Titanium White | Matisse acrylic paint

Titanium White | Matisse acrylic paint

In the Early 20th Century: A Suspicious Introduction

 

Titanium White, a pivotal pigment for artists, emerged in the early 20th century, making its debut in artists' colours by 1920. Initially met with suspicion, artists had valid concerns, given the challenges in the manufacturing process. It took another decade, until around 1930, to address issues causing chalkiness in the early stages. As these manufacturing hurdles were overcome, Titanium White swiftly gained popularity among artists.

 

Adoption and Transformation

 

Initially embraced in mediums where White Lead posed challenges, such as gouaches and pastels, Titanium White eventually found its place in oil paints. This shift was driven by its opacity, strength, and the pure whiteness of the colour. Artists recognized its potential as possibly the most lightfast pigment. By 1940, Titanium White dominated the artist's palette, constituting over 80% of all white pigments used.

 

The Rise of Acrylics and Health Concerns

 

The 1950s witnessed the advent of acrylic paints, leading to the widespread acceptance of Titanium White as the standard white in this innovative medium. By the 1970s, health concerns surrounding lead saw a drastic reduction in its use in oil paint. Titanium emerged as the natural substitute, not only for its colour properties but also for its safety. In fact, Titanium is so safe that it finds applications in various products, from food colouring to cosmetics, toothpaste, and of course, paint.

 

Matisse Titanium White: A Beacon of Excellence

 

Matisse Titanium White embodies the finest qualities of Titanium White pigment. In the realm of acrylic emulsions, the clarity ensures that titanium dioxide achieves its utmost brilliance and purity. Boasting high opacity due to a substantial pigment load, the desired pure whiteness remains permanently intact. Furthermore, it stands out as one of the most environmentally safe paint colours, making it a trusted companion for artists. Today, Titanium and its variants constitute over 70% of all manufactured pigments globally, showcasing its versatility across industries.

Safety Data Sheet for Matisse Titanium White (SDS)

To view or download a copy of Titanium White SDS, please  CLICK HERE * (271kb) 
*The above link will open an external Dropbox window

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