Chrome Yellow Pigment

Description

Chrome Yellow is a vivid, opaque yellow pigment made from lead chromate (PbCrO₄). Depending on its formulation and particle size, it ranges from bright lemon yellow to deep golden yellow. Known for its brilliance and strong covering power, Chrome Yellow was one of the most important yellows of the 19th century, used by both fine artists and industry before its hazards were fully understood.

In use, it offers high opacity, strong tinting strength, and clean mixtures with earths and other mineral pigments. In watercolor it can appear flat and dense, while in oils and acrylics it yields warm, glowing yellows that remain powerful even in thin layers.

History

Chrome Yellow was first introduced around 1809, soon after the discovery of chromium. Its striking intensity quickly made it a favorite among painters, replacing traditional yellows such as orpiment and gamboge, which were either less stable or more difficult to prepare. In the pictured artwork 'A Wheatfield with Cypresses' by Van Gogh, chrome yellow is used to create the brilliant gold of the wheatfields.

By the mid-19th century, Chrome Yellow was used extensively in Impressionist and Post-Impressionist palettes. Vincent van Gogh, for example, relied heavily on it in works such as Sunflowers. However, the pigment was prone to darkening and browning due to chemical reactions with sulfur compounds and atmospheric pollution.

Industrial uses also flourished: Chrome Yellow appeared in paints, enamels, and even school buses in the 20th century. Eventually, its high toxicity (due to both lead and hexavalent chromium) led to it being phased out, replaced by safer cadmium yellows and synthetic organic alternatives.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Synthetic Inorganic
Chemical Composition: PbCrO₄ (Lead Chromate)
Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Oil, Tempera, Acrylic
Lightfastness: Moderate (prone to darkening)
Opacity: Opaque
Other Names: Chrome Yellow, Chromate Yellow, Paris Yellow, King's Yellow (sometimes confused with arsenic pigment)
Color Index Code: PY34
Image: 'A Wheatfield with Cypresses' by Van Gogh from the National Gallery

Health and Safety

• For art use only. Not for cosmetic, food or children's use.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not eat, drink or smoke while working.
• Avoid creating or breathing dust. Work in a ventilated area and wear a NIOSH approved dust respirator (P100 or better) when handling dry pigment.
• Wear gloves and eye protection. Wash hands and work surfaces after use, and never rinse pigment into drains.
• Do not spray apply, sand or burn.
• If swallowed or if you feel unwell, contact a poison control center (U.S. 1-800-222-1222) or a doctor.
• Safety Data Sheet available on request.

Caution: Contains lead. Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. May cause cancer. May damage fertility or the unborn child and may harm breastfed children. Causes damage to the nervous system, blood and kidneys through prolonged or repeated exposure. Not for use by children or by anyone pregnant, planning a pregnancy or nursing. Never sand, spray, burn or heat dry paint. Wash hands, nails and work surfaces thoroughly after use and keep away from food. Very toxic to aquatic life; never rinse into drains. Wear a P100 respirator (full face, or half face with goggles) when handling the dry pigment; N95 and P95 masks are not sufficient.

Caution: Contains hexavalent chromium (chromate). May cause cancer. May cause allergy or asthma symptoms if inhaled and an allergic skin reaction. Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Avoid all dust and skin contact and wear gloves. Not for use by children or by anyone pregnant. Very toxic to aquatic life; never rinse into drains. Wear a P100 respirator (full face, or half face with goggles) when handling the dry pigment; N95 and P95 masks are not sufficient.

WARNING: This product can expose you to lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

WARNING: This product can expose you to chromium (hexavalent compounds), which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.