Selecting a black from the R&F Handmade Paints color line

Black has played a vital role in the development of the arts as an early pigment used in prehistory and the first inks used by printers. We produce three blacks in our encaustic line (Mars Black, Ivory Black, Intense Carbon Black), and four in our Pigment Stick® line (with the addition of Lamp Black). Each of these pigments contain characteristics and qualities uniquely their own. So how do you know which to choose next in your painting?

Mars Black

Mars Black takes its name from Mars, the Roman god of war and patron of iron - it is an iron oxide pigment developed in the 20th century. It is a very dense and opaque black with slightly violet and grey undertones if extended. It mixes cleaner than other blacks. If you're in need of a quicker drying black when using our Pigment Stick® line, Mars is a great option.

Ivory Black

We categorize our Ivory Black as opaque, but it's not as opaque as Mars Black. It has a slightly warm, brown undertone. The name Ivory alludes a little to the history of the pigment though it is obviously no longer made from ivory. Sometimes it's called Bone Black now since it comes from charred animal bone. Ivory Black is an all-purpose black and is a solid choice for mixing greys and creating colored shades in our encaustic line.

Intense Carbon Black

The blackest of all blacks. Best for special effects. Intense Carbon Black has reddish undertones and tints and is rated as a slow drier in our Pigment Stick® line. Similar to Ivory black, the name alludes to the history of the pigment - the burning or carbonizing of natural gas, oil, wood, vegetables, and other organic matter. This is a super dark black that absorbs enormous amounts of light, making it definitely our strongest black for both color lines.

Lamp Black

This black is unusual for its very bluish undertone and the grey that can be made with it. The pure carbon pigment is made from the residual soot from burning oil and its name comes from the practice of making it with oil lamps. Slow drying due to its oily origins.