WARNING: CONTAINS LEAD. Rublev Colours Minium, also known as Red Lead, is a bright red inorganic pigment historically used in painting and manuscript illumination. Today, minium refers specifically to red lead oxide, primarily lead tetroxide (Pb3O4). Rublev Colours Red Lead (Minium) is artificially made and composed of 98% red lead (Pb3O4) and 2% litharge (PbO).

Red lead offers strong colour and hiding power, and it has a very low oil absorption, which can produce a stiff paste when mulled into oil and a fast-drying paint film. Chemically, it is an active pigment and can be sensitive to sulfur-bearing air pollutants (such as hydrogen sulfide) and may react with some sulfur-containing pigments. It is generally not recommended for watercolour use due to potential darkening with humidity and light exposure. It is most commonly associated with oil and encaustic techniques and has historical use in tempera.

Key specifications

• Colour Index: PR 105 (77518)

• Chemical name: Lead Tetroxide

• Chemical formula: Pb3O4

• Average primary particle size: 2 µm

• Oil absorption: 6 g oil / 100 g pigment

• U.S. Standard 325 mesh retain: 0.05%

• Specific gravity: 8.8 to 9.1

• Refractive index: na = 2.400

• Size: 100g

Critical safety information

WARNING: CONTAINS LEAD.

Highly toxic. Harmful if swallowed or inhaled as dust.

Avoid ingestion and skin contact, and avoid creating or breathing dust. Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, and appropriate respiratory protection when handling dry pigment. Keep away from children, pets, and pregnant women. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling. Follow all local regulations and consult the SDS before use. Conforms to ASTM D-4236.