Opaque White Watercolor – All You Need to Know 2023

For artists, the choice of color is essential in creating a unique and compelling work of art. Every color has its unique characteristics that can evoke different emotions and moods. Opaque White has found its place in the artist’s palette is versatile and vibrant. In this article, we will explore this color’s use and significance in the art world, providing insights into why it continues to be a popular choice among artists.

Opaque White by different brands

Find 3 manufacturer(s) of watercolors below. We’ve also compiled a list of our favorite art supplies here.

Opaque White  – Rembrandt

Watercolor Opaque White
Color No.: 106 Lightfastness: Opacity:Opaque
Staining: Granulation: Sizes: Tube 10 ml
Manufacturer website

Opaque White  – Van Gogh

Watercolor Opaque White
Color No.: 106 Lightfastness: Opacity:Opaque
Staining: Granulation: Sizes: Tube 10 ml
Manufacturer website

Titanium White (Opaque White)  – Winsor & Newton

Watercolor Titanium White (Opaque White)
Titanium White is a clean white pigment. It is the most opaque white pigment and is considered a standard strong white colour.
Color No.: 644 Lightfastness: I – Excellent Opacity:Opaque
Staining: Granulation: Sizes: 5ml tubes; 14ml tubes; Half Pans
Manufacturer website

Tips when choosing colors

When it comes to choosing colors for watercolor painting, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, consider the color wheel and how different colors interact with each other. Understanding complementary colors, warm and cool tones, and color harmonies can help you create dynamic and visually appealing artworks. Additionally, think about the subject matter and the mood you want to convey. For example, if you are painting a landscape, you may want to choose greens and blues for a calming and natural feel. Lastly, experiment with different brands and pigments to find colors that suit your style and technique. Remember, the color choices you make can greatly impact the overall look and feel of your artwork, so take your time and choose wisely.
Also read, watercolor essentials to see which colors are essential.

History of Opaque White

Opaque White is a versatile color that is used in various media, including watercolor. This color is commonly known as Chinese White or Titanium White. The opacity of this paint comes from its use of pigments that are opaque in nature. The pigments used in Opaque White are typically zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or a combination of the two. One interesting fact about Opaque White is that it was originally used in Chinese painting. In Chinese painting, it is known as “Gouache,” and it is used to add highlights and details to paintings. It was later adopted by Western artists, where it became known as “Chinese White” or “Titanium White.” Opaque White is now widely used in watercolor painting to create highlights, add texture, and cover mistakes. While Opaque White can be a helpful addition to a watercolor palette, it is important to use it sparingly. Because of its opaque nature, it can quickly overpower other colors and make the painting appear flat. However, when used correctly, Opaque White can add dimension and interest to a watercolor painting.

How watercolor paint is made

Watercolor paint is typically made from a few simple ingredients:
  • pigments
  • binders
  • water
Watercolor manaufacturing
The pigments used in watercolor paints can be organic or inorganic compounds, such as minerals or synthetic chemicals. These pigments are finely ground and then mixed with a binder, which helps the pigment particles adhere to the paper when the paint is applied. The most common binder used in watercolor paints is gum arabic, a natural resin extracted from the sap of the acacia tree. Gum arabic is mixed with the pigment to create a thick paste, which is then combined with water to create the final paint. Other additives may be added to the paint to improve its performance or create specific effects. For example, some watercolor paints may include wetting agents to help the paint spread more evenly on the paper, or preservatives to extend the paint’s shelf life.
Testing newly made watercolor paint
Testing newly made watercolor paint
Watercolor paints are available in a wide range of colors and textures, from transparent washes to opaque and granulated pigments. Different manufacturers may use slightly different formulations or ingredients in their paints, which can affect the quality and performance of the paint. If you’re interested in learning about other colors, check out our pages on Transparent Titanium White, Titanium Buff, and Naples Yellow Red, which provide in-depth information on these colors and their various shades.

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