Reading acrylic paint involves understanding the information provided on the paint tube or container to determine its properties and suitability for your artistic needs. Here's a breakdown of the key elements to look for:
1. Marketing Name:
- This is the catchy name given to the colour by the manufacturer. While often evocative, it's not scientifically precise but helps differentiate similar hues. For instance, "Phthalo Blue" is more informative than "Ocean Dream."
2. Permanence Rating:
- This indicates the paint's resistance to fading or discoloration over time. Look for ratings like "Excellent," "Very Good," or "Permanent." A higher rating ensures your artwork will last longer.
3. Series Number:
- This number usually reflects the cost of the pigments used to create the paint. Lower series numbers generally indicate less expensive pigments and therefore, a lower price point for the paint. Higher series paints will typically be more expensive due to the use of more rare or costly pigments.
4. Colour Index Name/Number:
- This is the most precise way to identify a pigment. It's a standardized coding system (e.g., PB15 for Phthalo Blue) that tells you the exact chemical composition of the pigment used. This is useful for colour matching and understanding how different colours might mix. Knowing the Color Index helps artists reproduce specific colours across different brands.
5. Paint Vehicle:
- This specifies the binder that holds the pigment together and allows it to adhere to the surface. In the case of acrylic paint, this will be an acrylic polymer emulsion. Sometimes, it will specify the type of acrylic polymer.
6. Lightfastness Rating:
- Similar to permanence, lightfastness specifically refers to the pigment's resistance to fading when exposed to light. Ratings are often based on ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards. ASTM uses a scale of I to V, with I being the most lightfast and V being the least lightfast.
7. Opacity:
- This indicates how transparent or opaque the paint is. Opaque paints cover underlying layers completely, while transparent paints allow them to show through. Semi-opaque paints fall in between. This is often indicated visually (e.g., a solid square for opaque, an empty square for transparent) or with a written designation.
8. ASTM Standard Conformity and 9. ACMI Seal:
- ASTM Standard Conformity: Indicates the paint meets specific standards for quality, performance, and safety established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
- ACMI Seal: The ACMI (Arts & Creative Materials Institute) seal (AP or CL) indicates the paint has been evaluated for safety and is labeled appropriately. AP (Approved Product) means the product is non-toxic. CL (Cautionary Labeling) indicates the product contains materials that could be hazardous if misused.
Example:
Let's say you're looking at a tube of acrylic paint labeled "Golden Artist Colors - Ultramarine Blue." Here's how to "read" it:
- Marketing Name: Ultramarine Blue
- Permanence: Often "Excellent"
- Series: Perhaps Series 1 or 2 (depending on the brand)
- Colour Index: PB29
- Paint Vehicle: Acrylic Polymer Emulsion
- Lightfastness: Usually ASTM I
- Opacity: Often semi-transparent
By understanding these elements, you can make informed decisions about the acrylic paints you use and achieve the desired results in your artwork.
