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Introduction to using our Pigments

Recipes & Formulas

Follow the links on the right of this window to find basic, traditional recipes and formulas using the materials we provide, or those easily obtained at your local art store. Some recipes even call for everyday materials you can find around your home.

One should always bear in mind that paint recipes, unlike those for cooking, are really only a starting point. It is up to the individual artist to perfect them according to his or her needs. Paint always consists of the same basic formula: a thinner for example water or oil; a binder such as Casein, Glue or Egg; and a "load" such chalk and or pigment. In addition to these basics may be added other ingredients such as siccatives to accelerate drying or a preservative such as Clove Oil.

The beauty of working with pigments is in their versatility. You are not restricted to making your own mediums. Our pigments mix well with many ready-made mediums on the market such as LIQUITEX GEL ®. Whenever a recipe calls for water, it is recommended to use distilled water, especially when pre-wetting pigments into a paste for mixing with mediums. Pre-wetting helps to create a fully dispersed pigment, and prevents the creation of excess dust.

Whenever working with new and untested recipes, it is always a good idea to color test your paints on a sample to be sure the ratios of pigment to binder are correct, and that you have achieved the desired tone. Color can lose from 40 to 50% of intensity between its wet and dry state, and will also be influenced by ambient light, surface type and the method of application. Be sure that your surface is properly prepared to accept the medium you have chosen, and that it is clean and free of dust.

For safety information, please refer to the Safety Guidelines for our Pigments, Binders and Mediums.