Substituting Paint Colours: Navigating Different Brands with Ease
How to Find Substitute Paint Colour Matches
As artists, we are constantly adapting – not just in our techniques and subjects, but also in the materials we use. I understand that finding the exact same colour from different manufacturers can feel like trying to catch a butterfly with your hands – it's delicate and sometimes elusive. But fear not! I'm here to guide you through this colourful maze.
There are so many paint colours! It's very confusing trying to decide what colour to select.
The Watercolour Paint Manufacturer of my Choice
There is a vast array of incredible watercolour paint manufacturers for you to choose from. Depending on where you live, one brand might be easier for you to come by than another. I love using Winsor & Newton paints but due to not being able to source them reliably in Australia, I’ve recently made the switch to Schmincke pigments. They are just as good quality as Winsor & Newton but they are less expensive for me to purchase. Sometimes, I also use Daniel Smith watercolour paint.
I use paint colors from three different brands of paint.
If you enjoy doing my online watercolour classes, I want to show you that you don’t have to switch to a different brand just because I do. If you don’t have a certain colour that I use, it doesn't matter. There isn't one paint brand that fits everyone and you don't have to match colours exactly, having a choice is the spice of life.
Understanding Colour Properties
Two different paint brands, two different paint names- but they have the same pigment code (PV19) and are very similar in hue, value and saturation.
Before diving into specific colour substitutions, it's crucial to understand colour properties: hue, value, and saturation. These are universal, regardless of the brand. Hue refers to the colour itself, value to its lightness or darkness, and saturation to its intensity. When looking for a substitute, aim for a match in these three properties, and you'll be close to the original colour.
Additionally, I have written an extensive blog post about the 4 characteristics of watercolour paints if you want to learn even more.
What is the Pigment Colour Index?
In 1925, the Color Index International was established, a valuable resource created by the Society of Dyers and Colorists along with the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists. This index serves as a standardized reference for pigments and dyes, a much-needed solution in a world where colourants often have various proprietary and generic names.
It's a practical tool, not just for manufacturers, but also for artists. This index helps us navigate the diverse and sometimes confusing world of paint colours, ensuring that we, as artists, can find and use the exact shades we need, no matter where we are.
Image by Stefan Schweihofer from Pixabay.
The Color Index International categorizes dyes and pigments based on their chemical structure, rather than focusing on the precise shade, lightness, or intensity of the colour they create. For each pigment listed, there are two unique identifiers: the Color Index Constitution Number, which details its chemical composition, and the Color Index Generic Name Code, serving as a standardized reference for easier identification and comparison.
What do Cadmium Scarlet, Permanent Red and Cadmium Red Have in Common?
Let's consider the pigment known as Cadmium Red, a favourite among artists for its vivid and warm red tone. In different brands, this pigment might be labeled with a variety of paint colour names, such as Cadmium Scarlet, Permanent Red, or even just Cadmium.
In the Color Index International, Cadmium Red is uniformly classified under the Color Index Generic Name as "Pigment Red 108" - you might see it listed as pigment code PR108. This standardised name helps in identifying the pigment consistently across different brands. As well as that, it has a Color Index Constitution Number, "77202", which refers to its specific chemical composition.
Paint colour- Cadmium Red (PR108).
By using these identifiers from the Color Index International, artists can accurately find and use Cadmium Red, no matter the brand they prefer. This system offers a reliable way of colour information to navigate through the diverse names and ensures that artists can match and maintain consistency in their colour choices and artistic work.
I've written a blog post about pigment codes and how to find the pigment code on paint tubes.
It's important to note that paint colours with the same pigment codes may differ between paint manufacturers because of variations in base formulation, pigment concentration, quality, and source, as well as differences in additives and the specific mixing process. In watercolour paints, these factors combine with the unique properties of watercolour mediums, such as binder type, presence of wetting agents or fillers, and paper interaction, to influence the transparency, texture, and final appearance of the paint. As a result, you may observe noticeable differences in colour, behaviour, and effects across brands, even for paints labeled with the same pigment code.
Colour Substitution Guide
Now, let's get practical. I'll list some of my commonly used paint colours from Winsor & Newton, and their close cousins from Schmincke and Daniel Smith. Remember, this isn't an exact science, as each pigment has its unique character, but it's a starting point:
Winsor Blue (Green Shade) PB15 - Winsor & Newton:
Substitute: Phthalo Blue PB15:1 - Schmincke
Substitute: Phthalo Blue Green Shade PB15:3 - Daniel Smith
Paint colors will vary even though they may have the same pigment code.
