Let’s take a closer look at natural cadmium oil paints versus their synthetic counterparts! Despite being highly toxic when inhaled over long periods of time, natural cadmium paints are still used and desired for a multitude of reasons. Despite having similar masstones (the color of the paint straight from the tube), each color is distinctly different when mixed.
Regular cadmium is very opaque and highly pigmented, so only a little bit of paint is needed to tint and mix colors. To some, this can be beneficial to an extent. However, due to cadmiums’ intense tinting strength, the cadmium can easily dominate other colors when mixed. Moreover, cadmium paints can easily cost you a pretty penny, as cadmium is a relatively rare, naturally occurring, metal. So don’t be too shocked the next time you see the price of authentic cadmium paints!
On the contrary, cadmium alternatives (also known as ‘cadmium-free’ or ‘permanent’ colors) are far safer to use than regular cadmium. And they’re cheaper too, despite also coming from organic pigments! But, one of the biggest differences you’ll come to find between authentic cadmium and cadmium alternatives is their tinting and color mixing values. Cadmium alternatives tend to lean more semi-opaque and generally are easier to mix with other colors. This means you’re less likely to get muted, earthy, colors like with natural cadmium paints, but instead, you’ll get more vibrant, pastel, colors.
While cadmium-free colors can be beneficial cost wise, it’s always important to take into consideration the type of subject you’re painting. If you mostly paint subjects that consist of darker, natural, colors then natural cadmium paints may be better suited for you. And on the other hand, if you mostly paint with a brighter, softer, color palette then you should consider looking into cadmium-free colors.
Do you think authentic cadmium paint is worth the health risk and high price point? Do you like cadmium-free colors more than regular cadmium colors? Have you tried both? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!
