Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
🎨 Ever bought the “same” watercolor color from two different brands… only to discover they look totally different on paper? 😩
Here’s the secret: it’s not just about the color name. It’s about the pigment code. 👀
Watercolor paints have Color Index Pigment Codes, a combination of letters and numbers that tells you which pigment(s) are used to create the color.
💡 These codes are internationally recognized, which means they give artists and manufacturers a common language for identifying pigments, regardless of the brand or country.
🔍 For example:
PB = Pigment Blue
PY = Pigment Yellow
PR = Pigment Red
PG = Pigment Green
And the number that follows identifies the specific pigment.
This is incredibly useful because paint names aren't standardized between brands. Two paints can both be called “Sap Green” but contain completely different pigments and therefore behave very differently.
Knowing your pigment codes can help you:
✨ Compare paints between brands
✨ Find a similar replacement for a favorite color
✨ Understand why two paints with the same color name behave differently
✨ Avoid accidentally buying multiple paints containing the same pigment
✨ Make more informed decisions when building your palette
One important thing to remember: the same pigment code doesn't necessarily mean two paints will look or behave exactly the same. Pigment concentration, formulation, and other ingredients can affect the final result. But knowing the pigment is a great place to start!
🎥 In today’s Reel, I’ll walk you through how to read these codes and why understanding them can be so helpful on your watercolor journey.
I hope you find it helpful! And if you have any questions, leave them in the comments. I’m always happy to help. 👩🎨💛
#howtoreadwatercolorlabels #artmaterialsforbeginners
🎨 Ever bought the “same” watercolor color from two different brands… only to discover they look totally different on paper? 😩
Here’s the secret: it’s not just about the color name. It’s about the pigment code. 👀
Watercolor paints have Color Index Pigment Codes, a combination of letters and numbers that tells you which pigment(s) are used to create the color.
💡 These codes are internationally recognized, which means they give artists and manufacturers a common language for identifying pigments, regardless of the brand or country.
🔍 For example:
PB = Pigment Blue
PY = Pigment Yellow
PR = Pigment Red
PG = Pigment Green
And the number that follows identifies the specific pigment.
This is incredibly useful because paint names aren't standardized between brands. Two paints can both be called “Sap Green” but contain completely different pigments and therefore behave very differently.
Knowing your pigment codes can help you:
✨ Compare paints between brands
✨ Find a similar replacement for a favorite color
✨ Understand why two paints with the same color name behave differently
✨ Avoid accidentally buying multiple paints containing the same pigment
✨ Make more informed decisions when building your palette
One important thing to remember: the same pigment code doesn't necessarily mean two paints will look or behave exactly the same. Pigment concentration, formulation, and other ingredients can affect the final result. But knowing the pigment is a great place to start!
🎥 In today’s Reel, I’ll walk you through how to read these codes and why understanding them can be so helpful on your watercolor journey.
I hope you find it helpful! And if you have any questions, leave them in the comments. I’m always happy to help. 👩🎨💛
#howtoreadwatercolorlabels #artmaterialsforbeginners
