Titanium Dioxide: The Ultimate White Pigment for Artists and Paint Makers

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475-21

Titanium White is a synthetic white pigment with high hiding power, nontoxic, permanent, and usable in all mediums. Explore the whiteness and opacity of Rublev Colours Titanium Dioxide White Pigment. Perfect for artists seeking the highest-quality white pigment. Learn about its applications, history, and safety today.

Titanium white (titanium dioxide) pigment is a fine white powder. When used in paints, it provides for maximum whiteness and opacity. It gives paint high hiding power, meaning the ability to mask or hide the substrate underneath. It does this more effectively than any other white pigment. Today, titanium white pigment is the most important material used by the paint industry for whiteness and opacity. These unique properties are derived from the refractive index of titanium white. The refractive index expresses the ability to bend and scatter light. Titanium white has the highest refractive index of any material known to man, greater than diamond. To use this property, titanium white must be mined, refined, and ground to a fine, uniform particle size.

Titanium white pigments are developments of the 20th century, and because of their high hiding power, low toxicity, and reasonable cost, they have eclipsed other traditional white pigments.

Our titanium white is R2 grade rutile pigment that:

  • Imparts maximum brightness and a neutral tone in white coatings,

  • Produces brilliant, clean tints,

  • It is readily dispersed and meets all requirements of modern production methods,

  • It gives very high hiding power and is thus economical in use,

  • Produces low-haze, high-gloss coatings, and

  • It is suitable for all outdoor oil, solvent, and water-borne paints and coatings.

Pigment Names
Common Names (pigment):English: titanium white, titanium dioxide
French: oxyde de titane
German: Titandioxid
Italian: bianco di titanio
Norwegian: titandioksid
Russian:
Spanish: dióxido de titano
Common Names (variety):English: anatase, rutile
French: anatase, rutile
German: Anatas, Rutil
Italian: anatasio, rutilo
Norwegian: anatas, rutil
Russian:
Spanish: anatasa, rutilo
Alternate Names:Titania, titanium white, permanent white


Origin and History

Titanium dioxide can refer to any pigment containing a compound of titanium. The name “Permanent White” has been applied to many pigments, including titanium white. Such imprecise names can confuse, and many are still used today. At the beginning of the 20th century, the development of titanium white pigment occurred simultaneously in Norway and the United States. Several processes were later developed and patented by companies in both countries. The use of titanium dioxide as a white pigment in artist’s palettes in field tests as early as 1916, but it wasn’t until twasn’t0s that widespread use of the pigment began.

Source

Nature does not yield titanium white in a form usable as a pigment. Titanium white is usually associated with iron, mainly as the mineral ilmenite. It is also mined in one of the pure forms, rutile beach sand. Deposits of titanium-bearing minerals used as the basic raw materials in manufacturing titanium white pigments can be found in many places on the earth.

Pigment manufacturers convert these raw materials to produce titanium white pigments. The production of titanium white pigments is a refinement process. This may be achieved by either the sulfate process, which uses sulfuric acid as a separating agent, or the chloride process, which works with chlorine. Once refined and developed to the appropriate particle size, the pigment may be surface treated with inorganic oxides and an organic compound to achieve better technical performance, such as easy processability or higher weather durability.

Permanence and Compatibility

Both rutile and anatase forms of titanium white are lightfast. However, according to Marilyn Laver (see note 6), exposure to light can cause a phototropic color change under certain circumstances. Rutile undergoes this reversible color change to a lesser extent than does anatase. The rutile and anatase pigment forms are chemically inert and do not react with airborne pollutants, organic solvents, or other pigments. Increased weather resistance and dispersibility of titanium white pigments are provided by coating the pigment with inorganic or organic substances. Our grade of titanium white is coated with alumina, silica, and zirconia compounds. Some suggest that the resistance of titanium white pigments to acids and alkalies is an advantage for their use in true fresco.

Oil Absorption and Grinding

Titanium white absorbs a low amount of oil. The oil absorption ratio is 15 to 20 parts by oil weight to 100 parts by weight of pigment. If the measurement were grams, it would require 15 to 20 grams (by weight) of linseed oil to grind 100 grams (by weight) of pigment to form a stiff paste. It makes an average to slow drying oil paint that forms a soft, brittle film.

Toxicity

Titanium white pigments have been produced and processed for nearly a century, and no acute or chronic harmful effects attributable to titanium dioxide have become known. Titanium white is not considered hazardous, but care should be taken when handling dry powder pigment to avoid inhaling the dust. The Occupational Exposure Standards (OES) for titanium dioxide in the air at the workplace have been set at 3 mg/m3 total respirable dust. Titanium white is not expected to have any mutagenic, carcinogenic, fibrogenic, toxic, or allergenic effects if this value is adhered to.

Rublev Colours Pigment: Titanium Dioxide (Titanium White)

Rublev Colours Pigment: Titanium Dioxide (Titanium White)

Pigment Information
Color:White
Colour Index:Pigment White 6 (77891)
Chemical Name:Titanium Dioxide (Rutile)
Chemical Formula:TiO2
CAS No.13463-67-7
EINECS No.:236-675-5
Production:Rutile pigment produced by the chloride process
Surface Treatment:Aluminum, zirconium, and organic compounds
ASTM Lightfastness Rating
Acrylic:I
Oil:I
Watercolor:I
Properties
Standard Classification:1Type R2 Type VII
TiO2 content (DIN EN ISO 591):≥ 92.5%
Density:24.1 g/cm3
Specific Gravity:4.1
Bulk Density (Tamped):3119.8 kg/m3 (34.2 lbs/gal)
pH Value (10% suspension):7.5
Hardness:
Crystal Size:0.22 microns
Refractive Index:n = 2.72 (rutile)
Relative Scattering Power:4102
Oil Absorption (DIN EN ISO 787-5):19 g/100 g pigment
Weather Resistance:5A
ASTM D476 DesignationII, III, IV


Notes

1. The classification A1, A2, R1, R2, R3 corresponds to DIN EN ISO 591-1:2000, Part 1. The classification Type VII corresponds to ASTM D476 (2000).

