Lead White vs. Titanium White

Attribute	Lead White	Titanium White
Chemical Composition	Lead carbonate	Titanium dioxide
Color	White	White
Opacity	Opaque	Opaque
Lightfastness	Good	Excellent
Toxicity	High	Low

Introduction

Lead white and titanium white are two commonly used white pigments in the world of art. While both are used for similar purposes, they have distinct differences in terms of their attributes and characteristics. In this article, we will explore the differences between lead white and titanium white, including their composition, opacity, tinting strength, and handling properties.

Composition

Lead white, also known as flake white or Cremnitz white, is a traditional white pigment that has been used for centuries. It is made from lead carbonate, which gives it a creamy texture and a warm undertone. On the other hand, titanium white is a modern white pigment made from titanium dioxide. It has a bright, clean appearance and is known for its high opacity.

Opacity

One of the key differences between lead white and titanium white is their opacity. Lead white is known for its semi-opaque quality, which means that it allows some light to pass through the paint layer. This can be advantageous for creating subtle transitions and glazes in a painting. Titanium white, on the other hand, is highly opaque and provides excellent coverage. It is often used for highlighting and creating crisp, bright whites.

Tinting Strength

Another important factor to consider when comparing lead white and titanium white is their tinting strength. Lead white has a low tinting strength, which means that it can be easily overpowered by other colors. This can make it challenging to achieve bright, vibrant hues when mixing lead white with other pigments. Titanium white, on the other hand, has a high tinting strength and can quickly lighten and brighten other colors. This makes it a popular choice for artists who want to create bold, saturated tones.

Handling Properties

When it comes to handling properties, lead white and titanium white have different characteristics. Lead white has a smooth, buttery consistency that makes it easy to blend and manipulate on the canvas. It also dries slowly, allowing artists to work wet-into-wet for extended periods. Titanium white, on the other hand, has a more stiff and pasty texture that can be difficult to blend. It dries quickly, which can be both an advantage and a challenge depending on the artist's working style.

Health and Safety

It is important to note that lead white poses health risks due to its lead content. Exposure to lead can lead to serious health issues, including lead poisoning. As a result, many artists have switched to using titanium white as a safer alternative. Titanium white is considered non-toxic and does not pose the same health risks as lead white. Artists who are concerned about their health and safety may prefer to use titanium white over lead white for this reason.

Conclusion

In conclusion, lead white and titanium white are two white pigments with distinct characteristics and attributes. While lead white has a warm undertone and semi-opaque quality, titanium white is bright, clean, and highly opaque. Lead white has a low tinting strength and a smooth consistency, while titanium white has a high tinting strength and a stiff texture. Artists should consider these differences when choosing between lead white and titanium white for their paintings, taking into account factors such as opacity, tinting strength, handling properties, and health and safety concerns.