English red

English red is a synthetic red iron oxide pigment powder (PR101) made by heating iron sulfate (copperas). It gives a cool, dark red with high hiding power and is lightfast and lime-proof, for oil, acrylic, egg tempera, watercolor, gouache, fresco and lime or cement plaster.

Key facts

• Color: cool dark red
• Pigment type: Synthetic inorganic pigment (iron oxide)
• Colour Index: PR101 (C.I. 77491)
• Composition: anhydrous iron(III) oxide, Fe₂O₃, from calcined iron sulfate
• Origin: synthetic
• Also known as: light red, iron oxide red
• 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); stable in weak acids, dissolved by strong mineral acids
• Suitable for: oil, acrylic, egg tempera, watercolor, gouache, fresco (lime), lime and cement plaster, ceramics
• Packaging: 25 g jar · 1 kg bag

How to use

Mix the powder into linseed oil, egg yolk, gum arabic or acrylic medium with a palette knife or muller; for fresco, grind it in water and paint into fresh lime plaster. It covers strongly, so a little goes far in mixtures: with white it gives cool pinks, with ochres and umbers warm flesh and earth tones. The supplier states that it is heat-stable up to 500 °C and compatible with all other pigments.

About English red

Heating iron sulfate (copperas, green vitriol) decomposes it and leaves red iron oxide, a residue known as colcothar. English red is a former name for iron oxide red; the artificial kind was made by heating iron sulfate, often with chalk. In 1942 a paint standard renamed English red as light red.

Safety

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 English red a natural pigment?

No. It is synthetic red iron oxide, PR101, made from calcined iron sulfate. For natural reds, see our Red Novgorod earth and our natural hematites.

How does it differ from Venetian red?

Both are synthetic red iron oxide. English red is cooler and darker; Venetian red is a warmer brick red.

Is it lightfast?

Yes. The supplier rates it 8 of 8 on the Blue Wool Scale, and red iron oxides are permanent pigments.