BC),in his brief work on rocks or minerals,On Stones or History of Stones. His directions for the process were repeated throughout history by many authors of chemical and alchemical literature. Lead curls are suspended in earthen vessels over sharp vinegar and buried in cow or horse dung. After some time,the curls will build up a white rust that can be scraped off,ground to a powder and used as a pigment.


      This product toxic.

  • Blue clair perm

    • Blue clair perm Blue clair perm(Pcbl) is a phthalocyanine derivative.

      Phthalocyanine (H2Pc) is a large,aromatic,macrocyclic,organic compound with the formula (C8H4N2)4H2.

      Phthalocyanine was first synthesized in 1933.


      This product should be handled with care.

      warp: 1.8347

  • Phtalo blue

    • Phtalo blue Phtalo blue(Phbl) is a phthalocyanine derivative.

      Phthalocyanine (H2Pc) is a large,aromatic,macrocyclic,organic compound with the formula (C8H4N2)4H2.

      Phthalocyanine was first synthesized in 1933.


      This product should be handled with care.

      warp: 1.6508

  • Plaster

    • Plaster Plaster(Plast) is produced by heating gypsum.

      The molecular formula is CaSO4.

      It is commonly used for plaster casting.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Prussian blue

    • Prussian blue Prussian blue(Prbl) is a dark blue pigment produced by oxidation of ferrous ferrocyanide salts.

      It has the molecular formula FeIII4[FeII(CN)6]3.

      Prussian blue was the first modern synthetic pigment.


      This product should be handled with care.

      warp: 0.5406

  • Wood glue

    • Wood glue Wood glue(Pvab) is a rubbery synthetic polymer with the formula (C4H6O2)n. To this,chlorine derivates are added.



      PVA's main chemical component,was discovered by the German Fritz Klatte in 1912.


      The resulting glue doesn't give off smells or dangerous fumes and is perfectly safe to handle with bare hands.

  • Polyvinyl acetate

    • Polyvinyl acetate Polyvinyl acetate(Pvag) is also known as wood glue.

      It is a rubbery synthetic polymer with the formula (C4H6O2)n.

      PVA's main chemical component,was discovered by the German Fritz Klatte in 1912.


      The resulting glue doesn't give off smells or dangerous fumes and is perfectly safe to handle with bare hands.

  • Quicklime

    • Quicklime Quicklime(Qlime) is a chemical compound known as calcium oxide,and is made through the thermal decomposition of limestone or other materials containing calcium carbonate in a lime kiln. The material is heated at high temperatures,and the remains are quicklime.

      The molecular formula is CaO.




      This product should be handled with care.

  • Rouge anglais

    • Rouge anglais Rouge anglais(Rang) is a light and warm (somewhat unsaturated) pigment that is a darker shade of scarlet,derived from nearly pure ferric oxide (Fe2O3) of the hematite type. Modern versions are frequently made with synthetic red iron oxide.



      The first recorded use of English red as a color name in English was in the 1700s.


      This product is safe to use

      warp: 1.3371

  • Vert reselia

    • Vert reselia Vert reselia(Regr)

      I have no further information on this pigment except that I bought it under the name 'vert réselia' at Le Lion Bruxelles.






      warp: 1.0522

  • Mars rouge

    • Mars rouge Mars rouge(Reo) is a synthetically prepared red iron oxide pigment.

      The molecular formula is Fe2O3.

      By the 18th century,synthetic red iron oxide pigments were being made in a laboratory setting. Called Mars Red,these pigments were found to have all the properties,including durability and permanence,of their natural counterparts.


      This product is safe to use

      warp: 0.5693

  • Retouching varnish

    • Retouching varnish Retouching varnish(Ret) is an acrylic spray varnish.

      It is used mainly as a provisional varnish and is based on a non-yellowing synthetic resin.




      This product should be handled with care.

  • Rhine sand

    • Rhine sand Rhine sand(Rin) is sand from the Rhine River.

      It has a fine grain and is quite bright.

      It is used in a concrete mixture along with cement and gravel.




      warp: 1.7956

  • Raw linseed oil

    • Raw linseed oil Raw linseed oil(Rlin) is made from cold-pressed linseeds. It is very yellow in color and is therefore more suited for the kitchen than for the artisist workshop.






