What's the difference in white?

Kimber Scott · 10-22-2004, 10:50 PM

I hoping someone will be kind enough to explain the differences between the following types of whites and any others I don't have listed. I normally use flake white and I just ordered small tubes of each of these others in order to experiment with them, but I forgot to order the Old Holland Cremnitz. Is it comparable to any of the others here, or does it have qualities all its own? What are the pluses and minuses and suitable uses for these different whites?

Titanium white
Flake white
Zinc white
Permalba white
Cremnitz white

If there are other whites I need to know about, please, include those.

Thanks so much!

Kim

Kimberly Dow · 10-23-2004, 01:21 AM

I can't explain all of those, but from my point of view - flake white is more stiff and covers better. Titanium doesn't cover as well and is more buttery.

I just purchased some soft mixing white - transparent. I had no idea what I would use it for, but wanted to try it. It is quite a bit more warm - towards yellow. I've used it quite a bit lately for adding some fabric highlights.

Hope this helps a little bit.

Mary Reilly · 10-23-2004, 01:39 AM

If my memory serves me correctly, here is some info on the different whites. I not positive this is all accurate since I'm trusting my memory (yikes). If I find different info I will let you know.
Titanium is more opaque and slower drying. Zinc is transparent and cooler in color. Flake white is lead base and warmer in color, and faster drying. Flake white is also stiff, however Vasari paints have a creamy flake white that I tried and liked. I think Permalba is actually more a brand name for a white that is a titanium-zinc combination. Permalba is also very buttery. Cremnitz I am not sure about. The white I like best is a Titanium-zinc combination from Gamblin.

Hope this helps
Mary

Kimber Scott · 10-23-2004, 01:46 AM

Thank you, Kimberly and Mary. I did a little Googling and think I may have found the answer to my question. I'll post what I found here, in case anybody else wants to know, and if anybody has anything to add, or change that would be great!

Here goes:

Differences in Colors, Blacks, & Whites
(Excerpts from ART HARDWARE: The Definitive Guide to Artists