Is There A Best White Oil Paint - FLAKE WHITE vs TITANIUM WHITE

Is There A Best White Oil Paint - FLAKE WHITE vs TITANIUM WHITE
On this video I share my thoughts regarding Flake White and Titanium White oil paint.
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[@MichaelWarthStudios]

What is your favorite white? Does drying time matter to you? Share your thoughts, and if you have anything you'd like me to make a video about, let me know here in the comments. Have a great day!

[@joymcdaniel6882]

You happen to be one of the best artist that speaks clearly and specifically in explaining your methods. I can’t understand half of the other artist, and if you’re beginner, you’re lost however, you explain it very well, and I appreciate it.

[@MichaelWarthStudios]

Thank-you so much for the kind words.

[@genobambino]

It’s not so much about drying time. Lead white tints in a way that preserves the other color’s hue whereas titanium white kinda bleaches other colors.

[@Divertedflight]

The problem is, that lead white is the most permanent white in oil. Unless the lead white is a mix of basic lead carbonate and zinc oxide. Zinc oxide (zinc white) was often added to reduce yellowing, which it does. It also causes it to be more brittle over the years. You're better off using Titanium zinc white instead. This will also embrittle, but to a lesser degree. The zinc white percentage has been reduced greatly in Titanium white mixes over the recent years because of this. Titanium white without zinc oxide tends towards being too soft in the dried paint film. Zinc oxide's presence has been felt to be so required by makers that they often don't include it in the pigment declaration on the tubes. It is however now known more than ever by the studies of M Mecklenburg et al to cause embrittlement and delamination of paint layers under deformation of the painting support. Those old movies where paintings are stolen by cutting them out of the frames and rolling them into a tube would be the proud owner of a tube of paint flakes if they tried that with 20th century masterworks. Basic lead carbonate forms lead oil soaps within the paint film. These oil soaps are holding onto otherwise volatile oil components that leave the dried paint surface making it harder. The presence of lead white keeps the oil paint in the goldilocks zone of, not too hard, not too soft. Zinc oxide also forms metal soaps but they work differently within the paint, seemingly creating layers of hard paint waiting to separate from the picture surface. Unfortunately when basic lead carbonate and zinc oxide are mixed, zinc oil soaps are preferentially formed over lead ones, and as lead white dries harder than titanium, the result is worse than your standard titanium zinc white. Williamsburg make two types of Titanium white. One with a small percentage of zinc oxide, one without. Hope that's been helpful.

[@MichaelWarthStudios]

Excellent comment! Thanks for sharing.

[@k.k8791]

Thnx for the rich info mate

[@AdilConstantineMusic]

Great video and good info I had no idea

[@MichaelWarthStudios]

Thanks for watching, Adil!

[@patrickfosterstudio]

I use titanium (without zinc), lead white (PW1), and flemmish white (PW2). If I want a very strong, cool white I use titanium. With flesh tones it seems to get chalky. For warmer whites and when I need subtle tints, I use lead. Flemmish is somewhere between the two in tinting strength. Drying time doesn't matter as much to me as I use galkyd or Neo-megilp in all but the top layer.

[@dont-want-no-wrench]

lead is good and irreplaceable for figures. titanium is good for a lot of stuff. lead/titanium mix is what i use a lot, little more opaque. Lead paint is not a problem unless you are inhaling or ingesting it, so just don't.

[@cisp360]

After trying lead white for the first time I really really like it. Unfortunately, the drying time is so longggg. That being said, Rublev has a fast drying lead quite to be used for underpainting, and I am very tempted to get it.

[@patrickfosterstudio]

What are you comparing lead white to? It dries faster than any white other than with an alkyd added. It may be the binder, if safflower or walnut was used.

[@blancodeplomo]

Flake White ❣

[@acialist]

It depends on different effects I want to achieve. The thickness of paints tends to vary across different brands. I have about 3 different flake whites, a titanium, and a zinc white, along with an ivory white and some unbleached titanium whites. And yeah, basically just depends on what color I'm mixing or what effect i want a color to have. I do really enjoy flake white though, and if I had the money to afford it, it'd be the only one I purchase. (A certain point arises where I simply have to use whatever is left)

[@carolinw.7351]

Thanks for this. I love the look of lead white but I try to make do with titanium or a blend of titanium and zinc white. I am still trying to find a brand that gives me better coverage/opacity.

