Prussian Blue
Inorganic - Prussian Blue was created in Berlin in 1704, and its popularity spread through the early 18th century. Prussian Blue is one of the first synthetic inorganic pigments and one of the most controversial as well. The earlier and less purified versions had mixed reputations; they were said to fade in hues and migrate or leech through succeeding paint layers. But modern standards of washing have corrected the tendency to fade, and migratory problems are no longer reported. I suspect that this was the result of poor stabilizing. At any rate, Prussian Blue, like Alizarin, is one of those colours some painters find essential. It has a deep, inky beauty. On its own and in more concentrated mixes, it exhibits a slight bronzy sheen that can be used as a complementary glaze. Its tint power is frightening, so beginners beware!
Prussian Blue is a single-pigment Michael Harding oil colour made with PB27 (Organic).
It is transparent, very good lightfastness, very fast drying time, very high tinting strength.
It is ground in linseed oil with high oil content.
- Code
- No. 112
- Series
- Series 1
- Pigment Index
- PB27
- Pigment Type
- Organic
- Oil / Vehicle
- Linseed Oil
- Sizes
- 40ml · 60ml · 225ml, 1L, 2.5L, 5L
- Lightfastness
- Very Good
- Opacity
- Transparent
- Drying
- Very Fast
- Oil Content
- High
- Tint Power
- Very High
- Toxicity
- Non-Toxic
Measured colour data
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Tint · Tone · Shade · Glaze
Preview how Prussian Blue 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.
Prussian Blue 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.
Popular combinations
Open Prussian Blue in the Virtual Mixing Studio to preview how it combines with these partners before you reach for the palette.
Open Prussian Blue in Mixing StudioFeatured in 1 palette
What pigment is used in Prussian Blue?
Prussian Blue is made with PB27.
Is Prussian Blue a single-pigment colour?
Yes. Prussian Blue uses a single pigment (PB27), so its behaviour stays consistent and predictable on the palette.
Is Prussian Blue transparent or opaque?
Prussian Blue is transparent.
Is Prussian Blue lightfast?
Prussian Blue has very good lightfastness.
Is Prussian Blue vegan?
Yes. Prussian Blue contains no animal-derived ingredients and is suitable for vegan artists.
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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.