Whites Test

Several years ago I did a test strip of the different whites that I used. They were mostly flake, or lead, whites and it was interesting to see which were whiter right out of the tube and which once yellowed over time. The time was six years at least, the test strip stayed out on a shelf in the studio under whatever light was available, and while it is good to note the differences, most of those whites are no longer available.

So it was time to re do the test with whites available, starting with what was in our paintboxes. Across the top left to right are six lead based whites: OH creminitz w/ zinc - OH Cremnitz - Natural Pigments lead white - Blue Ridge fleming white - Williamsburg flake white and Windsor Newton foundation white w/ lead. Next are three titanium whites: Old Holland, Blue Ridge and Grumbacher.

Right out of the gate, the NP lead white has a distinctive yellow cast. The Blue Ridge looks the whitest, followed by the OH cremnitz w/zinc, OH cremnitz, Williamsburg flake and the WN foundation which has a grayish tinge. Fot the three titaniums, the Blue Ridge is brightest and whitest but a little gritty. The OH pulled down better. It will be interesting to see what time does to all of these.

This is by no means complete but is some of the whites I regularly use and can be bought easily.

thanks, LindaE