PW1
Lead White / Flake White
- Chemistry
- Basic lead carbonate
- Origin
- Synthetic.
- History
- The traditional Old Masters' white - fast-drying and flexible; now restricted in many regions.
- Toxicity
- Toxic (lead).
Lead White / Flake White (PW1) is Basic lead carbonate.
- Lightfastness
- Excellent
- Toxicity
- Contains toxic pigment
What is PW1?
PW1 (Lead White / Flake White) is Basic lead carbonate. Synthetic..
What is the chemistry of PW1?
PW1 is Basic lead carbonate.
Is PW1 toxic?
Toxic (lead).
Is PW1 lightfast?
In the Michael Harding range, colours using PW1 are rated excellent for lightfastness.
Which Michael Harding colours use PW1?
PW1 appears in 4 Michael Harding colours: Cremnitz White in Walnut Oil, Cremnitz White in Linseed Oil, Foundation White, Stack Lead White.
The story of PW1
The most historically important white, and still prized for its handling and drying - though now restricted in many regions because of its toxicity.
How it is made
Lead white is made by exposing metallic lead to vinegar fumes and carbon dioxide in a sealed stack - a slow corrosion that flakes off as the white pigment. Ground in linseed oil it produces a flexible, fast-drying, ropey film prized by conservators; Michael Harding offers genuine Cremnitz and Flake whites for painters who want that traditional handling.
In the hands of the masters
Lead white is the white of the entire Western canon - every Old Master from Titian to Rembrandt to Vermeer built their lights and draperies on it. Its quick drying and ropey handling made the impasto and glazing of the Baroque possible.
Michael Harding colours using PW1
4 colours across both rangesLightfastness: ExcellentContains toxic pigmentOil Colours containing PW1
4 colours
No. 307 Cremnitz White in Walnut Oil
- Pigment
- PW1
- Type
- Inorganic
- Lightfastness
- Excellent
- Oil Content
- Very Low
- Tint Power
- Average
No. 308 Cremnitz White in Linseed Oil
- Pigment
- PW1
- Type
- Inorganic
- Lightfastness
- Excellent
- Oil Content
- Very Low
- Tint Power
- Average
Watercolours containing PW1
0 coloursNo Michael Harding watercolour colours currently use PW1.
| Colour | Medium | Transparency | Lightfastness | Granulation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cremnitz White in Walnut Oil No. 307 | Oil | Semi-Opaque | Excellent | — |
| Cremnitz White in Linseed Oil No. 308 | Oil | Semi-Opaque | Excellent | — |
| Foundation White No. 225 | Oil | Opaque | Excellent | — |
| Stack Lead White No. 703 | Oil | Opaque | Excellent | — |
Complementary pigments to mix with PW1
Opposite-family pigments that pair cleanly with PW1 for neutrals, shadows and chromatic greys.
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