Titanium white buff

Titanium white buff is a synthetic inorganic pigment powder, unbleached titanium dioxide (PW6:1): a warm beige off-white whose tint comes from iron and other metal oxides. It is opaque and very lightfast, and gives warm whites, toned grounds and soft light tints in acrylic, egg tempera, watercolor, gouache and fresco.

Key facts

• Color: warm off-white, beige
• Pigment type: Synthetic inorganic pigment (titanium dioxide)
• Colour Index: PW6:1 (C.I. 77891)
• Composition: titanium dioxide, TiO₂, bound with iron oxide and other metal oxides
• Origin: synthetic
• Also known as: buff titanium, unbleached titanium, titan buff
• Opacity: opaque
• Lightfastness: 8 of 8 on the Blue Wool Scale (supplier data)
• Chemical resistance: alkali 5/5, lime 5/5, acid 5/5 (supplier data, 5 = best)
• Suitable for: acrylic, egg tempera, watercolor, gouache, fresco (lime), ceramics
• Packaging: 50 g jar · 1 kg bag

How to use

Mix the powder with acrylic medium, egg yolk or gum arabic using a palette knife or muller; for fresco, disperse it in water and apply it to fresh lime plaster. It covers strongly, so small amounts lighten a mixture a lot. Its warm tone makes it a good base for toned grounds and for light tints that should not look cold. Keep the jar closed and dry.

About titanium white buff

Titanium dioxide was first mass-produced as a white pigment in 1916 and is now the most widely used white pigment. Standard titanium white is purified to a bright, neutral white; the buff grade is unbleached and keeps a warm tone from iron and other metal oxides bound with the titanium dioxide. Our supplier describes it as calcined titanium white.

Safety

Inhaled titanium dioxide dust is classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), so avoid breathing the powder. 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

What is the difference between titanium white buff and titanium white?

Both are titanium dioxide. Our Titanium dioxide (white) is a bright, neutral white (PW6); the buff grade (PW6:1) is unbleached, with a warm beige tint.

Can titanium white buff be used in fresco?

Yes. Our supplier rates it 5 of 5 for lime and alkali resistance and lists it for fresco and silicate paints.

Is it lightfast?

Yes. It is rated 8 of 8 on the Blue Wool Scale (supplier data) and ASTM I in references.