Massicot

Massicot is a yellow lead oxide pigment powder: lead(II) oxide, PbO, in its yellow orthorhombic form (PY46). It gives a pale, creamy, opaque yellow for oil and egg tempera, and like other lead compounds it speeds up the drying of oil.

Key facts

• Color: pale, creamy yellow
• Pigment type: Synthetic inorganic pigment (lead oxide)
• Colour Index: PY46 (C.I. 77577)
• Composition: lead(II) oxide, PbO (yellow orthorhombic form)
• Origin: synthetic
• Also known as: lead monoxide, Flemish yellow
• Opacity: opaque
• Lightfastness: 7 of 8 on the Blue Wool Scale (supplier data)
• Chemical resistance: dissolves in acids and in strong alkalis; grays or darkens in sulfur fumes
• Suitable for: oil, acrylic, egg tempera, watercolor, gouache
• Not recommended for: fresco (lead pigments tend to blacken in wall paintings)
• Packaging: 50 g jar · 1 kg bag

How to use

Wet the powder with a little binder before mulling to keep dust down, then mull it into linseed oil, egg yolk, gum arabic or acrylic medium with a glass muller. In oil it acts as a drier, so the paint sets faster than usual. Keep it apart from sulfide pigments such as orpiment, realgar and cinnabar, since sulfur darkens lead colors, and protect finished work with a binder film or varnish.

About massicot

Yellow lead monoxide is one of the oldest manufactured yellows and has been found at predynastic sites in Egypt. It forms when lead or lead white is heated in air, and by controlled heating and cooling it can be switched between yellow massicot and red litharge. Old texts also used the name massicot for lead-tin yellow, a different pigment.

Safety

Contains lead (lead oxide): toxic if swallowed or inhaled, may damage the unborn child and is suspected of damaging fertility, and may cause organ damage through prolonged or repeated exposure. Not for use by children or during pregnancy. 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 massicot a natural pigment?

Massicot also exists as a natural mineral, but only in small quantities. Pigment-grade yellow lead oxide is manufactured by heating lead or lead compounds, so it is a synthetic pigment.

What is the difference between massicot and lead-tin yellow?

Massicot is lead oxide alone; lead-tin yellow is lead stannate, made by heating lead and tin oxides together. Lead-tin yellow was far more widely used by the old masters.