Cochineal Lake Pink Watercolor Paint

Description

Cochineal Lake is our exquisitely hand crafted watercolor paint made with an extremely concentrated, high quality single source pigment. Every pan is meticulously hand mulled, filled, and labeled, using pure local honey, natural gum arabic, and a small amount of food grade sodium benzoate preservative to achieve a concentrated and richly textured pigment. Every paint is single pigment with maximum concentration and no fillers or extenders.

Cochineal Lake is a brilliant, rosy red watercolor made from the cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus), a traditional dye source cultivated on prickly pear cacti in Central and South America. First used by Indigenous peoples of the Andes and later prized by European artists, royals, and textile dyers, cochineal became one of the most valuable and widespread red dyes in history.

Our Cochineal Lake is crafted from ethically sourced cochineal insects and laked with alum, following historical methods to preserve the vibrancy and warmth of this botanical animal hybrid pigment. The result is a glowing crimson pink with soft transparency and luminous undertones. Ideal for botanical illustration, portraiture, glazes, and historical work, this pigment offers an organic alternative to synthetic reds with deep cultural and artistic roots.

Key Features

Single Source Pigment: Each product features one pure pigment.

Handmade Artisanal Process: Crafted in small batches, our watercolors are hand mulled on a stone slab and hand packed to preserve the integrity of the pigment.

Maximum Pigment Load: Designed to provide maximum color saturation, our formula contains no fillers or extenders.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Natural organic lake pigment (insect derived)
Source: Cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus), laked with alum
Origin: Handmade in house using traditional dyeing methods; cochineal sourced from Peru
Lightfastness: Moderate (best kept in archival or protected conditions)
Opacity: Transparent with soft glow and minimal granulation
Other Names: Carmine Lake, Carminic Lake, Natural Crimson, Grana Cochinilla, Mexican Carmine
Color Index Code: NR4 (Natural Red 4)

Production Process

Our watercolors are carefully hand mulled and mixed with pure local honey and gum arabic, ensuring an exceptionally concentrated and vibrant product. The entire process is carried out by hand, from mixing and mulling to filling and labeling, so you can be confident in the artisanal quality of every pan through our historic processes.

Usage & Care

Please store in a secure area away from children and pets, and dispose of any waste in an environmentally friendly manner in accordance with all local, state, and national regulations.

If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact us.

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 skin contact and wash hands after use. Wipe brushes and palettes clean before rinsing, and never pour paint waste down drains. Do not spray apply, sand dried paint 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.