A J Ludlow Iridescent (No.1) Green to Turquoise Pure Pigment Powder

Iridescent (No.1) Powder is just one of the high-performance and light fast special effects pigment powders, which compliment A J Ludlow’s Professional Watercolour range.

Special effects pigment powder Iridescent (1) is an interference pigment, which changes colour depending on the viewing angle. This particular pigment offers colour graduations that flow in and out of each other in a multitude of shades depending on the viewing angle and the incidence of light.

The colour shift (or colour “flop”) of Iridescent (1) is shown to its best advantage over dark backgrounds; going from light green to turquoise.

Supplied as a powder, gives Iridescent (1) pigment the versatility of mixing with many different mediums. It can be mixed with the Watercolour Binder and Painting Medium to form a watercolour or added to the Impasto medium, if a more textured finish is required. The pigment powder is easily incorporated in either medium, but remember to handle it carefully and avoid producing dust. A method of preparing a watercolour is given below:

• Add the pigment powder carefully to a flat ceramic tile to avoid producing dust;

• Add the watercolour binder medium in the ratio of 2 parts pigment powder to 1 part binder (approximately by volume);

• Gently fold the dry powder into the binder with a spatula, taking care not to generate dust;

• Once the pigment powder has been fully wetted out and the mix is even and smooth, transfer the watercolour to a pallet, pan or add water and paint from the tile.

The special effects pigment powders supplied by A J Ludlow as part of the Watercolour Mediums range, are all of the highest quality and have high light fastness. It is not necessary to grind these pigments in the watercolour binder, as they are easily incorporated using a spatula. In fact, excessive mixing of these pigments may damage the particle shape, which in turn will affect the brilliance and colour of these interference pigments.

Although Iridescent (1) powder is non-hazardous, it is a very fine powder, so avoid creating dust when using and avoid breathing in the dust. Be careful when removing pigment powder from the jar and avoid spilling; cover work surfaces and floors in the area as a precaution and avoid using near carpets and other soft furnishing.

Iridescent (1) powder requires a binder to hold the pigment to the substrate and it is not recommended to use it on its own or as a slurry in water because it will not adhere to the substrate and be easily transferred.