True Vermilion Red Watercolor Paint

Description

Synthetic Vermilion 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.

Synthetic Vermilion is a vivid, warm red watercolor pigment historically developed as an alternative to natural cinnabar. Made from chemically identical mercury sulfide (HgS), it retains the legendary brilliance of its natural counterpart, with a scarlet hue that glows with warmth and opacity. From illuminated manuscripts to Renaissance altarpieces, vermilion was the dominant red for centuries, prized for its unmatched vibrancy and buttery texture.

Because of its high mercury content, Vermilion is offered for historical and professional use only, with proper handling precautions. It is ideal for artists, conservators, and collectors working in restoration, historical palettes, or museum quality projects. Its brilliance is unmatched, offering a glimpse into the alchemical, ceremonial, and imperial worlds of the past.

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: Synthetic inorganic mineral pigment
Source: Mercury sulfide (natural cinnabar mineral)
Origin: China
Lightfastness: Excellent
Opacity: Opaque with mild granulation
Other Names: Cinnabar (when natural), Dragon's Blood (archaic), Chinese Red
Color Index Code: PR106

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.

Caution: Contains mercury sulfide. May cause an allergic skin reaction. Contact with acids releases toxic gas. Never heat or burn, which releases toxic mercury vapor. Not for use by children or by anyone pregnant. Toxic to aquatic life; never rinse into drains.

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