[@AvOs1976]

Hi! I'm studying art into oil paintings ( developing my learnings in). In the other hand I'm liking to watch artists around the world using and testing oil paints. There are cheaps and expensive, qualities and problems to find (when possible given that pandemic, prices etc). It's almost a hobby to me now to make a world oil paints collection. Hugs from Rio de Janeiro city!

[@MichaelWarthStudios]

Hello, and thanks for the comment and visiting my channel.

[@pollyester6627]

Got me thinking, to speed dry time of titanium add some alkyd medium, which is the ingredient in 'quick dry' white. Lead white is warmer and with walnut oil as the vehicle provides less yellowing. Rublev Natural Pigments in CA makes several variants of lead white and some great diverse old style type mediums.

[@Braun09tv]

Why not paint the brightest parts as finish on a thin varnish layer in acrylics?

[@McMinderbinder]

I don't know how archival it is, but Gamblin flake white replacement has working properties that work well for me. Rembrandt transparent white is very good for a soft, transparent white that works well for glazing.

[@ytmm11]

make more videos.. you're awesome. recap of history of lead carbonate was cool

[@MichaelWarthStudios]

Thank-you, I’m working on some video ideas and hope to make new stuff soon. Is there anything you’d like me to make a video about?

[@diegoallcore]

I love zinc white so much. I want it to be less problematic

[@allenvoss7977]

I was wondering if I just used student grade titanium white if I would get the same effect as a lead white ?

[@MichaelWarthStudios]

I would say, no. The tinting strength is going to be different. There are several variables that make titanium white and lead white useful to the painter. Student grade paint usually has less pigment to oil ratio - and this too could be viewed as an advantage. Though, titanium and lead white are not the same pigments. Lead white is PW1 and Titanium is PW6. Titanium has a cooler color shift from neutral and Lead White has a warmer color shift from neutral. This video has proven to be somewhat like discussing pineapple on pizza but just know this. One is not really better than the other. Your personal taste and what you want out of your white is all that matters.

[@jdhawkart]

I prefer Flake White for portraits. Titanium White for all others

[@k.k8791]

How about mixing white

[@jetsonjoe]

like the t-shirt...where can I get one like this

[@MichaelWarthStudios]

Cesar Santos sells them at his online store. tinyurl.com/56r29hja

[@freemandodsworth6526]

Flake white is lead white with some titanium in it.

[@MichaelWarthStudios]

Though possible in some brands, anytime the color index is PW1 (such as Williamsburg Flake White) there is no Titanium White added. The Color index for Titanium White is PW6, so it may be possible to find a tube with an index of PW1+PW6. The term "Flake White" is based on the lead carbonate flakes during the manufacturing process of lead white (PW1) paint.

[@fithascookingandtraveling]

🤩🤩

[@Robotuxa]

lead carbonate does not evaporate

[@MichaelWarthStudios]

Correct, and for painters who mix dry pigments to create their own, inhaling the dry pigment is known to cause cancer and other health problems.

[@allenvoss7977]

What are your thoughts on using student grade titanium white to save money?

[@MichaelWarthStudios]

I would still go with the regular paint over the student grade since I don’t see the advantage being too much of a savings. A quick look, W&N Winton titanium white is about $5 and the W&N Artist’s Oils titanium white is about $8 for 37ml tubes.

[@allenvoss7977]

@@MichaelWarthStudios $30 artists grade 200ml W&N $11 150ml Gamblin 1980. I did a comparison test and I’m going with the 1980 for my white when the pockets are empty . 🙏

[@netsaosa4973]

nice

[@MichaelWarthStudios]

Thanks!

[@lophoflora]

Led white creates a much stronger paint film.

[@etienne7774]

Lead white doesnt change the hue of the paint, like titanium. Go with zink titanium mix.

[@MichaelWarthStudios]

Interesting, thanks!

[@bozmundarts2614]

it does, it can make cool colors warmer, and titanium can make warmer colors cooler, but that's never been an issue for any artist before... because its barely noticeable when mixing, but yeah a titanium zink paint works great, i get the mgraham as for the walnut oil it doesnt go yellow.

