At Gapka, we never add fillers to our oil paints in order to affect the natural consistency of the color.
Different pigments have varying affinities for the binder, affecting how they disperse and interact within the paint mixture. You can see this clearly in the videos below.
Ultramarine Violet (PV-15) is a pigment that will tend towards a more fluid consistency compared to many other colors, leading many to believe that it contains more oil. However, Ultramarine Violet actually contains about 10% less oil by volume in our formulas than Pyrrole Red (PR-254). You can see below that the Pyrrole red is significantly thicker in texture and the Ultramarine Violet is less able to hold its shape when moved with the pallet knife than the Pyrrole Red even though it has less oil.
Particle Size Matters:
Another crucial factor influencing the consistency of oil paints is the particle size of the pigment. Finely ground pigments tend to create smoother, more fluid paints, while coarser particles can result in thicker, more textured mixtures. This variance in particle size impacts how the paint handles on the canvas and interacts with other pigments and mediums. Here you can see our Gold oil paint on the mill. Because of the mica in the pigment we do not want to over mill and lose the reflective qualities so you can see the paint will appear more grainy.
Chemical Properties:
The chemical composition of pigments also plays a significant role in determining their consistency. Certain pigments possess inherent characteristics that influence how they behave when mixed with oil. For instance, organic pigments derived from plant or animal sources may exhibit different flow properties compared to inorganic mineral pigments due to their molecular structure.
Environmental Factors:
External factors such as temperature and humidity can further impact the consistency of oil paints. Higher temperatures may cause the binder to become more fluid, leading to thinner paint, while cooler conditions can cause the oil to thicken, resulting in a stiffer consistency. Humidity levels can also affect drying times and paint flow, particularly in humid environments where drying may be slower.
Understanding the relationship between pigments and consistency empowers artists to make informed choices in their creative endeavors. By selecting pigments with complementary consistencies, artists can achieve desired effects such as smooth blends, impasto textures, or intricate details. Experimentation with different pigments and mediums allows for endless possibilities in artistic expression.
In the world of oil painting, the varying consistencies of paints made with different pigments are not merely a matter of chance but a result of complex interactions between materials and processes.
At Gapka our paint making process is guided by the philosophy that the paintmaker should produce paints that best respect the natural properties of each pigment leaving modifications to texture, drying time, etc. to the artist.
Artists have been using oil paints for centuries to create beautiful, timeless works of art. Traditionally oil paints were made by hand, a process that involves grinding pigments with a binder on a flat surface using a muller, which is a hand-held tool that consists of a cylindrical stone or glass base and a handle.
At Gapka we only use the muller when we are experimenting with new a pigment in order to get a feel for its properties. As you may have seen in the pics/vids of on our social media pages, we use a three-roll mill in the manufacture of all our paints. The process of making paint involves a variety of techniques and tools, but the three-roll mill is definitely the most important. Without the mill we would never be able to achieve the creamy, smooth consistency in our oil paints or the right texture for our watercolors.
A three roll mill is used to mix and disperse the pigment particles in the vehicle (linseed oil for oil paints and our own proprietary blend for watercolors). The pigment particles are typically very fine and are not easily dispersed in the vehicle. By passing mixture through the rollers of a three roll mill, the pigment particles are broken down into smaller particles and dispersed evenly throughout the vehicle. This results in a smooth, consistent paint that is easy to work with and produces high-quality results.
There are several reasons why a three roll mill is essential for making artists’ oil paints:
Each of our colors are milled between 2-5 times, depending on the pigment, to ensure the highest quality end product. Manufacturing in small batches allows us to carefully check the quality and consistency of our paints as they are being made.
]]>Oil painting has been a preferred medium of artists for centuries. The beauty and vibrancy of oil paint colors are unmatched, and the flexibility of the medium allows for a wide range of artistic expression. However, not all oil paints are created equal. The quality of the pigments used in the production of oil paints can greatly affect the final result of your work.
The quality of pigments directly impacts the intensity and vibrancy of the colors. High-quality pigments are made using pure, finely ground materials that produce a rich, saturated color. Conversely, low-quality pigments may be made using fillers or other impurities that dilute the color, resulting in a less vibrant and less appealing final product.
The handling properties of oil paints are also affected by pigment quality. High-quality pigments typically have a smoother and more consistent texture, which can make them easier to work with and allow for more precise application. Low-quality pigments, on the other hand, may have a gritty or uneven texture, which can make them more difficult to manipulate and control. This can be frustrating for artists who are trying to create a specific effect or achieve a particular look.
As most artists are aware, the lightfastness of pigments is crucial in oil painting. Lightfastness refers to the ability of a pigment to resist fading when exposed to light. High-quality pigments are typically more lightfast than low-quality pigments. When creating a piece of artwork, an artist wants their work to last as long as possible, and low-quality pigments can result in the colors fading or changing over time. This can be particularly problematic for pieces of art that are intended to be displayed in areas with a lot of natural light, such as near windows or in brightly lit rooms. For pigments that are naturally not-lightfast, such as those used in our fluorescent neon line, the quality of the pigment is particularly important. Although fluorescent pigments will lose their brilliance over time as they expend energy, paints made with the newest and highest quality fluorescent pigments can achieve lightfastness ratings of ASTM III and above, and are the only choice for professional artists.
Finally, the quality of pigments can affect the overall durability of the paint. High-quality pigments are typically made using materials that are more resistant to fading, cracking, or flaking over time. Low-quality pigments may be made using cheaper materials that are more prone to deterioration, resulting in a less durable final product. Artists who want their work to stand the test of time should choose high-quality pigments to ensure the longevity of their artwork.