      This product is safe to use

  • Rouge molybdene

    • Rouge molybdene Rouge molybdene(Rmo) is an inorganic red pigment.

      It contains lead molybdate,lead chromate and lead sulfate. It is brightly colored and has a full-color spectrum,with light and thermal stability,ranging from bright red-orange to red-yellow.

      Molybdenum pigments are made since the 20th century.


      This product should be handled with care.

      warp: 1.1801

  • Red shellac

    • Red shellac Red shellac(Rshell) is a resin secreted by the female lac bug on trees in the forests of India and Thailand. The red variety has a much more outspoken color. It is processed and sold as dry flakes and dissolved in alcohol to make liquid shellac,which is used as a brush-on colorant.

      Shellac is a natural bioadhesive polymer and is chemically similar to synthetic polymers,and thus can be considered a natural form of plastic.

      The earliest written evidence of shellac goes back 3000 years,but shellac is known to have been used even earlier.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Rouge toluidine

    • Rouge toluidine Rouge toluidine(Rtou) is a scarlet shade of moderate tinctorial strength and possesses high lightfastness and alkali resistance,but does not withstand exposure to solvents.

      Toluidine is an aromatic compound of formula C7H9N and can be used to make dyes.

      First noted use of toluidine is in 1856.


      This product is toxic.

      warp: 0.336

  • Sanguine

    • Sanguine Sanguine(Sa) or red chalk is chalk of a reddish-brown color,so called because it resembles the color of dried blood.

      The molecular formula is CaCO3(with various impurities).

      It has been popular for centuries for drawing .


      This product is safe to use

  • Clear shellac

    • Clear shellac Clear shellac(Shell) is a resin secreted by the female lac bug on trees in the forests of India and Thailand. It is processed and sold as dry flakes and dissolved in alcohol to make liquid shellac,which is used as a brush-on colorant.

      Shellac is a natural bioadhesive polymer and is chemically similar to synthetic polymers,and thus can be considered a natural form of plastic.

      The earliest written evidence of shellac goes back 3000 years,but shellac is known to have been used even earlier.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Burnt sienna

    • Burnt sienna Burnt sienna(Sib) is an earth pigment containing iron oxide and manganese oxide. When heated,it becomes a reddish brown and is called burnt sienna.



      It was one of the first pigments used by humans.


      This product is safe to use

      warp: 0.8714

  • Sienna pale

    • Sienna pale Sienna pale(Sic) is an earth pigment containing iron oxide and manganese oxide. In its natural state,it is yellowish brown and is called raw sienna.



      It was one of the first pigments used by humans.


      This product is safe to use

      warp: 0.8769

  • Sienna nat

    • Sienna nat Sienna nat(Sina) is an earth pigment containing iron oxide and manganese oxide. In its natural state,it is yellowish brown and is called raw sienna.



      It was one of the first pigments used by humans.


      This product is safe to use

      warp: 0.9136

  • Dried white cheese

    • Dried white cheese Dried white cheese(Sir) is a natural source of casein.

      The fatty components are removed by rinsing the cheese with hot water and then drying it on an absorbent surface.

      It was used by woodworkers to create a glue by mixing it with lime.


      This product is safe to use

  • Hide glue

    • Hide glue Hide glue(Size) is an organic colloid of protein derivation used as an adhesive.

      Size is derived primarily from collagenous material present in animal hide.

      The first known written procedures of making animal glue were written about 2000 BC.


      This product is safe to use

  • Stand oil

    • Stand oil Stand oil(Sta) is manufactured by heating Linseed Oil to approximately 300°C (570°F) in the absence of oxygen.

      The Linseed Oil polymerises to create Stand Oil.

      This is a commonly available product.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Stone wax

    • Stone wax Stone wax(Ston) is natural bees wax mixed with several chemicals.

      It is composed mainly by esters of fatty acids and various long chain alcohols and solvents such as turpentine.

      This is a commonly available product.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Stamp ink red

    • Stamp ink red Stamp ink red(Str) is an ink designed specifically for stamp cushions.






      This product should be handled with care.

