Cadmium orange

Cadmium orange is a synthetic orange pigment powder made of cadmium sulfoselenide, from the same family as the cadmium yellows and reds. It gives a warm, saturated, strongly covering orange with excellent lightfastness and is used in oil, acrylic, egg tempera, watercolor and gouache wherever a permanent, opaque orange is needed.

Key facts

• Color: warm, saturated orange
• Pigment type: Synthetic inorganic pigment (cadmium pigment)
• Colour Index: PO20 (C.I. 77202)
• Composition: cadmium sulfoselenide, a solid solution of cadmium sulfide (CdS) and cadmium selenide (CdSe)
• Origin: synthetic
• Opacity: opaque
• Lightfastness: 8 of 8 on the Blue Wool Scale (supplier data)
• Chemical resistance: alkali 5/5, lime 5/5 (supplier data, 5 = best); decomposed by strong acids
• Suitable for: oil, acrylic, egg tempera, watercolor, gouache
• Packaging: 50 g jar · 1 kg bag

How to use

Mix the powder into the binder with a palette knife or glass muller: linseed oil, acrylic medium, egg yolk for tempera or gum arabic for watercolor and gouache. It disperses easily and tints strongly, so a little goes a long way in mixtures. Do not mix it with copper pigments such as azurite or malachite, and keep it apart from lead pigments: both can form dark sulfides. Keep it away from acids, which decompose it and release toxic hydrogen sulfide. Never spray or sand cadmium paint.

About cadmium orange

Cadmium was discovered in Germany in 1817 as an impurity in zinc carbonate, and cadmium sulfide yellows came into artists' use in the 1840s. Adding selenium moves the color from yellow through orange to red: depending on the ratio of sulfur to selenium, the pigment is classed as Pigment Orange 20 or Pigment Red 108. In our range, Cadmium orange sits between Cadmium yellow light and Cadmium red orange.

Safety

Contains cadmium compounds (a toxic heavy metal): breathing the dust is the main risk, so do not inhale or swallow it; dispose of residues and wash water as hazardous waste, never into drains. Handle dry pigment with care: avoid breathing the dust and contact with eyes. Wear a dust mask (FFP2/N95) and gloves when working with the powder, work in a well-ventilated area and wipe up spills with a damp cloth. Do not eat, drink or smoke while working; wash your hands afterwards. Keep away from children and pets. For artistic and technical use only — not for cosmetics, food or tattoos.

FAQ

Is cadmium orange lightfast?

Yes. It is rated 8 of 8 on the Blue Wool Scale (supplier data), and cadmium pigments are known for excellent lightfastness.

How toxic is cadmium orange?

It contains cadmium, a toxic heavy metal. Cadmium pigments are extremely insoluble, which makes them much less hazardous than other cadmium compounds, but the dust must not be inhaled or swallowed and residues must not go down the drain.