FAQ – Watercolour

Regarding the use of preservatives, the simple answer is yes, as otherwise microbes will eat certain ingredients either causing mould or gas or both, then causing the tubes to inflate with methane and burst.

A4: Michael Harding uses the finest pigments, including traditional and modern pigments, to achieve a broad and balanced palette. The emphasis is on purity and intensity of colour.

Michael Harding watercolour paints are made using high-quality honey as a binder, which helps in achieving smooth application and easy re-wetting of the paint. The paints also contain pure pigments that ensure vibrant and rich colours.

Michael Harding maintains pigment quality through rigorous quality control processes, including the use of a UV-generating light box for accelerated stability testing. This ensures that the pigments used are stable and meet the high standards required for professional-grade paints. The expertise gained from over 40 years of producing oil paints also contributes to the consistent quality of their watercolours

Yes, the range includes some historically popular but fugitive pigments such as Alizarin Crimson (PR83) and Rose Madder (NR9). These pigments are known to fade over time when exposed to light. Artists should be aware of this when selecting colours for artworks intended for long-term display​.

Most of the pigments used in Michael Harding watercolours have excellent lightfast ratings, ensuring the longevity of the artwork. However, some modern pigments included in the range, such as PR177, have variable lightfastness depending on their formulation and dilution. It is advisable to check the lightfastness of specific colours, especially for works intended for sale or long-term display​

Michael Harding watercolour paints are known for their exceptionally high pigment load. This means that they provide intense and vibrant colours even with minimal application. The high pigment concentration allows for extended coverage and strong colour saturation, making them highly economical for artists who use a lot of paint in their work​.

Some Michael Harding watercolour paints exhibit granulation, which adds texture to the paint when applied. For example, the colour “Titanium Buff” is particularly noted for its granulating properties, making it ideal for creating natural-looking textures and effects in landscape painting and other applications​

The lightfastness ratings of Michael Harding watercolours are determined through rigorous testing, including accelerated UV exposure tests. This ensures that the colours maintain their vibrancy and do not fade over time when exposed to light. Most colours in the range have excellent lightfast ratings, making them suitable for professional use.