Mars Black is a very dense black. It has a slightly cool undertone in mixtures with whites. Mixes cleaner than other blacks.
Composition and PermanenceMars Black | |
Pigment Classification: | Synthetic Inorganic |
Colour Index Name: | Pigment Black 11 (PBk 11) |
Chemical Composition: | Synthetic iron oxide black |
Code: | 903 |
Series: | 2 |
Opacity: | Opaque |
Permanence: | A - Permanent |
Safety Information: | There are no acute or known chronic health hazards associated with the anticipated use of this product (most chemicals are not fully tested for chronic toxicity). Always protect yourself against potentially unknown chronic hazards of this and other chemical products by keeping them out of your body. Do this by avoiding ingestion, excessive skin contact, and inhalation of spraying mists, sanding dusts and vapors from heating. Conforms to ASTM D-4236 |
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Ceracolors is water-soluble wax paint that can be used for encaustic and wax painting techniques. Ceracolors makes encaustic painting versatile because heat, electricity and special tools are not required.
Ceracolors is a wax paint for professional artists made from pharmaceutical-grade beeswax blended with other waxes derived from natural sources to provide higher melting temperatures. Ceracolors provide a wide range of painting techniques from thick impastos that can be sculpted to thin watercolor-like washes. They are fast-drying colors suitable for all supports used for encaustic painting, yet they do not require any special tools and heated instruments. Use any brush suitable for water-based paint. Once dry Ceracolors can be used in encaustic technique, allowing further sculpting and manipulation of the paint. The ingredients in Ceracolors are found in food and cosmetics so they are not considered to be toxic.
The current range of Ceracolors are available in 50ml aluminum collapsible tubes and mediums are available in 4 and 8 fluid ounce jars.
Properties DryingCeracolors dry in two stages. First, the paint dries rapidly due to the evaporation of water, so it is touch dry within a short time. After this initial period, the paint can be reopened with a wet brush. During the second stage, wax crystals coalesce as the paint cures. This can take several days or several weeks for thicker applications of paint.
Water SolubilityCeracolors are thinned with water. The paint comes out of the tube as a paste and can be diluted to the consistency of watercolors. The water solubility of Ceracolors allows easy handling and cleaning.
Color and Optical QualityCeracolors are available in a wide range of colors that are used by artists in other professional-quality mediums. Ceracolors are formulated for high tinting strength and the optical qualities of wax provide outstanding chroma.
HardnessCeracolors are made with a blend of waxes microemulsified in water. Wax is soft with low scratch resistance so works require care when handling and storing.
DurabilityWater-soluble wax paint is durable, as attested by the present state of preservation of Roman and Roman-Egyptian paintings of the first century in many museums throughout the world.
ToxicityCeracolors are composed of ingredients that are not considered toxic—ingredients that are often found in food and cosmetics. There are no hazardous solvents or additives.
SupportsRigid supports, such as wood, are best for wax painting technique, but canvas and paper can also be used. Ceracolors can be applied onto other materials, such as ceramics, glass, metal or plastic.
Use Directions Heat SettingUncured paint has limited wet scrub resistance, especially in thick layers. This resistance increases when the paint is fused by heat. Heat can be applied by a heat gun, hair dryer or pastry torch.
ImpastoWith Ceracolors you can apply thick passages of paint. However, like all paints that use water as a vehicle, you will experience some shrinkage during drying due to the evaporation of water. We recommend that thick impastos be built up by layering thinner applications of paint and then fusing each layers with heat. The addition of Ceracolors Impasto Medium helps to avoid excessive volume loss upon drying.
Clean UpCleaning brushes and equipment is easy with soap and water. Dried Ceracolors water-soluble wax paint can be cleaned with household ammonia.