Differences in series of paint brands

[Garth Herrick]

Amanda,

I just want to chime in that I'm a huge fan of Vasari paints; arguably the best I've ever used! David Kassan who was active here on this Forum several years ago, personally introduced me to them by dragging me into their Manhattan showroom and retail shop. There one can test and play with every color, with sample tubes and palette knives provided on a huge table-top to squeeze out and intermix. I am primarily using their product range on my palette. The quality upgrade is dramatic, and I may even paint better as a result. You won't be disappointed with the finer paints available. They may cost more, but they are a great value with double the covering power and better handling characteristics! I'm not kidding (and Vasari is not paying me either).

Garth

[Amanda Grosjean]

This is going to be a painful couple of days waiting for my new paints. Perhaps as I run out I will replace with Vasari to give them a try and compare now that you have made them sound so dreamy, Garth.


Thanks to all who have chimed in!

[Mary Reilly]

I am a little late with this reply, but I just read the posts and can't resist chiming in. I was introduced to Vasari a few years ago and they are absolutely wonderful. I especially like the genuine naples yellow light. It is so much better then the pale washed out naples that so many brands have.
There is also a high oil content in most of their tubes, and Vasari suggests that you tap the tube, cap side down, on a hard surface a few times. This causes the heavier pigment to drop down toward the opening end of the tube and the oil to go to the other end, which helps the sustain the pigment.
Varsari mixes so well, and the colors are vibrant. It has become my favorite brand to use and is definitely worth trying if you haven't already.

Mary

[Richard Bingham]

Originally Posted by Mary Reilly

. . . Vasari . . . [has] a high oil content . . .

Actually not. The oil content is adequate and not underbound for highest pigment content. Paints made without inordinate amounts of fillers, waxes and stearates will release some free oil when laid by in tubes.

The same is true of paints from other high-end "boutique" makers, including Robert Doak & Associates, Williamsburg, Cennini (Studio Products), Old Holland, Michael Harding, and M.Graham to name a few.

Genuine Naples Yellow pigment is a lead/antimony compound, heavy, opaque, and unique. It's certainly far,far different from the approximations often labelled "hue", "lake"or "extra" marketed by the majority of paint makers.

Learning about the nature and qualities of painting materials separates knowledgeable painters the way gourmets are distinguished from hungry teens at a Burger King.