Mars brown light

Mars brown light is a light brown iron oxide pigment powder with a yellowish-olive tone, close to raw sienna but darker. Despite the Mars name, usually given to synthetic iron oxides, our supplier classifies it as a natural earth: a natural mixture of iron oxides. It is a semi-transparent, lightfast brown for oil, tempera, watercolor and fresco.

Key facts

• Color: light brown with a yellowish-olive tone
• Pigment type: Natural earth pigment (iron oxides)
• Colour Index: PBr7
• Composition: natural mixture of hydrated iron oxides with silica (supplier data)
• Opacity: semi-transparent
• 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
• Not recommended for: ceramics or heating above about 180 °C: it loses water and turns red-brown
• Packaging: 50 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. Being semi-transparent, it glazes in thin layers and covers moderately when applied thickly, which suits earthy shadows, landscape browns and toned grounds. Keep it away from heat: above about 180 °C it starts to lose water and redden.

About Mars brown light

Mars was the alchemists' name for iron. From the late 18th century the name was used for synthetic iron oxides, made by precipitating iron salts and heating the yellow product to orange, red, brown and violet. Mars brown light keeps that traditional name, but our supplier sells it as a natural earth. Heated to 270–400 °C, it turns into the darker Mars brown dark (supplier data).

Safety

Natural earths can contain crystalline silica: avoid breathing the dust. 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 Mars brown light natural or synthetic?

Natural, according to our supplier: a natural mixture of iron oxides, Colour Index PBr7 (natural brown iron oxide). Most other Mars pigments are synthetic.

How does it differ from Mars brown dark?

Mars brown light is the raw earth: lighter, more yellowish-olive and semi-transparent. Mars brown dark is the calcined version, darker and more covering.

Is it lightfast?

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