Phthalo Blue Pigment

Phthalo Blue (PB15:1) is a single pigment of copper phthalocyanine. It produces an intense, transparent blue with a deep, almost black masstone and brilliant, clean tints. It has extremely high tinting strength, so a very small amount goes a long way.

In use, Phthalo Blue gives powerful, clean blues for skies, water and glazing, and it is one of the most useful mixing blues on any palette. With yellows it makes vivid greens, with reds it makes deep violets and with earths it makes rich, dark neutrals. It is extremely staining, transparent and very lightfast, and it works in every binder.

History

Copper phthalocyanine was discovered by accident in 1927 at Scottish Dyes in Grangemouth, Scotland, when a blue impurity formed during dye manufacture. After further development by ICI, it was introduced in 1935 as Monastral Blue. It quickly replaced Prussian Blue in many uses because of its strength and permanence, and it became one of the most important blue pigments of the 20th century.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Synthetic (Organic) copper phthalocyanine
Source: Copper phthalocyanine
Origin: China
Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Oil, Tempera, Acrylic, Encaustic, Casein, Lime / Fresco
Lightfastness: Excellent
Opacity: Transparent
Other Names: Phthalocyanine Blue, Monastral Blue, Winsor Blue, Thalo Blue, Helio Blue
Color Index Code: PB15:1

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: May cause an allergic skin reaction. Avoid breathing dust and repeated skin contact.