Flake White vs. Mixing White

Attribute	Flake White	Mixing White
Color	White	White
Opacity	Opaque	Opaque
Texture	Granular	Smooth
Composition	Lead carbonate	Titanium dioxide
Lightfastness	Good	Excellent

Introduction

When it comes to oil painting, choosing the right white paint can make a significant difference in the outcome of your artwork. Two popular choices among artists are Flake White and Mixing White. Both whites have their own unique attributes that make them suitable for different painting techniques and styles. In this article, we will compare the characteristics of Flake White and Mixing White to help you make an informed decision on which white paint to use for your next masterpiece.

Flake White

Flake White, also known as lead white, is a traditional white pigment that has been used by artists for centuries. It is made from lead carbonate and has a creamy consistency that is easy to work with. Flake White has a warm undertone, which can add a subtle warmth to your paintings. It has a high tinting strength, meaning a little goes a long way, making it ideal for mixing with other colors to create a wide range of hues.

• Traditional white pigment
• Made from lead carbonate
• Creamy consistency
• Warm undertone
• High tinting strength

Mixing White

Mixing White, on the other hand, is a modern white pigment that is made from a combination of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. It has a cool undertone, which can give your paintings a crisp and clean appearance. Mixing White has a lower tinting strength compared to Flake White, which means you may need to use more paint to achieve the desired color intensity. However, Mixing White is great for mixing with other colors without altering their hue too much.

• Modern white pigment
• Made from titanium dioxide and zinc oxide
• Cool undertone
• Lower tinting strength
• Ideal for mixing with other colors

Opacity

One of the key differences between Flake White and Mixing White is their opacity. Flake White is more opaque compared to Mixing White, which means it can effectively cover underlying layers of paint. This makes Flake White a great choice for creating highlights and adding depth to your paintings. On the other hand, Mixing White is more transparent, allowing underlying colors to show through. This can be advantageous when you want to create subtle glazes or layering effects in your artwork.

Color Mixing

When it comes to color mixing, both Flake White and Mixing White have their own strengths. Flake White's warm undertone can add richness and depth to colors when mixed, making it ideal for creating warm tones and flesh colors. Mixing White's cool undertone, on the other hand, can help maintain the clarity and brightness of colors when mixed, making it suitable for creating cool tones and pastel hues. Depending on the color palette of your painting, you may choose to use either Flake White or Mixing White for optimal results.

Texture

Texture is another important factor to consider when choosing between Flake White and Mixing White. Flake White has a creamy consistency that is easy to blend and manipulate on the canvas. This makes it ideal for creating smooth and buttery brushstrokes. Mixing White, on the other hand, has a slightly grainier texture due to the presence of titanium dioxide particles. This can give your paintings a more textured and matte finish, which may be desirable depending on the style of painting you are aiming for.

Lightfastness

Lightfastness refers to the ability of a paint to resist fading or discoloration when exposed to light over time. Flake White, being a traditional pigment, has been known to yellow and darken with age due to the presence of lead. This can affect the overall appearance of your paintings in the long run. Mixing White, on the other hand, is more lightfast and stable, making it a safer choice for artworks that will be displayed in well-lit environments or for long periods of time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Flake White and Mixing White have their own unique attributes that make them suitable for different painting techniques and styles. Flake White is a traditional white pigment with a warm undertone and high tinting strength, ideal for creating rich and vibrant colors. Mixing White, on the other hand, is a modern white pigment with a cool undertone and lower tinting strength, great for maintaining color clarity and brightness. Depending on your painting style, color palette, and desired effects, you may choose to use either Flake White or Mixing White in your artwork to achieve the best results.