  • White sugar

    • White sugar White sugar(Sug) is made either of beet sugar or cane sugar,which has undergone a refining process.

      The molecular formula is C12H22O11.

      Sugar refineries date back to Arab Egypt in the 12th century.


      This product is safe to use

  • Sulphur imitation

    • Sulphur imitation Sulphur imitation(Sul)

      I have no further information on this pigment except that I bought it under the name 'Sulphur' at Le Lion Bruxelles.




      This product should be handled with care.

      warp: 0.785

  • Terre cassel

    • Terre cassel Terre cassel(Tca) is a natural brown pigment belonging to the family of carbon oxides.

      It is composed of humic acid,usually containing iron salts. It is harvested in peat or lignite deposits.




      This product is safe to use

      warp: 0.6056

  • Terre grise

    • Terre grise Terre grise(Tgr) is a dark grey natural earth pigment.

      It is a natural clay earth pigment which is a mixture of ferric oxide and varying amounts of clay and sand.

      It was one of the first pigments used by humans.


      This product is safe to use

      warp: 0.7847

  • Titanium white

    • Titanium white Titanium white(Tit) is the most brilliant white available to artists in the entire history of art.

      The molecular formula is TiO2.

      The pigments natural ore is rutile (titanium dioxide) and manufacturing it as a pigment presented difficulties and it was not until 1921 that American and Norwegian companies began to develop its production for painting.


      This product is safe to use

      warp: 0.9005

  • Terre oxide

    • Terre oxide Terre oxide(Tox) is an aquarel paint tube manufactured by Old Holland called 'Transparent Oxide-Red Lake'.

      color index: PR101.

      It is possible to mix aquarel paints with tempera but this is not a great idea. This can create stability problems and problems in the varnishing stage as some compounds in the tube seem to act as retardants for oil varnish.


      This product is toxic.

  • Terra rossa

    • Terra rossa Terra rossa(Tr) is an earth pigment containing iron oxide and manganese oxide.



      It was one of the first pigments used by humans.


      This product is toxic.

      warp: 0.7536

  • Turpentine

    • Turpentine Turpentine(Turp) is the resinous exudate or extract obtained from coniferous trees,particularly those of the genus Pinus.

      The molecular formula is C10H16.

      It is mainly used as a solvent and has been produced since antiquity.


      This product is toxic.

  • Terre verte

    • Terre verte Terre verte(Tve) is an inorganic pigment derived from the minerals celadonite and glauconite.

      The molecular formula is Its chemical formula is K[(Al,FeIII),(FeII,Mg](AlSi3,Si4)O10(OH)2.

      First used by the ancient Romans,green earth has been identified on wall paintings at Pompeii and Dura-Europos.


      This product should be handled with care.

      warp: 0.8418

  • Ultramarin

    • Ultramarin Ultramarin(Ultr) is a deep blue color pigment originally made from the mineral lapis lazuli. It remained an extremely expensive pigment until a synthetic ultramarine was invented in 1826.

      Before this time,the manufacture of ultramarine was a very laborious process. This process consisted of mixing the ground material with melted wax,resins,and oils,wrapping the resulting mass in a cloth,and then kneading it in a dilute lye solution.

      It was imported into Europe from mines in Afghanistan by Italian traders during the 14th and 15th centuries.


      This product is safe to use

      warp: 0.6369

  • Ultra violet

    • Ultra violet Ultra violet(Uv)

      I have no further information on this pigment except that I bought it under the name 'Ultra violet' at Le Lion Bruxelles.




      This product should be handled with care.

      warp: 0.7472

  • Vermillion imitation 1

    • Vermillion imitation 1 Vermillion imitation 1(V) is an organic pigment,in this case a mixture of 'studio red','hansa yellow' and 'blanc fixe' from Kremer.






      This product is safe to use

      warp: 0.6667

  • Van dyck

    • Van dyck Van dyck(Vdb) is made by combining asphaltum-like black with iron oxide.

      The molecular formula would be something like Fe2O3(H2O)+MnO2(nH2O).

      In general,earth pigments,consisting of ground layers of the earth,have been manufactured since prehistoric times.