Winsor Blue (Red Shade) PB15 - Winsor & Newton:
Substitute: Phthalo Sapphire Blue PB15:6 - Schmincke
Substitute: Phthalo Blue Red Shade PB15:6 - Daniel Smith
Cobalt Blue PB28 - Winsor & Newton:
Substitute: Cobalt Blue Light PB28 - Schmincke
Substitute: Cobalt Blue PB28- Daniel Smith
French Ultramarine PB29- Winsor & Newton:
Substitute: French Ultramarine PB29 - Schmincke
Substitute: Ultramarine Blue PB29 or French Ultramarine PB29- Daniel Smith
Prussian Blue and Antwerp Blue PB27 - Winsor & Newton:
Substitute: Prussian Blue PB27- Schmincke
Substitute: Prussian Blue PB27 - Daniel Smith
Cobalt Turquoise Light PG50 - Winsor & Newton:
Substitute: Cobalt Turquoise PG50 - Schmincke
Substitute: Cobalt Teal Blue PG50 - Daniel Smith
Indian Yellow - Winsor & Newton PO62, PY139 :
Substitute: Indian Yellow PY110, PY154 - Schmincke
Substitute: Indian Yellow PY97, PY150 - Daniel Smith
Naples Yellow - Winsor & Newton:
Substitute: Naples Yellow - Schmincke
Substitute: Naples Yellow - Daniel Smith
Winsor Yellow PBr24, PW6 - Winsor & Newton:
Substitute: Pure Yellow PY154 - Schmincke
Substitute: Azo Yellow PY151 - Daniel Smith
Transparent Yellow PY150 - Winsor & Newton:
Substitute: Transparent Yellow PY150 - Schmincke
Substitute: Nickel Azo Yellow PY150 - Daniel Smith
Yellow Ochre PY43 - Winsor & Newton:
Substitute: Yellow Ochre PY42 - Schmincke
Substitute: Italian Deep Ochre PY43 or Yellow Ochre PY43 - Daniel Smith
Gold Ochre PY42 - Winsor & Newton
Substitute: Transparent Ochre PY42 - Schmincke
Substitute: Transparent Yellow Oxide PY42 - Daniel Smith
Brown Ochre PBr7 - Winsor & Newton:
Substitute: Spinel Brown PY119 or Maroon Brown PBr7 - Schmincke
Substitute: Raw Sienna PBr7 - Daniel Smith
Spinel Brown is an opaque colour so be aware of that if you are using it to mix colours.
Burnt Sienna PR101 - Winsor & Newton:
Substitute: Transparent Sienna PR101 - Schmincke
Substitute: Burnt Sienna Light PR101, PO48 or Quinacridone Burnt Orange PO48 - Daniel Smith
Schmincke have a Burnt Sienna as well but I prefer their Transparent Sienna. Their Transparent Sienna is transparent and it is a single pigment paint colour (PR101). Their Burnt Sienna is semi opaque and it is made up of two pigments (PR101 and PBk9).
Winsor Orange PO62 - Winsor & Newton:
Substitute: Transparent Orange PO71 - Schmincke
Substitute: Permanent Orange PO62 - Daniel Smith
Scarlet Lake PR188 - Winsor & Newton:
Substitute: Cadmium Red Light PR108 or Permanent Red PR242, PO62 - Schmincke
Substitute: Organic Vermilion PR188 - Daniel Smith
Winsor Red PR254 - Winsor & Newton:
Substitute: Scarlet Red PR254 - Schmincke
Substitute: Pyrrol Red PR254 - Daniel Smith
Quinacridone Red PR209 - Winsor & Newton:
Substitute: Quinacridone Red Light PR207 - Schmincke
Substitute: Quinacridone Coral PR209 - Daniel Smith
Permanent Rose PV19 - Winsor & Newton:
Substitute: Ruby Red PV19 - Schmincke
Substitute: Quinacridone Rose PV19 - Daniel Smith
Quniacridone Magenta PR122 - Winsor & Newton:
Substitute: Purple Magenta PR122- Schmincke
Substitute: Quinacridone Lilac PR122 - Daniel Smith
Winsor Violet PV23 - Winsor & Newton:
Substitute: Schmincke Violet PV23 - Schmincke
Substitute: Carbazole Violet PV23 (RS) - Daniel Smith
Tips on Testing Colour Substitutes
One of the best ways to ensure a smooth transition to a new paint brand or colour is by testing substitutes before applying them to your main artwork. A practical approach is to create a colour chart to see the colour matches.
Take a sheet of your preferred watercolour paper and paint swatches of your original colour next to its potential substitutes. Observe how each colour behaves when wet and how it looks when dry, and where the differences lay. Another effective method is to do a small sample painting or a series of quick sketches using these substitutes. This not only gives you a feel for the colours in action but also sparks creativity and might lead to discovering new favorite hues.
Remember, the key is to experiment and observe – the results can be surprisingly delightful and add a new dimension to your artistic palette.
Record all of your paint colors on some watercolour paper or in a watercolour journal. This will help you match paint and convert them.
Experiment with Paint colours and Embrace the Difference
While these suggestions should help, I encourage you to experiment. Sometimes, a slight difference in colour can bring an unexpected and delightful twist to your artwork. Keep in mind, that difference in paint colours comes with new options. Embrace these variations as part of your creative journey. After all, art is about expression and adaptation, not just replication.
Final Thoughts
Changing brands or paint colours shouldn't be a hurdle in your artistic path. It's an opportunity to explore and grow. Remember, no matter the brand or the hue, your unique style and vision are what truly bring your paintings to life.
I hope this helps you in finding a good match for my often used paint colours with the ones you might already have at home.
Happy painting, and remember, the world is your canvas – feel free to colour it in your own way!
If you are interested in learning to paint in watercolour, I have over 170 online, voiced over watercolour tutorials for all skill levels.
Originals, prints and merchandise are available to purchase the shop.
