Purpurissum Encaustic Wax Paint

Description

Purpurissum is our exquisitely hand crafted encaustic wax paint made with an extremely concentrated, high quality single source pigment. Every 40ml bar is meticulously handmade, poured, and labeled, using pure filtered beeswax, natural damar resin, and the maximum amount of hand ground and richly textured pigment. Every paint is single pigment with maximum concentration and no fillers or extenders.

Purpurissum is a handmade natural pigment made through an ancient process described by Pliny the Elder in Naturalis Historia. It is a type of lake pigment created by dyeing finely ground marble dust with Tyrian Purple (extracted from Murex Trunnculus sea snails). The result is a rich purple pigment that has been used since antiquity in painting, manuscript illumination, and textile dyeing. Unlike direct Murex dyes, which were primarily used for textiles, Purpurissum was formulated to be a stable lake pigment suitable for painting.

Key Features

Single Source Pigment: Each product features one pure pigment.

All Natural Medium: Our encaustic medium is made with pure filtered beeswax and natural damar resin.

Handmade Artisanal Process: Crafted in small batches, our encaustic wax paints are handmade and gently poured into 40ml bars to preserve the integrity of the pigment.

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

Recommended Use: Melt on a heated palette and apply with brushes or tools. Mix with encaustic medium for more transparency and fluidity.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Natural (Animal based lake pigment) from Murex dye on a mineral substrate (chalk, clay, or gypsum)
Source: Extracted from Murex trunculus sea snails
Origin: South France
Lightfastness: Good
Opacity: Semi-transparent to semi-opaque
Other Names: Tyrian Purple Lake, Imperial Purple, Roman Purple
Color Index Code: NV1

Production Process

Our encaustic paints are carefully hand ground and mixed with pure filtered beeswax and natural damar resin, ensuring an exceptionally concentrated and vibrant product. The entire process is carried out by hand, from grinding and mixing to pouring and labeling, so you can be confident in the artisanal quality of every bar 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.
• Heat encaustic only to working temperature in a ventilated area; never overheat wax.
• 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.