Hansa Yellow 10G

PY3

Alternate Names

PY3-10G

Arylide Yellow 10G

Hansa Yellow Light

Pigment Description

The greenest hansa yellow. Often referred to as just PY3, however the 10G indicates a quite lemony yellow color, with the G meaning green. This is one of the brightest Lemon Yellows, with super high chroma and a yellow-green bias to it. Despite its popularity, Hansa Yellow's lightfastness is only moderate in tints. There has been some variability in the lightfastness of Hansa Yellow pigments over the years, depending on the way they are manufactured. Unfortunately, the old assignment of ASTM II may not reflect the current pigment market (which may contain PY3 pigment that may perform worse than ASTM II). Artiscreation mentions "PY 97 or PY 154 are similar and more light fast, PY175 is a nice lemon yellow too."

We were surprised to hear that this is suspected to be a carcinogen. Additionally, it may possibly cause methemoglobinemia. Monona Rossol's research has more information.

Resources

PY3 pigment data from David G. Myers, The Color of Art Pigment Database, Artiscreation.com

Information about PY3 from Bruce MacEvoy, Handprint Guide to Watercolors, General information about this class of pigments from Handprint,

Cultural Heritage Science Open Source (CHSOS) (n.d. Accessed June 2025). PY 3 – hansa yellow 10G https://chsopensource.org/py-3-hansa-yellow-10g/.

Fischer, Scott (2023, August 10). Recent QoR Lightfast Testing https://justpaint.org/recent-qor-lightfast-testing/. Just Paint, Golden Artist Colors.

Sands, Sarah. "Not So Fast: The Often Seen but Rarely Told Issues with ASTM Lightfastness Ratings." Intersociety Color Council, Munsell Centennial Presentation, 2018. Internet Archive,

Rossol, Monona. The Artist's Complete Health and Safety Guide. New York, NY : Allworth Press, 2001. The book is rather dated, updated information is available from her website.

Stats

Lightfastness

Variable

Golden found previously that this color may vary depending on the pigment supplier, and its lightfastness appears to have changed over the years due to fluctuations in the pigment industry. Golden found in their lightfastness testing in oils that the choice of mixing white may also dramatically affect the lightfastness as well. It performed poorly in pure zinc white as well as lithopone in safflower oil. In several mixes it performed at ASTM I and in others it slid to ASTM II, but these results may vary with other brands. It may be worthwhile to do your own lightfastness testing. Sometimes an ASTM II (very good but not excellent) rating is given for oil and acrylic. However moderate scores in tints (BWS 5’s and 6’s) are fairly common. The Hansas are an area where it’s important to keep an eye on the lightfastness. They can vary from brand to brand, and the variety chosen by Golden for their QoR line performed very well.

Transparency

Varies, Semi-Transparent

In oil, we have seen PY3 listed as everything from opaque to transparent. In higher-end brands it tends to be transparent.

Toxicity

Previously thought to be in the category of Low Concern, new research suggests this may be a potential carcinogen and also metabolize to cause a serious health condition.

See Monona Rossol's research available upon request here for more information. Treat all pigments and paints with studio safety protocols.

Tinting

Good

Dry Time

Very Slow to Slow. Some list as medium, may contain driers

This seems to be a naturally slow-drying pigment (6-18 days), but some manufacturers list 2-4 days or 2-7 days, in which case driers may have been added.

Oil Content

Medium to Medium High

Medium by volume, but when made into a paint sometimes it is medium-high.

Particle Size

Very Fine

Chemical Name

Monoazo (one of many), acetoacetyl, 10G

C₁₆H₁₂Cl₂N₄O₄

Dry Pigments listing PY3

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.

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