      This product should be handled with care.

      warp: 1.0745

  • Rouge venetien

    • Rouge venetien Rouge venetien(Venr) made like Indian red with pigment made from iron oxides,it is a light and warm (somewhat unsaturated) pigment that is a darker shade of scarlet,derived from nearly pure ferric oxide (Fe2O3) of the hematite type. Modern versions are frequently made with synthetic red iron oxide.



      The first recorded use of Venetian red as a color was in 1753.


      This product is safe to use

      warp: 0.9059

  • Van Gogh titanium white

    • Van Gogh titanium white Van Gogh titanium white(Vgt) is a titanium white oil colour manufactured by the company Van Gogh.



      Titanium white is the most commonly used white in oil colours today.


      This product is safe to use

      warp: 1.98065764

  • Vinegar

    • Vinegar Vinegar(Vi) is comprised of acetic acid and water,and is an very clean,crisp liquid. Acetic acid is the result of a fermentation process.

      The molecular formula is CH3COOH.




      This product is safe to use

  • Vermillion imitation 2

    • Vermillion imitation 2 Vermillion imitation 2(Ver)

      I have no further information on this pigment except that I bought it under the name 'Vermillion imitation' at Le Lion Bruxelles.




      This product should be handled with care.

      warp: 1.6229

  • White clay

    • White clay White clay(Wclay) is naturally occuring clay found in various regions. The exact composition and color can vary.

      The molecular formula Al2Si2O5(OH)4.

      It was one of the first pigments used by humans.


      This product is safe to use

      warp: 1.5066

  • Cobalt green deep

    • Cobalt green deep Cobalt green deep(Wcob) is an aquarel paint tube manufactured by Old Holland called 'Cobalt green deep'.

      color index: PB36-PG26.

      It is possible to mix aquarel paints with tempera but this is not a great idea. This can create stability problems and problems in the varnishing stage as some compounds in the tube seem to act as retardants for oil varnish.


      This product should be handled with care.

      warp: 1.5066

  • Green calligraphy ink

    • Green calligraphy ink Green calligraphy ink(Wgi) made by Windsor&Newton.

      This is a bright and strong clear ink that flows well and is designed specifically for brush work.






      warp: 1.5066

  • White calligraphy ink

    • White calligraphy ink White calligraphy ink(Whit) made by Windsor&Newton.

      The ink is very opaque and flows well but must be shaken before use because the elements contained are not in permanent suspension.






      warp: 1.5066

  • Vanadium clear

    • Vanadium clear Vanadium clear(Wic) is the inorganic compound with the formula V2O5. Commonly known as vanadium pentoxide,it is a yellow solid.

      Vanadium is a medium-hard,steel-blue metal. Although a lesser-known metal,it is quite valuable in the manufacturing industry due to its malleable,ductile and corrosion-resistant qualities.

      Vanadium pigments are failry recent and are sometimes used as an alternative to the more toxic cadmium yellows.


      This product should be handled with care.

      warp: 1.5066

  • Vanadium lemon

    • Vanadium lemon Vanadium lemon(Wil) is the inorganic compound with the formula V2O5. Commonly known as vanadium pentoxide,it is a yellow solid.

      Vanadium is a medium-hard,steel-blue metal. Although a lesser-known metal,it is quite valuable in the manufacturing industry due to its malleable,ductile and corrosion-resistant qualities.

      Vanadium pigments are failry recent and are sometimes used as an alternative to the more toxic cadmium yellows.


      This product should be handled with care.

      warp: 0.8491

  • White spirit

    • White spirit White spirit(Wis) is a petroleum-derived clear liquid used as a common organic solvent in painting.

      It consists predominantly of saturated C9to C12hydrocarbons with a boiling range of 140–200°C.




      This product should be handled with care.

  • Cadmium lemon bright

    • Cadmium lemon bright Cadmium lemon bright(Wlem) is an aquarel paint tube manufactured by Maimeriblu called 'cadmium yellow lemon light'.

      Reference: PY85.

      It is possible to mix aquarel paints with tempera but this is not a great idea. This can create stability problems and problems in the varnishing stage as some compounds in the tube seem to act as retardants for oil varnish.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Winsor&newton low odour solvent

    • Winsor&newton low odour solvent Winsor&newton low odour solvent(Wns) low odour solvent which evaporates slowly,increases blending time and is suitable for thinning oil colours and cleaning brushes. Suitable for oil & alkyd colour. Well suited to artists who prefer to avoid exposure to turpentine.

