Ochre terracotta

Ochre terracotta is a natural ochre pigment powder in a soft, brownish red-orange, the color of fired terracotta. It is a clay earth colored by iron oxide, easy to mull, lightfast and lime-proof, and it gives warm terracotta and apricot tones in fresco and lime paint, egg tempera, oil, watercolor and gouache.

Key facts

• Color: soft red-orange with a brownish tinge
• Pigment type: Natural earth pigment
• Colour Index: PY43 (C.I. 77492)
• Composition: clay colored by iron oxide-hydroxide, FeO(OH), with 10–14% iron (supplier data)
• Opacity: semi-opaque
• Lightfastness: excellent; natural iron oxide earths (PY43) are rated ASTM I
• 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)
• Packaging: 50 g jar · 1 kg bag

How to use

Mull it with a palette knife or muller into linseed oil, egg yolk, gum arabic or acrylic medium. Used full strength it covers as a warm terracotta red; let down with white it gives apricot and peach tints. For fresco, grind it in water first, then apply it to fresh lime plaster. Iron oxide earths are compatible with all other pigments, so it mixes freely with the rest of your palette. Store the powder dry and closed.

About terracotta

Terracotta is Italian for “baked earth” (from the Latin terra cocta) and names the fired clay of tiles, pots and sculpture, whose natural color is a brownish orange. This ochre is named for that color. Like all ochres it is a natural mixture of clay and iron oxides, so its shade can vary slightly from batch to batch.

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

How is Ochre terracotta different from Ochre red?

Ochre terracotta is a lighter, softer red-orange. Ochre red is calcined ochre colored by hematite (PR102), a deeper carrot red.

Is it lightfast?

Yes. Natural iron oxide earths are among the most lightfast pigments: natural yellow iron oxide (PY43) is rated ASTM I (excellent).

Is it toxic?

No, ochres are considered non-toxic. Still, avoid breathing the dry powder, because natural earths can contain crystalline silica.