Zinc White: Problems in Oil Paint—Appendix A

Appendix A

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Table 1 Commercial Artists’ White Oil Paint

This is a revised table initially published in 2007 with current information on commercial oil colors as of November 1, 2019. The information in this table is compiled from public sources, such as manufacturers’ literature, product labels, and distributors’ websites. The information is subject to change. Please consult with the manufacturer for the latest pigment content of their paint.

When comparing the article’s original table with the above table, we notice the declining use of zinc oxide in professional artists’ oil paints. Alternatively, perhaps companies have stopped disclosing it in their lists of pigments. Either way, we see the industry gradually accepting the research that clearly shows problems with zinc white in oil paint.

An interesting comment by artists who inquired of many of the companies on this table reported the amounts of zinc white in their formulations. Read the post on the MITRA website: Amount of zinc in titanium white oil paints—some information.

Another interesting point is the gradual decline of lead white colors, especially among the most prominent manufacturers.

Table Notes

* Only the pigments identified on the manufacturer’s labels or literature, or distributor websites are listed in the table. The absence of zinc white in the list does not mean it is not included in the paint unless the manufacturer complies with standard ASTM D 4302, in which all pigments used in the paint must be identified. In addition, minimal percentages of zinc oxide may be treated by the manufacturer as an additive, which does not have to be listed on the label in accordance with ASTM D 4302.

** The manufacturer notes that a “small amount of zinc white” is added.

Rows with a beige background indicate that this color has been discontinued or is no longer listed in the manufacturers’ catalogs or websites.

1. Michael Harding announced, ‘Due to concerns being raised regarding the film strength of this white, we have chosen to cease making it [zinc white].’’ See their website for more information. Please also view the YouTube video, “Will Michael Harding be reformulating zinc white because of flaking and delamination?”.

2. Natural Pigments has never used zinc oxide in Rublev Colours Artist Oils.

3. On February 1, 2018, Golden Artists Colors announced they removed zinc oxide from all Williamsburg oil colors except in two white oil colors, namely Zinc White and Titanium-Zinc White, which were only available in large tubes. See the announcement on their website.

Note: The original table was prepared in June 2007, with additions in 2014. The above is a revised table as of November 1, 2019. Natural Pigments is not responsible for the accuracy of the information, as the information may have changed. All information in the tables is based on published data by the manufacturers or their representatives.

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