      The exact chemical composition is only known to the manufacturer.




      This product should be handled with care.

  • Sepia extra

    • Sepia extra Sepia extra(Wsep) is an aquarel paint tube manufactured by Old Holland called 'Sepia extra'.

      color index: PBR7-PBL9.

      It is possible to mix aquarel paints with tempera but this is not a great idea. This can create stability problems and problems in the varnishing stage as some compounds in the tube seem to act as retardants for oil varnish.


      This product should be handled with care.

      warp: 1.5066

  • White spirit odourless

    • White spirit odourless White spirit odourless(Wso) is a petroleum-derived clear liquid used as a common organic solvent in painting and that has been further refined to remove the more toxic aromatic compounds

      The chemical composition varies depending on the production process.




      This product should be handled with care.

      warp: 1.5066

  • Ultramarine W&N

    • Ultramarine W&N Ultramarine W&N(Wultr) is an aquarel paint tube manufactured by Windsor&Newton called 'French ultramarine'.

      Reference: 263.

      It is possible to mix aquarel paints with tempera but this is not a great idea. This can create stability problems and problems in the varnishing stage as some compounds in the tube seem to act as retardants for oil varnish.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Viridian W&N

    • Viridian W&N Viridian W&N(Wvir) is an aquarel paint tube manufactured by Windsor&Newton called 'Viridian hue'.

      Reference: 696.

      It is possible to mix aquarel paints with tempera but this is not a great idea. This can create stability problems and problems in the varnishing stage as some compounds in the tube seem to act as retardants for oil varnish.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • White vitriol

    • White vitriol White vitriol(Wvit) or zinc sulphate is an inorganic compound and sometimes a dietary supplement.

      The molecular formula is ZnSO4.7H2O.

      It can be used as a drying component in oil paints,it has relatively many oxygen atoms present in its molecular structure.


      This product should be handled with care.

  • Jaune de Mars

    • Jaune de Mars Jaune de Mars(Yeo) is basically a synthetic form of yellow ochre.

      The molecular formula must be some form or FenOn.

      Mars yellow has been made since the early 1920s.


      This product is safe to use

      warp: 0.3727

  • Jaune lion clair

    • Jaune lion clair Jaune lion clair(Ylc)

      I have no further information on this pigment except that I bought it under the name 'Jaune lion clair' at Le Lion Bruxelles.





  • Jaune lion fonce

    • Jaune lion fonce Jaune lion fonce(Ylf)

      I have no further information on this pigment except that I bought it under the name 'Jaune lion foncé' at Le Lion Bruxelles.






      warp: 0.234

  • Jaune naples fonce

    • Jaune naples fonce Jaune naples fonce(Ynaf) is an inorganic pigment. The related mineral is bindheimite. However,this natural version was rarely,if ever,used as a pigment.

      The molecular formula is Pb(SbO3)2of Pb(SbO4)2.




      This product is toxic.

      warp: 1.1633

  • Zinc darkgreen

    • Zinc darkgreen Zinc darkgreen(Zgrf) is obtained by doping cobalt(II) oxide into zinc oxide.

      The structure and color of compositions Zn1xCoxO depends on the value of x.

      Sven Rinman,a Swedish chemist,discovered this compound in 1780.


      This product is toxic.

      warp: 2.0383

  • Zinc white

    • Zinc white Zinc white(Zi) is a bright,white pigment composed of Zinc oxide. Zinc white is permanent,opaque,and nontoxic.

      The molecular formula is ZnO.

      Zinc white was accepted as a watercolor by 1834 but it was some years later before its difficulties in oil were overcome.


      This product is safe to use

      warp: 0.7945

  • Zinc lightgreen

    • Zinc lightgreen Zinc lightgreen(Zigrc) is obtained by doping cobalt(II) oxide into zinc oxide.

      The structure and color of compositions Zn1xCoxO depends on the value of x.

      Sven Rinman,a Swedish chemist,discovered this compound in 1780.


      This product is toxic.

      warp: 1.4318