Gouache is a universal paint for creating color compositions. But the six basic colors are usually not enough to convey the naturalness of objects. Experienced artists recommend mixing white for new shades. Therefore, whitewash is required in large quantities. And here, novice masters have a logical question. They are often perplexed: what is the difference between white zinc and titanium? Which is better to buy? We will help you figure this out.
Titanium white
This type of white paint is used very widely. The main component is titanium oxide. In nature, it practically does not occur, so they learned to extract it on an industrial scale from sulfuric acid. Titanium white is one of the safest paints, so they are the basis for the manufacture of gouache. For children, this is the best art material. In addition, it fits perfectly on various surfaces. But most often used for work on wood, paper or cardboard. The main features are a good ability to lie smoothly and evenly on the surface and not lose its color. When mixed with paints after complete drying, the shade becomes several tones lighter.
Features of titanium white
Firstly, works based on this paint can be stored for a long time. However, they are not whimsical to the environment. The danger is only the abundance of light. Indeed, under the influence of the sun, white can acquire a yellow tint. And white will provoke the effect of "chalking", that is, graininess. Artists are trying to avoid this. Therefore, zinc or barite is added in a small amount. This method is quite effective. Secondly, if there are organic pigments in the paint with which the whitewash will be mixed, then over time the pattern will acquire a bluish tint. This is undesirable. Thirdly, there are quite a few mineral coloring substances with which titanium white is better not to mix. These are ultramarine, cobalt, azure, cadmium and others. Any such duet will cause a “soapy” effect.
Application
For children, the best material for creativity is titanium white. Their use, although popular, has many limitations. First of all, this is due to the fact that the paint itself is matte and has very good hiding properties. So, a white background with an admixture of titanium oxide does not combine with oil at all. The paint in tubes will simply lose its properties, darken and will not lie on the canvas. By the way, titanium white is also not used as the basis for painting on a fabric basis. In this case, the surface is better coated with zinc. Also, this type of paint is not used to create frescoes on a chalk or limestone basis.
Zinc white
Zinc white was made since ancient times. They were the main component of all water-based paints and varnishes. This means that you can not dilute the paint with water. Only oily components are suitable for these purposes. Due to its properties, whitewash does not provide such strong hiding abilities as titanium. But they, mixing with another paint, add transparency and color saturation. Depending on the purpose, the master chooses for the work whitewash titanium and zinc. What is the difference between them, he knows very well. An experienced specialist has long been aware that titanium, on the contrary, adds dullness to the pattern.
Application
Zinc white can be found in almost all materials relating to the decoration of premises. This is the main component when painting walls, ceilings, floors or furniture. In the artistic field, they are also used quite often. But they are not suitable for all types of creativity, as they have a poor ability to cover the surface and do not mix well with oil paints. At the same time, zinc white is indispensable when working with wood, glass, metal, paper or plaster.
The main differences between zinc white and titanium
So what is the difference between white titanium and zinc? What is the difference between the two? The following table will help answer these questions:
Type white | Zinc | Titanium |
Covering abilities | Leaves the base translucent | Easy to lay on the surface, has excellent covering ability |
Material used | Wood, paper, cardboard, metal, glass, plaster, lime | Wood, paper, cardboard, metal |
The ability to combine with other components | Easy to mix with any paint except oil. Do not dilute with linseed oil, otherwise it will turn yellow | There are many types of organic and inorganic substances that do not combine with |
Effect on final color | Does not affect | After complete drying, it becomes several tones lighter |
Interesting Facts
The manufacturing technology of titanium white was discovered only at the end of the 19th century. And they began to use it in the world and Russia even later - from the 20s of the 20th century. That is why the work of artists until this time was checked for authenticity by analyzing the content of titanium in the paint. By the way, if ilmenite pigment is added to ordinary whiteness, then it becomes unusually strong. It is this feature that engineers of high-tech machines have noticed. And now titanium whitewash with ilmenite pigment covers the hull of spaceships.