What "vegan paint" actually means
A vegan paint contains no animal-derived pigment, no animal-derived binder or wetting agent, and is not tested on animals. In oil painting the binder - linseed or stand oil - is plant-based, so the main concern is the pigment itself. In watercolour the bigger risk is ox gall (a cow-derived wetting agent) and some animal-based sizings.
The problem for vegans is that animal-derived ingredients are rarely declared on the tube. The reliable way to check is the pigment index code, which is the chemistry identifier rather than the marketing name - and which a transparent brand publishes for every colour.
Pigments and additives to watch
The chief non-vegan pigment in oil painting is Bone Black (PBk9), and historically Ivory Black, both made from charred animal bone. Any black carrying the code PBk9 is bone-derived and is not vegan. Vegan alternatives include carbon-based blacks (PBk6, PBk7), which are synthetically produced. In watercolour, ox gall is the additive to avoid; it is rarely listed, so vegans should choose a brand that states its wetting agents.
Michael Harding's vegan approach
Michael Harding oil colours are bound in linseed and stand oil - both plant-derived. The brand identifies its vegan range explicitly, and publishes the pigment index for every colour so vegan artists can see exactly what is in each tube and avoid animal-derived pigments such as Bone Black. Explore the full Ethical & Vegan range for the complete, labelled list, and browse the oil colour range with pigment data for every colour.
Checking your full kit
A fully vegan practice extends beyond the paint. Traditional rabbit-skin glue sizing is animal-derived, so vegans should use acrylic gesso, which is generally plant-based and synthetic. Michael Harding primers provide a suitable vegan ground for oil painting. Mediums and varnishes are typically plant- or resin-based, but it is worth confirming with the maker where it matters to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is oil paint vegan?
Oil paint can be vegan. The binder in most oil paint is linseed (flax seed) oil, which is plant-based, so the paint itself is often vegan - with one important exception: certain black pigments are derived from animal bone. A truly vegan oil paint avoids those pigments and uses no animal-derived ingredients in any medium.
Which pigments are not vegan?
The main non-vegan pigments in oil painting are Bone Black (PBk9) and Ivory Black, both traditionally made from charred animal bone. Some historical "lamp black" processes used bone as well. Vegan artists should check the pigment index: any black labelled PBk9 is bone-derived. Michael Harding publishes the pigment index for every colour, so vegans can identify and avoid these with confidence.
Does Michael Harding use any animal products?
Michael Harding oil colours are bound in linseed and stand oil - both plant-derived - and the brand maintains a clearly identified vegan range. Pigments that are animal-derived (such as Bone Black) are individually labelled, so vegan artists can build an entirely plant-based palette. See the Ethical & Vegan range for the full list.
Are watercolours vegan?
Not always. Some watercolour ranges use ox gall (from cows) as a wetting agent, and a few still use honey or animal-derived sizing. Vegan watercolour avoids ox gall and uses plant-based or synthetic wetting agents. Note that Michael Harding watercolours are bound with honey and are therefore not vegan; for a fully plant-based palette, choose from our vegan oil colour, mediums and primer ranges.
What makes a paint fully vegan?
A vegan paint contains no animal-derived pigment, no animal-derived binder or wetting agent (no ox gall, no bone, no beeswax, no animal glue), and is not tested on animals. The clearest brands publish their vegan range explicitly rather than leaving artists to reverse-engineer ingredient lists.
Do I need to check my grounds and supports too?
Yes. Traditional rabbit-skin glue sizing and some gessos are animal-derived, so a fully vegan practice extends to the support. Acrylic gesso is generally vegan and is a reliable vegan ground for oil painting. Michael Harding primers provide a suitable surface for vegan oil painters.