Paynes Grey
PBK9—Ivory / Bone Black. Synthetic from bone. Among the oldest pigments; a deep, warm, slow-drying black.
PB29—Synthetic - a replica of the lapis lazuli mineral, first made commercially by Guimet in 1828. Natural ultramarine, ground from Afghan lapis, was the most prized pigment of the Renaissance - reserved for the Virgin’s robes in Giotto, Titian and Vermeer. After 1828 the synthetic version democratised that blue; the Impressionists built their skies and shadows on it. From the most expensive pigment in the medieval palette to a staple of every painter’s box - ultramarine remains the definitive warm, stable blue.
PY42—Synthetic Yellow Oxide. Synthetic. A permanent, opaque yellow ochre equivalent.
Paynes Grey is a multi-pigment Michael Harding watercolour made with PBk9, PB29, PY42.
It is semi-transparent, excellent lightfastness, granulating, medium staining power, tinting strength 3.
- Code
- W127
- Series
- Series 1
- Pigment Index
- PBk9, PB29, PY42
- Contents
- 15ml tube
- Lightfastness
- Excellent
- Transparency
- Semi-Transparent
- Tint Power
- 3
- Granulation
- YES
- Staining Power
- Medium
Measured colour data
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Tint · Tone · Shade · Glaze
Preview how Paynes Grey behaves when mixed, toned, shaded and glazed. Each swatch is computed from the masstone using a perceptual subtractive model - an approximation for guidance, not a formulation guarantee.
Paynes Grey straight from the tube.
A thin wash over white.
Mixed with Titanium White.
Mixed with a mid neutral grey.
Darkened with a chromatic black.
A thin transparent film over white.
Compare with nearby colours
See Paynes Grey side-by-side with its closest neighbours in the range — chemistry, opacity and lightfastness at a glance.
Popular combinations
Open Paynes Grey in the Virtual Mixing Studio to preview how it combines with these partners before you reach for the palette.
Open Paynes Grey in Mixing StudioFeatured in 2 palettes
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What pigment is used in Paynes Grey?
Paynes Grey is made with PBk9, PB29, PY42.
Is Paynes Grey a single-pigment colour?
No. Paynes Grey is a blend of 3 pigments (PBK9, PB29, PY42), formulated to give a specific hue.
Is Paynes Grey transparent or opaque?
Paynes Grey is semi-transparent.
Is Paynes Grey lightfast?
Paynes Grey has excellent lightfastness.
Does Paynes Grey granulate?
In watercolour, Paynes Grey is granulating.
Does Paynes Grey stain the paper?
Paynes Grey has medium staining power.
Is Paynes Grey vegan?
No. Michael Harding watercolours contain a small amount of honey, so the finished paint is not vegan.
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Colour Disclaimer: Colours shown on screen or in print may vary from the actual product. For the most accurate representation of colour, texture and finish, we recommend viewing a physical sample or swatch in person before making your final selection.