Description
Titanium White | Matisse Studio acrylic paint
Today, Titanium White is arguably the colour most used by artists; however this pigment had a faltering start. Developed as an art material in the early 20th century, artists were initially sceptical of this new pigment, plagued by production methods that caused issues like chalking. By the 1930s, advancements in manufacturing resolved these problems, and Titanium White rapidly gained favour. Its remarkable opacity, strength and brilliant pure whiteness made it an ideal choice for artists over extremely toxic pigments like White Lead.
By 1940, over 80% of artists’ whites were made from Titanium White, reflecting its rapid surge in popularity. The arrival of acrylic paints in the 1950s further cemented its status as the go-to white pigment. With growing health concerns over lead in the 1970s, Titanium White became the natural replacement, celebrated not only for its superior properties but also for its exceptional safety. So safe, in fact, that it’s commonly used as a food colouring and can be found in everyday products like toothpaste and cosmetics. Today, over 70% of all pigments produced globally are Titanium-based, underscoring its versatility and importance in applications ranging from paint to personal care products.
Matisse Titanium White exemplifies the finest qualities of this pigment. Its purity and brilliance are enhanced by the clarity of acrylic emulsions, achieving maximum opacity and luminosity. With a high pigment load, it delivers excellent coverage and the bright, permanent whiteness sought by artists. Outstripping lead, it also has the highest tinting strength of any white pigment, reflecting back 97% of light interacting with its surface. In addition to its performance, it is one of the safest and most environmentally friendly paint colours available.
