PW6 CI#77891
70% of Titanium White in a tube
Toxicity: Non-toxic
Lightfastness: 8/8
Drying time: Fast (3–5 days for touch-dry)
Color/ Tone: Cool, neutral white
Transparency: Extremely opaque
Mixing:
Ultramarine = Soft cerulean.
Burnt Umber = Warm grays.
Yellowing: Moderate risk over time (especially in thick layers or low light).
Texture/Flow: Thick, buttery consistency; excellent for impasto.
Best For: Traditional oil painting, underpainting, and textured brushwork.
Note: Avoid in cool whites (e.g., snowscapes) due to potential yellowing.
| Property |
Linseed Oil |
Walnut Oil |
Safflower Oil |
| Drying Time |
Fastest (3–5 days) |
Medium (5–7 days) |
Slowest (7–10 days) |
| Yellowing |
Moderate |
Slight |
Least |
| Brushability |
Stiff, impasto |
Smooth, blendable |
Fluid, thin |
| Best Uses |
Textured work |
Detail/glazing |
Cool tones, washes |
Titanium White (PW6, CI# 77891) is the brightest, most opaque white pigment available to artists today. Composed of titanium dioxide (TiO₂), it dominates modern palettes due to its unmatched covering power, chemical stability, and non-toxicity—replacing older, problematic whites like lead white (PW1).
History:
In 1791, Titanium was discovered by William Gregor, but not isolated as a pigment until the early 20th century. In 1916, Norwegian chemists Peder Farup and Gustav Jebsen developed a commercial production method. In 1921, Titanium Pigment Corporation (USA) began mass production, revolutionizing the paint industry.
Famous Works:
- Pablo Picasso (1881–1973): "Guernica" (1937)
