Gamblin 1980 Oils -andnbsp;PBk11-Mars Black (Synthetic black iron oxide)

Mars Black: Slightly warm in its tint, this leanest (more matte) black dries more quickly than Ivory Black. Though not as black as Ivory Black, Mars Black has approximately three times the tinting strength and is very opaque. Cool in its masstone and strong, Mars Black is often the choice of the Neo-Expressionists and others who want to make black opaque marks in thick wet paintings.

Pigmentandnbsp;Composition and Permanence:andnbsp;

Pigment Name: PBk11-Mars Black

Pigment Type: earth

Properties

Mars Black is an opaque black with a strong and cool masstone, a slightly warm tint, and a warm brown undertone. It is not as black as Ivory Black but dries more quickly and has three times the tinting strength.

Mars Black is usually the only black available in an acrylic form, which is safe to over-paint. It can be used in all media without reservation and is widely used as an alternative to Lamp Black and Ivory Black.

Permanence

Mars Black is very lightfast with excellent permanence.

Toxicity

Mars Black has no significant hazards and is the only primary black pigment considered non-toxic.

History

The word Mars refers to the Roman god of iron and war. Mars Black was developed in the early 20th century from inorganic, synthetic iron oxide.