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Phthalocyanine Blue

PB15:0

Alternate Names

Phthalo Blue Red Shade

Phthalocyanine blue B

Pigment Description

A rare form of Phthalo Blue. It is possible to encounter PB15:0, but it is seldom seen in paints. Phthalo blue comes in two major categories, called green shade and red shade. Usually PB15:0 is considered a red shade (meaning a middle blue) version of the pigment which leans a little more toward indigo in comparison with other phthalos.

In general, phthalo blues are incredibly powerful bright blues which start out dark in masstone but unfurl chromatic blues in glazes. They can be a bit hard to handle for painters as a tiny bit can go a very long way in a mix. Some painters prefer Cerulean PB35 or Cobalt PB28 for naturalistic subject matter, but nothing can match phthalo blue for high chroma.

In terms of health and safety, these pigments contain copper. Please consult the Artist's Guide to Health and Safety for more information about the hazards associated with copper pigments. The author's most recent updated writing can be found through her site. The Artist's Guide to Health and Safety has more information about the hazards associated with copper pigments. The author's most recent updated writing can be found through her site. Phthalo pigments can contain dioxins and PCBs.

Phthalo Blue requires a moderate amount of oil. Opinion is divided on its drying time with some saying medium to slow and others listing it as fast. It seems to frequently contain additives, stabilizers, and extenders.While phthalos are thought to be less toxic than other some paints, avoid tubes made before 1982 (or even we have heard as late as 1986) as they may be contaminated with impurities such as PCBs. Handle all artist colors with care. Opinion is divided on its drying time with some saying medium to slow and others listing it as fast. It seems to frequently contain additives, stabilizers, and extenders.

Resources

PB15:0 pigment data from David G. Myers, The Color of Art Pigment Database, Artiscreation.com

Information about PB15:0 from Bruce MacEvoy, Handprint Guide to Watercolors, General information about this class of pigments from Handprint,

Elliott, Virgil. Traditional Oil Painting. Echo Point Books & Media, LLC, 2019. https://amzn.to/4nwIdzq

CAMEO Materials Database: Conservation & Art Materials Encyclopedia Online, Museum of Fine Arts Boston. (Accessed June 2025). Phthalocyanine Blue https://cameo.mfa.org/wiki/Phthalocyanine_blue. Museum of Fine Arts Boston,

Mayer, Ralph. The Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques, 5th ed. New York, NY, Penguin Group, 1991. https://amzn.to/44OzBN9

Stats

Lightfastness

Excellent in oil and acrylic, may be less LF in watercolor. May depend on pigment supplier

There is one entry on Handprint showing a slight drop in lightfastness in tints of watercolor.

Transparency

Transparent

Toxicity

Thought to be in the category of Lower Concern, but may contain contaminants

Tubes made before 1982 or even 1986 may contain PCBs or dioxins. Current phthalos may also contain toxic contaminants depending on country of manufacture or other variables. Treat all pigments and paints with studio safety protocols. Please see the Artist's Guide to Health and Safety for information about the hazards associated with copper pigments. The author's most recent updated writing can be found through her site.

Tinting

Extremely strong

Dry Time

6-18 days. Many varieties dry in less than 5 days and are likely to contain driers.

Chemical Name

copper phthalocyanine

Dry Pigments listing PB15:0

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