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Michael Harding
Zinc White (Withdrawn) - Michael Harding
Oil ColourPW4
PW4

Zinc White (Withdrawn)

No. 103 · Series 1 · 1L, 2.5L, 5L

Zinc White was first used in 18th century France, and its early misuse as a canvas primer seems to have frightened artists away from examining its unique qualities. It has a cool transparency and a subtle power that enable artists to create slightly hued mixes that retain their chromatic intensity and brightness, unlike mixes made with the blasting strength of Titanium White. The softness of its surface when dry is not a disadvantage when it’s used in this way, as the better curing paints will strengthen the mix. Concerns have been raised regarding the long-term strengths of Zinc White, and we await the results of further studies.

Technical Summary

Zinc White (Withdrawn) is a single-pigment Michael Harding oil colour made with PW4 (Inorganic).

It is semi-opaque, excellent lightfastness, slow drying time, high tinting strength.

It is ground with low oil content.

Code
No. 103
Series
Series 1
Pigment Index
PW4
Pigment Type
Inorganic
Sizes
1L, 2.5L, 5L
Lightfastness
Excellent
Opacity
Semi-Opaque
Drying
Slow
Oil Content
Low
Tint Power
High
Toxicity
Non-Toxic
Colour Science

Measured colour data

Pigment composition, masstone measurements, and tinting paths - independently measured and provided by Artist Pigments.

Pigment Composition
PW4
Zinc Oxide White
Zinc Oxide · CI 77947 · CAS 1314-13-2, 91315-44-5 · EC 618-729-3
InorganicSynthetic
Masstone
Measured masstone swatch
Nix Spectro 2 · D50 · Obs 2
CIELab
L 96.24 · a -0.45 · b 12.79
Chroma / Hue
C 12.8 · h 92.03°
Munsell
4.83Y 9.6/3.7
ISCC-NBS
pale yellow
Transparency
ST
Lightfastness
E
Info Card
Zinc White info card
Position on Colour Plane
CIELAB colour plane
CIELAB plane - interactive SVG available
Pigment Behaviour

Tint · Tone · Shade · Glaze

Preview how Zinc White (Withdrawn) behaves when mixed, toned, shaded and glazed.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.

Masstone swatch
Masstone
L 96.24 · a -0.45 · b 12.79
4.83Y 9.6/3.7

Zinc White (Withdrawn) straight from the tube.

Undertone
#fffefb

A thin wash over white.

Tint
#fcf8ea

Mixed with Titanium White.

Tone
#bcb8ac

Mixed with a mid neutral grey.

Shade
#959287

Darkened with a chromatic black.

Glaze
#fefdf7

A thin transparent film over white.

Compare Zinc White (Withdrawn)

Compare with nearby colours

See Zinc White (Withdrawn) side-by-side with its closest neighbours in the range — chemistry, opacity and lightfastness at a glance.

Mix with Zinc White (Withdrawn)

Popular combinations

Open Zinc White (Withdrawn) in the Virtual Mixing Studio to preview how it combines with these partners before you reach for the palette.

Open Zinc White (Withdrawn) in Mixing Studio
Where to buy

Zinc White (Withdrawn)

Available from 114 verified stockists worldwide

Store locator
How Michael Harding uses this colour
From the Michael Harding studio

Making and formulation

It has a cool transparency and a subtle power that enable artists to create slightly hued mixes that retain their chromatic intensity and brightness, unlike mixes made with the blasting strength of Titanium White.

Making notes

Things to know

Zinc White was first used in 18th century France, and its early misuse as a canvas primer seems to have frightened artists away from examining its unique qualities.(historical context)

historical context

Source: Michael Harding Art Formulas Ltd

Zinc White (Withdrawn): Questions & Answers

What pigment is used in Zinc White (Withdrawn)?

Zinc White (Withdrawn) is made with PW4.

Is Zinc White (Withdrawn) a single-pigment colour?

Yes. Zinc White (Withdrawn) uses a single pigment (PW4), so its behaviour stays consistent and predictable on the palette.

Is Zinc White (Withdrawn) transparent or opaque?

Zinc White (Withdrawn) is semi-opaque.

Is Zinc White (Withdrawn) lightfast?

Zinc White (Withdrawn) has excellent lightfastness.

Is Zinc White (Withdrawn) vegan?

Yes. Zinc White (Withdrawn) 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.

Product Information & Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is based on research and testing conducted by Michael Harding Art Formulas Ltd and is intended as general guidance on the characteristics and potential uses of our products in established painting practices.

While we take care to provide accurate and reliable information, individual materials, techniques, working conditions and applications can vary. Michael Harding Art Formulas Ltd cannot guarantee that any product will be suitable for every individual purpose or application. Users should carefully read all product labels, instructions and safety information and carry out appropriate testing before use, particularly when developing individual techniques or combining materials.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Michael Harding Art Formulas Ltd makes no express or implied warranties as to merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose and accepts no liability for any loss or damage, including indirect or consequential loss, arising from the use or application of its products.

Colour Representation

Colours displayed on this website and in printed materials are for guidance only. Their appearance may vary depending on screen settings, device, lighting conditions, printing processes and other factors, and may therefore differ from the appearance of the physical product.

For the most accurate representation of colour, texture and finish, we strongly recommend viewing a physical product sample or swatch in person before making a final selection or purchase. Where colour accuracy is important, please do not rely solely on digital or printed representations.

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