Ultramarine Blue
Pigment HistoryPB29—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.
Ultramarine Blue is a single-pigment Michael Harding watercolour made with PB29.
It is transparent, excellent lightfastness, granulating, medium staining power, tinting strength 3.
- Code
- W201
- Series
- Series 2
- Pigment Index
- PB29
- Contents
- 15ml tube
- Lightfastness
- Excellent
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Tint Power
- 3
- Granulation
- YES
- Staining Power
- Medium
Measured colour data
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Tint · Tone · Shade · Glaze
Preview how Ultramarine 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.
Ultramarine 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 Ultramarine Blue in the Virtual Mixing Studio to preview how it combines with these partners before you reach for the palette.
Open Ultramarine Blue in Mixing StudioFeatured in 6 palettes
What pigment is used in Ultramarine Blue?
Ultramarine Blue is made with PB29.
Is Ultramarine Blue a single-pigment colour?
Yes. Ultramarine Blue uses a single pigment (PB29), so its behaviour stays consistent and predictable on the palette.
Is Ultramarine Blue transparent or opaque?
Ultramarine Blue is transparent.
Is Ultramarine Blue lightfast?
Ultramarine Blue has excellent lightfastness.
Does Ultramarine Blue granulate?
In watercolour, Ultramarine Blue is granulating.
Does Ultramarine Blue stain the paper?
Ultramarine Blue has medium staining power.
Is Ultramarine Blue 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.