MITRA Forum Question Details

​No opinions on this?

​Thank you Matthew for your detailed reply.

So, for the student grade acrylics I'm not looking at craft grade paints, but instead from major manufactorers (W&N Galeria, Liquitex Basics, D&R System 3, etc..). I believe some of these use the same binder across the ranges, just with lower levels of pigmentation:

Can I use your different acrylic formats together?

Yes. All Liquitex products are compatible due to their compatible chemical composition. Our chemists use the same binder system across all our ranges so that they will all blend and work together and give you stable, archival results. You don’t need to worry that the dried paints will pull apart, crack, shrink, yellow, gel

I imagine there hasn't been on testing on the binder used in student grade acrylics though?

​Thank you Matthew :)

If one cares about the longevity of one's work, it's important know the pigment codes and to check them.

Some "student" brands don't list them. Any paint, in my opinion, that has no pigment code, is highly suspicious, in terms of its longevity. There are a few exceptions, such as a quinacridone from a highly reputable brand. In rare circumstances it is possible to know that a paint will be lightfast enough for serious artwork even without a pigment code. That is when the specific pigment family is stated, such as quinacridone.

​Even very expensive brands can have pigments that aren't lightfast. For instance, top-tier watercolor brands have often have cobalt yellow (aureolin, PY 40) in their lines. That turns grey. Genuine alizarin crimson and rose madder are also trouble.

Typically, "student" brands will have borderline pigments in the line. These will be in multi-pigment mixtures and sometimes by themselves. Other colors in the line may have fully lightfast pigments. "Student" brands typically have more of the non-lightfast pigments than higher-tier brands. For example, a high-quality brand's bright red would be a cadmium or pyrrole. Many high-quality brands offer both. A low-tier brand would use not only a napthol but one of the less-lightfast napthols, like PR 9. From there, the pigment concentration will likely be lower.

— SRS

Naphthol, not napthol.

Also, there are some other bright red pigments that are okay, such as PR 168 and PR 251. They're not nearly as common in the higher-tier lines as pyrrole and cadmium.

— SRS

For accuracy, I should have also mentioned PR 251 and PR 168 when discussing high-quality bright red pigments. Cadmium and pyrrole are the most common/popular, due to their high durability and intensity. However, PR 168 can be found in a more transparent form than a pyrrole, which can be useful. According to Handprint's tests, PR 251 (which is somewhat chemically related to PR 168​, being an anthraquinone derivative) is also the equal to pyrrole reds in terms of longevity and saturation. Cadmium red will beat all of the organic reds in opacity and durability (indoors), though.

— SRS

Your perceptions regarding the differences between student grade and artist grade oil and acrylic paints are not entirely unfounded, but they may not encompass the full picture.

In general, student grade oil paints often contain more fillers and extenders compared to artist grade paints. These fillers can include materials like aluminum stearates, which are added to bulk up the paint and reduce production costs. While student grade paints can be more economical, they may have lower pigment concentrations and may not have the same lightfastness or archival quality as artist grade paints.

On the other hand, student grade acrylic paints typically do not pose the same concerns as their oil counterparts. Acrylic paints inherently have a more stable and durable film when dry, and the differences between student and artist grade acrylics are often related to pigment load, color intensity, and consistency rather than long-term stability.

That said, it's important to note that not all student grade paints are created equal, and some manufacturers may prioritize quality and durability even in their student grade lines. Additionally, individual formulations can vary, so it's always a good idea to check product specifications and reviews before making a purchase.

As for considering the insights of gallerist Pearl Lam​, her expertise in the art world may shed light on the importance of materials and craftsmanship in artistic practice. While student grade paints can be suitable for certain purposes, artists may find that investing in higher quality materials like artist grade paints ultimately pays off in terms of color intensity, longevity, and overall aesthetic quality.

Ultimately, the choice between student and artist grade paints depends on factors such as budget, intended use, and personal preferences. By understanding the differences between the two grades and considering the long-term implications for their work, artists can make informed decisions about the materials they use in their artistic practice.