2. The titanium dioxide content and density of the pigments depend on the type and quantity of the treatment substances used to improve the application properties. Pure rutile has a density of 4.2, while pure anatase has a density of 3.8.

3. Based on ISO 787/11.

4. The relative scattering power is the decisive parameter for titanium white pigments’ tinting strength and hiding power. The scattering power is determined based on DIN 53165.

5. Code for weather resistance:
A = Maximum weather resistance
B = Good weather resistance
C = Limited weather resistance

6. See Martin Laver, “Titanium Diox “de White” in Elizabeth” West Hugh, ed., Artist’s PigmeArtist’sandbook of Their History and Characteristics, Volume 3, Washington, D.C., National Gallery of Art, 1997), 340.


Frequently Asked Questions

Why was titanium dioxide banned?

Titanium dioxide was banned in certain applications and jurisdictions due to concerns over inhalation toxicity in powdered form. Regulatory bodies in some countries have restricted its use in food products and other ingestible items, emphasizing the need for cautious application and handling, particularly in industrial and non-food contexts.

Is titanium dioxide good or bad for you?

Titanium dioxide is considered safe for use in many applications, including cosmetics and paints. However, its safety as a food additive has been questioned, leading to bans or restrictions in some regions. When used in non-ingestible products and handled properly, it poses minimal risk to human health.


More Information
SKU475-21
BrandRublev Colours
VendorRublev Colours
Processing TimeUsually ships the next business day.
ColorWhite
Pigment TypeInorganic, Synthetic

Hazard Pictograms

Health Hazard
GHS08: Health Hazard

Signal Word: Warning

GHS Classifications:

Skin irritation: Category 3

Carcinogenicity: Category 2

Hazard Statements

H316 Causes mild skin irritation.

H351 Suspected of causing cancer.

Precautionary Statements

P281 Use personal protective equipment as required.

Potential Health Effects

Eyes Causes eye irritation.

Inhalation May be harmful if inhaled. Causes respiratory tract irritation.

Skin May be harmful if absorbed through skin. Causes skin irritation.

Ingestion May be harmful if swallowed.

Order Processing

If the Processing Time for items in your order is "Usually ships within 24-48 hours", your order will usually be processed within 48 hours of receipt Monday through Friday. Orders received during weekends and holidays will be processed on the next business (working) day. Orders with longer processing times will be shipped when all items become available.

Shipping Rates

Please add your desired items and the delivery address to your basket to determine the exact shipping costs and options. The table below provides shipping rates for different weights to the countries we ship to.

Carriers

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Below is an approximate guide to shipping costs for locations in Europe. Rates may change without notice.

COUNTRYALPHA-2RATES PER PARCELSCARRIER
0–10 kg>10 kg–30 kg
AustriaAT11,50 €11,50 €DPD
BelgiumBE10,95 €10,95 €DPD
BulgariaBG20,25 €30,25 €FedEx
Bosnia and HerzegovinaBA49,25 €49,25 €DPD
CyprusCY21,80 €29,30 €FedEx
SwitzerlandCH25,85 €42,98 €FedEx
Czech RepublicCZ12,00 €12,00 €DPD
GermanyDE5,50 €5,50 €DPD
DenmarkDK12,00 €12,00 €DPD
SpainES17,48 €28,50 €FedEx
EstoniaEE21,70 €21,70 €DPD
FinlandFI17,48 €28,50 €FedEx
FranceFR14,60 €14,60 €DPD
United KingdomGB– €– €
GreeceGR17,48 €28,50 €FedEx
CroatiaHR29,25 €29,25 €DPD
HungaryHU15,90 €15,90 €DPD
IrelandIE17,48 €28,50 €FedEx
IcelandIS30,70 €62,40 €DHL
ItalyIT15,90 €15,90 €DPD
LiechtensteinLI25,85 €43,00 €FedEx
LithuaniaLT21,70 €21,70 €DPD
LuxembourgLU10,95 €10,95 €DPD
LatviaLV21,70 €21,70 €DPD
MaltaMT21,80 €30,25 €FedEx
MonacoMC15,95 €24,30 €FedEx
NetherlandsNL10,95 €10,95 €DPD
NorwayNO25,85 €43,00 €FedEx
PolandPL14,90 €14,90 €DPD
PortugalPT15,50 €15,50 €DPD
RomaniaRO21,80 €30,25 €FedEx
SerbiaRS49,25 €49,25 €DPD
SlovakiaSK15,90 €15,90 €DPD
SloveniaSI15,90 €15,90 €DPD
SwedenSE15,90 €15,90 €DPD
TurkeyTR27,30 €46,20 €FedEx


Note: Countries in RED type are not members of the European Union.


Postal Service

Shipping (EU and non-EU countries):

Up to 500 grams Tracked: 6,85 €

Up to 1000 grams Tracked: 10,45 €

Up to 2000 grams Tracked: 20,50 €


Tracking

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We will update your order with the tracking information if the shipping carrier provides a tracking number. You can locate the tracking number for your order in the shipping confirmation email you receive when your order is shipped. (Look for the email with the subject line "Natural Pigments: Shipment # xxxxxxxxx for Order # xxxxxxxxx.") You can also find the tracking number by signing into your account and visiting My Account Dashboard under Recent Orders.

VAT for Orders within the European Union

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Shipping Rates

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Shipping Damage

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Back Orders

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Titanium White Pigment
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