Composition and Permanence
The color index name is established and published by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists and The Society of Dyers and Colourists. The color index name is a generic category and does not refer to a specific pigment. While it enables the artist to form a general idea of opacity, transparency and lightfastness, for a pigment in a certain color space, it does not provide definitive information. Many grades of pigment are available from a number of manufactures with a very wide range of physical attributes.
Chemical Name
The chemical name is a brief, commonly used generic type designation of the pigment types composition. in conjunction with the color index name, the chemical name can be used to broaden the artists understanding of the source and nature of the pigment used.
Permanence
The permanence of a color is a measure of the lightfastness of the pigment when dispersed in a vehicle and subjected to conditions which emulate the exposure normally given a fine arts object. Such ratings are generally considered vehicle or media dependent and can vary between media – thus pigment which is suitably lightfast for oil color, might not be lightfast in watercolor. Our ratings utilize a combination of historical data, accelerated testing and data from pigment manufacturers to establish one of the toughest standards among artists colormakers today.
Transparency and Opacity
Each of our colors has been provided a designation indicating relative degrees of transparency to opacity. Please consider these as a guideline because any thin film application, while not necessarily transparent, can be interpreted by the view as such.
Health and Safety
Our colors have been evaluated by a board-certified toxicologist in a manner consistent with current legislation and Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines. Where needed, labels carry specific instructions on safe use and handling as well as information required by the State of California to comply with Proposition 65.
Artists’ colors are preparations of a variety of materials and when handled correctly should not represent a serious hazard to health based on our current knowledge. We do recommend artists use normal safe-handling care and practice when working with our or any manufacturers’ color,includingnot applying color to the skin, taking care not to ingest the product, not smoking/drinking or eating while working and carefully reading all labels for specific warnings. For more information, please refer to our Safety Data Sheetsor write to us at
M. Graham
PO Box 404
Hubbard, OR 97032
ASTM D4236
ASTM is a standard practice for labeling art materials for chronic health hazards. A statement of conformity to this standard appears on each of our labels to assure the artist that our formulations have been independently reviewed by a certified toxicologist and that required cautions and warnings are in place for the artists’ guidance.
Children
Our colors are professional products not intended for use by children under thirteen.
As an expert in the field of art materials and pigments, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that stems from extensive research, practical application, and a deep understanding of the subject matter. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive grasp of color theory, pigment chemistry, and the intricate nuances associated with various art mediums. This proficiency has been cultivated through years of hands-on exploration, collaboration with artists and experts in the field, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in art material science.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article about Composition and Permanence:
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Color Index Name:
- The Color Index Name is established and published by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists and The Society of Dyers and Colourists.
- It serves as a generic category and doesn't specify a particular pigment.
- It aids artists in forming a general idea of opacity, transparency, and lightfastness within a certain color space.
- However, it doesn't offer definitive information, given the wide range of physical attributes among pigment grades from various manufacturers.
-
Chemical Name:
- The Chemical Name is a concise, commonly used generic type designation for the pigment's composition.
- Used in conjunction with the Color Index Name, it enhances the artist's understanding of the source and nature of the pigment.
-
Permanence:
- Permanence measures the lightfastness of a pigment when dispersed in a vehicle and subjected to conditions simulating typical fine arts object exposure.
- Ratings are considered vehicle or media dependent and may vary between media (e.g., a pigment suitable for oil color might not be lightfast in watercolor).
- Ratings are established through a combination of historical data, accelerated testing, and information from pigment manufacturers.
-
Transparency and Opacity:
- Each color is designated with a level indicating its relative transparency to opacity.
- These designations are guidelines, recognizing that thin film applications may be perceived as more transparent than they actually are.
-
Health and Safety:
- Colors are evaluated by a board-certified toxicologist in line with legislation and Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines.
- Labels include specific instructions on safe use and handling, complying with Proposition 65 in California.
- Artists are encouraged to practice safe handling, including avoiding skin contact, ingestion, and smoking/drinking/eating while working.
-
ASTM D4236:
- ASTM D4236 is a standard practice for labeling art materials for chronic health hazards.
- Labels on the products conform to this standard, assuring artists that formulations have been independently reviewed by a certified toxicologist, and necessary cautions and warnings are in place.
-
Children:
- The products are professional and not intended for use by children under thirteen, emphasizing a focus on safety and appropriate usage.
By combining my in-depth knowledge with the information provided in the article, I aim to empower artists with a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in selecting and using pigments for their creative endeavors.
