Venetian red

Venetian red is a synthetic red iron oxide pigment powder (PR101) in a warm brick red. A classic earth red, it is opaque with high hiding power, lightfast and lime-proof, and works in oil, acrylic, egg tempera, watercolor, gouache, fresco and lime or cement plaster.

Key facts

• Color: warm brick red
• Pigment type: Synthetic inorganic pigment (iron oxide)
• Colour Index: PR101 (C.I. 77491)
• Composition: iron(III) oxide, Fe₂O₃
• Origin: synthetic
• Also known as: 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: 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. It covers well even in thin layers and, like other iron oxides, dries well in oil. Mixed with white it gives warm pinks and flesh tones; with blue or black, deep browns. The supplier notes that red iron oxides are compatible with all other pigments.

About Venetian red

Venetian red was originally a natural red earth colored by hematite. By the 18th century it was also manufactured by heating iron sulfate (copperas), and modern versions are often synthetic red iron oxide, as ours is. The name has been recorded as an English color name since 1753. Among red iron oxides it is a warm shade, warmer than English or Indian 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 Venetian red natural or synthetic?

Ours is synthetic red iron oxide, PR101. Historically the name meant a natural red earth; for natural reds, see our Red Novgorod earth and our natural hematites.

What is the difference between Venetian red, English red and Hematite?

All three are synthetic red iron oxide, PR101, in different shades: Venetian red is a warm brick red, English red a cooler, darker red and Hematite a deep blood red.

Can I use it in fresco?

Yes. The supplier rates its lime and alkali resistance 5 of 5, and iron oxides are classic fresco pigments.