What Pigments Work Best in Frescos?

In fresco painting, the pigments must be able to react chemically with the lime in the wet plaster to become fixed to the wall. As a result, not all pigments are suitable for use in fresco painting. The best pigments for fresco painting are those that are lightfast, meaning they don't fade over time, and those that are chemically stable and will not react with the lime in the plaster.

Here are some pigments that are commonly used in fresco painting:

1. Natural pigments: Earth pigments, such as ochres and iron oxides, are popular choices for fresco painting because they are lightfast, chemically stable, and readily available. They provide a range of warm, natural colors and are easy to obtain.
2. Lime-proof pigments: Some pigments, such as certain blues and greens, are not naturally compatible with lime and can react in undesirable ways. To overcome this, special "lime-proof" pigments are available that have been specifically formulated for use in fresco painting. Such as Ultramarine Blue.
3. Synthetic pigments: Synthetic pigments, such as Titanium Dioxide, and the Cadmium family are also commonly used in fresco painting because they are lightfast, chemically stable, and readily available in a wide range of colors. They provide a range of bright, vivid colors and are more stable and lightfast than some natural pigments.
4. Lead-based pigments: Lead white, lead-tin yellow, and other lead-based pigments were widely used in fresco painting, especially during the Renaissance period. Although they are not technically lime-proof, they are considered to be stable and durable when used in a lime-based material.

It's important to note that different pigments will react differently with the lime in the plaster and will produce different colors and shades.

As a result, it's always recommended to test the pigments in a small area before using them in a larger project.