[@etienne7774]

@@bozmundarts2614 The videos I saw where titanium is mixed with a color it most certaintainly changes the hue, almost overpowers the color it's mixed with, the lead white doesn't do this, the color becomes lighter but it's still that color. And that is a big difference. I don't know if zinc cracks paint or is it the gesso grounds. There are both sides to the argument. It seems the most poisonous paint, lead white, is also the best. But then again, would one feel comfortable painting with poison, knowing that can kill you over time.

[@bozmundarts2614]

@@etienne7774 well, i guess, i just re mix with the color to achieve the right hue? this has never happened to me and it might depend on the color its being mixed with, only happens to me with brigh reds that when desaturated (as you'll know white is just a very light gray) become pink which is natural, if i want it kept "brighter light red" i just add some yellow and it turns into a "bright light red", otherwise that's never happened to me, but then again it might be how m graham's titanium zinc white is made... but its all about mixing to match a color, wether to literally match off a reference or match what you have in mind for the area of the painting, i have never struggled and havent not succeded in both regards using titanium white,,, when it comes to as a mixer, and if dont believe me check Steve Huston's artwork or demos for example, titanium white is just perfect enough.

[@etienne7774]

@@bozmundarts2614 zink white cracks, right?

[@thethirstymuse4560]

Yes, this right here...hahaha

[@nickfanzo]

I love the stiffness and drying properties of pure lead white (cremnitz) , but let’s be real here; it’s really bad for everyone’s health.

[@MichaelWarthStudios]

Totally agree, I’m hoping this video just makes everyone think more about the paint and safe handling.

[@nickfanzo]

@@MichaelWarthStudios I know some folks who use lead white and wash their brushes in the sink, and they have well water! Can you believe it?

[@MichaelWarthStudios]

👀 yikes

[@jegr3398]

Are you eating your paint? If not, then the toxicity is a non issue.

[@nickfanzo]

@@jegr3398 that isn’t true at all.

[@cindyoverall8139]

Winsor Newton Titanium is the best. Flake white is too dry

[@nickfanzo]

Flake isn’t pure lead white. Have you tried rublev?

[@jegr3398]

I don't get the whole being worried about toxicity thing, just don't eat your paint and the toxicity is a non issue.

[@MichaelWarthStudios]

Exposure to heavy metals in paint and solvents can get into your system without eating it. Using good practices like a well ventilated space, and limited exposure to toxic materials through contact is always best.

[@robertchilders8698]

I have been using flake white oil all my life! Haven't died yet ! 83 years old. Some of the other colors are even more dangerous! To much hype and bullshit!

[@dont-want-no-wrench]

@@MichaelWarthStudios no, it doesnt magically get in your system. there are plenty of other pigments you also want to be careful about, but lead is not worse than them, in normal informed use. the problem with lead is inhaling the powder or ingesting it somehow. Let's not overplay the dangers.

[@MichaelWarthStudios]

@@dont-want-no-wrench all I said in the video is that it is toxic. And can be ingested and inhaled. If lead white wasn’t dangerous, it wouldn’t be getting pulled from shelves. I’m simply bringing awareness to handle toxic paint carefully. I still use it, I still plan to use it, but a lot of people who are just getting started may not be aware of the dangers associated with lead white. This video is about lead white, not the others. I appreciate the comment, but i never stated it will “magically get in your system”. Prolonged use of any toxic material on the surface of your skin does, in fact, get “ingested” over time and creates chronic exposure into the bloodstream. Let’s not underplay the dangers either, the point of the video is that we should be safe when using these materials.

[@miguelangelcollazo5081]

How can you inhale oil paint while painting with brushes? If you get some lead paint on your skin wipe it off. Try not to get any lead paint in your mouth? Don’t sand down any paint without wearing suitable mask because you don’t want to inhale the fine dust. Do not make your own lead paint by mixing lead white pigment with linseed oil for example.

[@miguelangelcollazo5081]

Don’t sand dry paint.

[@MichaelWarthStudios]

It has to be said,, that's why it is in the video. Inhalation and ingestion are what makes lead white toxic to humans...

[@carolinw.7351]

Does anyone know whether it can be carried on vapours given off by the spirits used to clean the brushes? I guess it just sinks to the bottom, but wonder if anyone can confirm?