Gold and silver are one of the most important painting materials in both Western and Eastern art. However, they are the most expensive materials at the same time. For instance, our products made of pure gold or pure silver in powder form are priced as follows.  It would cost a lot to use them for a large area.

Therefore, as an alternative to pure gold or silver, I would like to recommend these gold and silver-tinted effect pigments produced by KUSAKABE CORPORATION.

These pigments are carefully selected for artists who create fresco and tempera paintings. They can also be mixed with other binders to make watercolor and acrylic paints.

Gold and Green Gold are made of brass, while Pearl Gold, Pearl Silver, and Pearl Bronze are made of titanium dioxide-coated micas. Titanium dioxide-coated mica means coating mica with titanium.

The overall texture is silky and lump-free and seems a little easier to handle compared to other effects pigments. However, their light-specific gravity tends to make them difficult to be mixed well with binders or mediums. When mixing with water-based mediums, adding Pigment Dispersant for Aqueous Paint to the pigments will help make smooth paint. Moreover, you can use the same pigments for Japanese painting (Nihonga) by mixing them with animal glue.

These are how the pigment colors appeared by applying one layer of each paint on pieces of paper painted with white and black acrylic paints.

Although I painted on a flat surface, I took pictures by placing them on a curved object.

In comparison to other types of pigments, effect pigments have more transparency, so the underlying colors will show through them. Moreover, applying a dark color underneath can enhance the shimmering effect of these pigments.

Perhaps because it was kneaded with Gum Arabic and applied on Bamboo Washi Paper for Watercolor that has moderate absorbency, the result looks matte and has less glossiness on a white background. Although it’s quite vibrant with only a thin layer of paint, you may apply several coats to increase the glitter effect.

However, since this series is not polarizing pigment, the same metallic color will remain the same even if it’s been viewed from different angles.

【Art Materials Used】

Colors:  Gold, Green Gold, Pearl Gold, Pearl Silver, Pearl Bronze (KUSAKABE)

Binder: Gum Arabic Medium (KUSAKABE)

Substrate: Bamboo Washi for Watercolor(Awagami Factory)

Painting on a black background increased the luster of the pigments compared to the previous sample. Although most of these pigments do not change significantly by making the background black, the color change of Pearl Bronze appears to be the most noticeable. 

The brushstrokes are more visible on the black background too, therefore, if you prefer to create a flat and smooth surface, you might need to use an airbrush or apply layers of acrylic paint.

The slightly uneven brushstrokes can also be used as a texture similar to the surface covered with metal leaves.

【Art Materials Used】

Colors: Gold, Green Gold, Pearl Gold, Pearl Silver, Pearl Bronze (KUSAKABE)
            Acrylic Paint

Binder: Gum Arabic Medium (KUSAKABE)

Substrate: Bamboo Washi for Watercolor(Awagami Factory)

Some of our customers use these pigments for coloring picture frames and wooden objects. For the wooden object like the image below, I applied a prime coat lightly and painted the middle part with KUSAKABE Gold and the top with KUSAKABE Green Gold. 

Although the texture and luster are slightly different from the gold leaf, it looks as if it were painted with real gold powder.

The left side is painted over clear gesso, the center is painted over black acrylic paint gesso and the far right side is painted over white acrylic paint.

I used gum arabic as the main binder since it was made while I was working on the color samples above. Gum arabic does not become water-resistant after drying, therefore, you can use paints that will become water-resistant after drying such as acrylics if you plan to use it for long-term exhibition or depending on the material.

【Art Materials Used】

Colors: Gold, Green Gold, Pearl Gold, Pearl Silver, Pearl Bronze (KUSAKABE) 
            Clear Gesso, Acrylic Paint

Binder: Gum Arabic Medium (KUSAKABE)

Substrate: Wood

If you are looking for gold and silver colors that can be applied on uneven surfaces which are not suitable for gilding or can be used for spraying a large area, these are the pigments perfect for you.
Of course, you can always find new possibilities in using these pigments too!

Translated by Atsumi Okano and Nelson Hor Ee Herng

PIGMENT TOKYO Art Materials Experts