Pigment quality matters greatly in the making of artists' quality oil paints, which is why at Gapka we insist on sourcing pigments of only the highest quality with the help of our in-house pigment chemist. High-quality pigments produce more vibrant colors, are more lightfast, easier to handle, and more durable. Low-quality pigments can result in a less appealing final product that may fade or deteriorate over time. Investing in oil paints made with high-quality pigments will ensure the best possible results for your artwork.
]]>What is pigment load in oil paints?
Pigment load refers to the amount of pigment used in the paint per unit of volume. Sometimes it is referred to as the pigment volume concentration. Simply put, it is the total amount of pigment in a tube of paint compared to the amount of oil. In artists' quality oil paints, the pigment load is typically much higher than in student or hobby-level paints. This means that artists' quality paints contain more pigment per volume, resulting in a more intense and vibrant color. Gapka paints are artists’ quality and therefore contain the highest pigment loads possible for each unique pigment.
Do all the paint colors have the same pigment loads?
No. The chemical composition of each pigment determines the proper ratio of oil to pigment in order to create a thick, buttery paint that is easily spreadable. Each pigment has its own oil absorption rate that determines how much oil is needed to fully coat the pigment particles and all the spaces in between evenly. For example our Hansa Yellow Light is approximately 60% pigment while our Phthalo Blue RS is about 40% pigment.
Why does pigment load matter in artists' quality oil paints?
The higher pigment load in artists' quality oil paints results in several benefits for the artist. Firstly, higher pigment concentration means that the paint is more lightfast, meaning that it will resist fading over time. This is especially important for artists who want their paintings to last for generations. Secondly, higher pigment loads result in better tinting strength, meaning that the paint will cover better and more evenly with fewer coats. This makes the painting process faster and more efficient, as well as reducing the amount of paint needed to achieve the desired effect. Another benefit of higher pigment load is that it enhances the overall depth and luminosity of the painting. This is because the higher concentration of pigment creates a more intense and saturated color that can interact with light in a more dynamic way. As a result, the final painting will have a more vivid, luminous, and saturated appearance. Finally, purchasing paint with high pigment loads is more economical in the long run as you will need to use less paint in order to achieve the desired effect.
How does pigment load affect the final result of your painting?
The final result of a painting is affected by several factors, including the quality and type of pigment used, the thickness of the paint, and the surface it is applied to. However, pigment load is one of the most significant factors in determining the final outcome of a painting. A higher pigment load in the paint will result in a more intense and saturated color, which can create a more dynamic and striking painting. On the other hand, if the pigment load is too low, the paint may look dull and lack vibrancy. Higher pigment loads result in more intense and vibrant colors, better tinting strength, and enhanced depth and luminosity.
Of course, the quality of the pigment also matters as well and we will be discussing pigment quality in our next post.
]]>In addition to the examples below you can check out the highlights on our Instagram page for examples from many other artists.
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Princess Van Nuys (in Pink) 32x24 [original] | Princess Van Nuys (in Pink) 32x24 [enhaced] |
Batman VS Superman 2 48x36 |
The Last 24x24 |
Neon Paints Under Blacklight
Souls In Motion 6 (2021)
Oil (neon) on canvas |
Cover image by Lauren Hanna Chai
]]>I: Excellent; II: Very Good; III: Fair; IV: Poor; V: Very Poor
All pigments will fade over time due to the effects light, heat, and humidity. In order to be considered "archival" pigments need to be rated either ASTM I or II. Fluorescent pigments do not have a standardized lightfastness rating because each manufacturer has patented and secret processes that they use to produce their pigments. We selected our pigment supplier based on the quality of their pigments.
We can, however, get an idea of the lightfastness of our neon colors by conducting blue wool testing. To do this, we painted our six original neon colors on a white piece of paper and exposed only half to direct sunlight. We also exposed half of a blue wool card directly underneath the painted colors. We did the same process for our seven neon fluorescent watercolor paints. Over time have been tracking the fading of the blue wool and checking to see if there is any observable fading of the paints.
Oil Paints:
As you can see below, the blue wool test strip shows visible fading on all 8 of the blue strips. The neons exposed to the same amount of daylight show no fading or color-shifting. Blue wool strips with fading on the top two blue samples are equivalent to an ASTM I - Excellent Lightfastness. Since the neon oil paints do not show fading at this point in exposure, they would be listed as ASTM I. However, due to the fugitive nature of the fluorescent qualities, we cannot label them with this rating.
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Closeup of Gapka Fluorescent Neon Oil Paints |
Watercolors:
In the summer of 2023, we introduced a new line of watercolor paints. Testing of the neon fluorescent watercolors revealed that they are not as lightfast as our oil paints. Although we use the same high-quality pigments, it is not unexpected for paints manufactured with different vehicles to have different lightfastness ratings even when the same pigment is used. The fading below occurred before the blue wool test strip reached ASTM III levels. Our neon fluorescent watercolors fall in the ASTM III - Fair Lightfastness to ASTM IV - Poor Lightfastness range. We are in the process of experimenting with additives that would improve the lightfastness of the watercolors. It is always best to protect your artwork from direct sunlight exposure.
If you are interested in the chemistry and history of UV fluorescent paints, you can read more at: https://journals.openedition.org/ceroart/1659.
* These tests are reported for informational purposes only and do not represent a guarantee of lightfastness.
[Updated September 2023]
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