The full picture behind the impact of cadmium in artist paints is still developing, but as a heavy metal it has the potential to be harmful to the user and also the environment. However, until recently cadmium has been the essential element in the vibrant hues of the cadmium reds, yellows, and greens that you know and love.
That's where your favourite brands Winsor & Newton and Liquitex have stepped in! From the companies that know paint, they have developed the first performance matching cadmium free acrylics and superior cadmium free watercolour and oil. As a non-hazardous alternative to cadmium paints artists are turning towards this innovative material, discover highlights across the ranges below and delve deeper into each of the collections.
WHAT IS CADMIUM?
Cadmium is a soft, silver-white metal found in the earth’s crust and throughout our environment. A lot of rocks and soil including coal and mineral fertilizers, contain some cadmium. It was only when it was discovered as a by-product of the zinc refining process that it became used as a pigment.
Cadmium yellow was the first pigment produced in around 1820 and was soon joined by an extended range of different shades of yellows and oranges created in the laboratory. In 1919 a new red pigment joined the cadmium family. It brought a stable, vibrant red to the palette, replacing vermilion, which would darken over time and contained the toxic element mercury.
Watch the videos below and discover how Winsor & Newton and Liquitex have exceptionally matched the pigmentation and behaviour of Cadmium paints. Giving you the choice to try cadmium free without compromise on your creativity.
Watch the videos below and discover how Winsor & Newton and Liquitex have exceptionally matched the pigmentation and behaviour of Cadmium paints. Giving you the choice to try cadmium free without compromise on your creativity.
LIQUITEX
Cadmium Free Acrylic
Liquitex Cadmium-Free acrylics deliver the same performance, lightfastness, colour strength and opacity as genuine cadmium colours. Still not sure? Watch them in action below. Discover our Liquitex Cadmium Free blog to read more about these exceptional colours.
WINSOR & NEWTON
Cadmium Free Oil
Winsor & Newton oil, known for their richness of pigment and lusciously indulgent laydown - they have worked tirelessly to develop a cadmium free oil experience with the same exceptional performance you know and love from their oil. Watch them in action below and delve into our cadmium free oil paint blog.
WINSOR & NEWTON
Cadmium Free Watercolour
In 2019 came another Winsor & Newton world-first, with the introduction of a new innovation in watercolour: cadmium-free formulas that provide true parity in colour and performance to genuine cadmium paints. Watch them in action below and discover our Winsor & Newton Cadmium Free Watercolour blog and see artist Kyle Gallop demonstrating their potential.
