
Perylene Violet
A sumptuous violet made from Perylene (PV29) , this colour is valued for its moody depth, semi-transparent luminosity, and medium staining strength . It flows smoothly without granulation but may display a gentle flocculation , where pigment particles loosely gather to create soft, organic textures in washes. Artists sometimes notice a delicate yellowish sheen forming on the dried surface. This is a normal characteristic of the pigment and results from subtle settling and stabilization dynamics. Pigment dispersions rely on balance between wetting, separation, and stabilization. When particles settle or flocculate, light can refract differently across the surface, occasionally producing faint warm reflections. Far from a flaw, this sheen adds complexity and optical interest, without affecting the paint’s excellent lightfastness or durability. With its balance of smooth handling, expressive texture, and intriguing optical effects, Perylene Violet is a versatile choice for both controlled glazing and atmospheric washes, offering artists a pigment that is as stable as it is richly characterful.
Perylene Violet is a single-pigment Michael Harding watercolour made with PV29.
It is semi-transparent, excellent lightfastness, non-granulating, medium staining power, tinting strength 3.
- Code
- W307
- Series
- Series 3
- Pigment Index
- PV29
- Contents
- 15ml tube
- Lightfastness
- Excellent
- Tint Power
- 3
- Granulation
- NO
- Staining Power
- Medium
Measured colour data
Loading measured pigment data…
Tint · Tone · Shade · Glaze
Preview how Perylene Violet 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.

Perylene Violet 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 Perylene Violet in the Virtual Mixing Studio to preview how it combines with these partners before you reach for the palette.
Open Perylene Violet in Mixing StudioWhat pigment is used in Perylene Violet?
Perylene Violet is made with PV29.
Is Perylene Violet a single-pigment colour?
Yes. Perylene Violet uses a single pigment (PV29), so its behaviour stays consistent and predictable on the palette.
Is Perylene Violet transparent or opaque?
Perylene Violet is semi-transparent.
Is Perylene Violet lightfast?
Perylene Violet has excellent lightfastness.
Does Perylene Violet granulate?
In watercolour, Perylene Violet is non-granulating.
Does Perylene Violet stain the paper?
Perylene Violet has medium staining power.
Is Perylene Violet vegan?
Yes. Perylene Violet 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.

