At Gapka Paints, we believe in letting each pigment dictate the consistency of the paint. Our job is to keep the formula clean and simple thereby providing the artist with the widest range of possibilities when working with our paints and allowing the natural luminosity of each pigment to shine. We take very seriously any decision to introduce new ingredients into our formulas. Our paints are handcrafted with care, and every choice we make is about preserving the integrity and beauty of the materials we use. Our pearlescent colors, beautifully formulated from mica-based pigments, require careful handling to maintain their consistency and usability. Recently, we've made a subtle but important refinement: introducing beeswax, in very small quantities, to all our pearlescent colors—except Pearl Blue, which simply didn't need it.
Typically, our paint formulas rely solely on aluminum stearate as a stabilizer. We prefer aluminum stearate for its gentle efficiency—it keeps our colors smooth and consistent without overpowering the natural behavior of the pigment. However, pearlescent mica pigments present a unique challenge. Due to their slightly heavier particles, they are more prone to separation inside the tube over time.
To address this, we've carefully introduced a minuscule amount of natural beeswax into these colors. Beeswax, known for its subtle stabilizing properties, complements aluminum stearate perfectly. The addition is minimal but meaningful, significantly reducing separation while preserving the exquisite working qualities that artists expect from Gapka.
We chose beeswax thoughtfully, understanding that every additive affects the texture and behavior of our paint. In testing, we found that adding just a trace amount enhanced the usability without compromising the luminous beauty unique to pearlescent mica pigments.
And why no beeswax in Pearl Blue? Simply put, it didn't need it. Every pigment behaves differently, and Pearl Blue maintains its consistency beautifully without additional stabilization. Our goal is always to make the best possible paint, respecting the distinctive characteristics of each pigment.
We believe in transparency and artisanal integrity. This subtle adjustment reflects our dedication to providing paints that are not just beautiful but also consistently reliable in the hands of artists.