This site is community-supported. We may earn a commission (at no extra cost) when you buy through our links.

Lead Tin Yellow Type I (Genuine Historical Pigment)

Lead Tin I

Alternate Names

Lead Stannate Type 1

Giallorino

Massicot

Pigment Description

There are two main lead-tin yellows, and among them there are differences in the shade of yellow. Type I is usually a lemon yellow which tends to be brighter than Type II. This color does not have a pigment code. Also bear in mind that Lead Tin Yellow Type 1 is different from the other lead yellows (specifically it is distinct from Naples Yellow Genuine, PY41). The two pigments are distinct (more on this below). According to CAMEO Type 1 has a tendency to interact to form lead soaps in paint films.

Like all lead paints this is extremely toxic.

Also known sometimes as Giallorino, the terms Lead Tin Yellow, Naples Yellow genuine, giallolino, giallorino, massicot, and litharge all need a little bit of clarity as they may or may not refer to similar things when people use them. Part of the reason for the confusion may lie in historical reasons that go beyond this brief overview. In terms of Type I and Type II, Artiscreation notes that Type II is "redder and deeper...and more transparent" than Type I.

Lead Tin Yellow Type I has a somewhat heavy physical weight, and it’s mellow in the way that it mixes. In terms of color behavior, the lead yellows are more mild than most synthetics, most cadmiums, and have a semi-transparency to them. However they are poisonous and expensive.

Resources

Stats

Lightfastness

Considered Lightfast

We do not know of any specific lightfastness studies. Natural Pigments mentions that it has "not been rated for lightfastness by the ASTM, but independent studies have shown that it is permanent in most vehicles…"

Transparency

Semi-Opaque

Toxicity

Toxic

CAMEO has notes on the toxicity of this pigment. Artiscreation assigns this pigment a "C", meaning "\Hazardous, use appropriate precautions for handling toxic substances, especially if working with the dry powder; Do not ingest; Avoid dust & spray." There are also extremely serious hazards for pigments containing lead. We are not toxicologists so we suggest consulting third party research as well as manufacturer MSDS. Also see Monona Rossol's research available upon request here for more information on pigments with lead.

Tinting

Medium

Dry Time

Medium

Particle Size

Fine-Grained

Chemical Name

PbSnO

Dry Pigments listing Lead Tin I

DISCLAIMER: Please note that we are not experts in health and safety and we are not toxicologists, please consult the proper experts. We are not liable for any issues that may arise from the use of our website or its contents. The information contained in this site is provided without warranty or guarantee of any kind. We do not necessarily endorse any other website that are linked from our site. For any important pigment specs, please reference the manufacturer details. If you discover errors or omissions, please reach out through our contact form. Thank you.

Sign up for our newsletter

We value your privacy and won't share your email address.
Paint List Logo
This is an independent paint review site for artists that is powered by affiliate links. That means that we may make commissions on purchases that you make at no extra cost to you.
Disclaimer: This website does not make any warranties or guarantees about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website is strictly at your own risk. We will not be liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use of our website.