As artists, visiting museums and galleries is often one of our favorite activities. Being surrounded by so much creativity and history can evoke profound inspiration. I often notice the bright colors and glow of the Renaissance paintings. I wondered how works from so long ago still have such vibrant colors, while some modern works fade in a few years. Great Renaissance artists had a secret: they chose the best art materials, like those offered by Trekell Art Supplies. Renaissance artists used pigments from earth to paint their works. This is why they last so long. Mineral-based pigments and oil painting methods made colors brighter. Techniques like fresco and tempera also helped colors last longer. Let’s explore how chemistry, craftsmanship, and history influenced everything from how long colors last to brush strokes and what paper is made of.
Color That Stands the Test of Time: The Chemistry of Pigments
The ancient Egyptians used ground lapis lazuli to create the legendary Ultramarine Blue. These pigments are still regarded as some of the most expensive in history! Lapis lazuli's natural pigment is an excellent example of a timeless color. The Egyptians received a worthwhile return on their investment in these gems. But why do natural vs. synthetic pigments matter? Natural pigments, like Ultramarine Blue, come from minerals. Other natural pigments are plants, animal fat and bones, ochres, and earth materials. Natural pigments often have subtle, complex undertones because of impurities in the raw materials. They might face limited availability and color differences between batches, and some pigments can fade over time unless they are preserved correctly.
Synthetic pigments, on the other hand, have been chemically engineered for consistency, vibrancy, and stability. They form from chemical reactions. These reactions create strong materials for paints, plastics, and more. Thus, they do not naturally occur like their counterparts. Synthetic pigments are designed for consistency. This makes them more stable and uniform in color across batches. They are also more affordable and provide a broader range of colors. Plus, they last longer.
Brush Anatomy 101: The Science of Bristles & Strokes
Before synthetic brushes, artists used squirrel hair for delicate watercolor washes and hog bristles for thick oil paint. Rembrandt was one of the most famous users of hog bristle brushes. He made dramatic, textured portraits with stiff, natural brushes that could hold a lot of paint and create bold impasto effects. Japanese and Chinese calligraphers often choose brushes made from wolf and goat hair. Artists love these brushes for their smooth strokes and sharp lines in ink painting! Each brush type has unique qualities that affect how paint is handled. Kolinsky Sable (Weasel Tail Hair) is both soft and springy. This gives you precise control and smooth paint release. Hog Bristle (Boar Hair) is tough and long-lasting. It holds plenty of paint and keeps its shape. This makes it great for bold impasto strokes. Some artists use soft and absorbent squirrel, goat, and camel hair. These brushes don't have the spring of sable. Yet, they provide a lovely flow for loose, expressive strokes.
Synthetic bristles are certainly a modern innovation. They are made from nylon or polyester and engineered to mimic the qualities of natural hair. They are also more affordable and cruelty-free while still offering outstanding performance. Synthetic bristles are more durable and resistant to fraying or damage from solvents. Depending on the brush type, they work well with acrylics, oils, and watercolors. They are usually less absorbent than natural fibers. However, they provide reliable paint release with modern coatings. They offer reliable performance and avoid the ethical issues of using animal hair.
Trekell Tip: Use a stiff bristle brush with thick-bodied acrylics or oils.
Paper vs. Canvas: The Surface Science Behind Every Masterpiece
Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks are a true sight for an artist. After 500+ years, his musings are still legible. Sketches on handmade, acid-free paper prove that quality materials can last forever. Paper weight and its material are essential. Different paper types absorb paint in unique ways! Think of paper weight like the thickness of a napkin vs. a cardboard box. Thin paper is excellent for light sketches, but warps if you use too much water. Medium paper is more substantial and suitable for watercolor and layering. Thick paper is super sturdy and won’t bend even with lots of water.
artwork by Kate Zambrano
Another element to consider is a paper's texture—how rough or smooth it feels. Smooth Paper (Hot Press) is excellent for fine details and bright colors. Textured with a subtle finish, Cold Press is the best all-around choice for watercolor. Super Textured (Rough Paper) adds cool, grainy effects to your painting. Artists have used textured paper for centuries. The earliest watercolor paintings date back to the 1400s. Artists created them on rough, handmade paper! This leads to our next paper element: What is your paper made of? Manufacturers make paper from either cotton, wood pulp, or a mix. 100% Cotton Paper is the best choice because it absorbs paint uniformly and is durable. Wood pulp paper is less expensive but can yellow and degrade over time. Mixed paper combines both types, striking a balance between quality and cost. Trekell Tip: If you want your paintings to stay bright and last for years, choose 100% cotton paper!
Canvas is excellent for painting. But your colors might look dull or even crack later if you don't prepare them! What happens if you don't prime canvas? Paint soaks in too much, leading to faded colors. Your canvas can get damaged, and paint can eat away at the fabric. Your layers may also not stick well, making blending and building up color harder. But how can you prevent this and preserve your canvas? Enter Gesso. Gesso is like a protective coat for your canvas. It stops the paint from sinking in and helps your colors pop! Acrylic Gesso dries fast and works for both acrylic and oil paint. Oil-based Gesso takes a long time to dry. It gives a smooth, buttery surface. Famous artists like Rembrandt use it.
Trekell Tip: Always apply 2–3 coats of gesso to your canvas before painting—it’ll make your work look better!
Fade-Proof Your Art: The Science of Lightfastness and Permanence
Have you ever noticed how old paintings, posters, or decals left in the sun start to look faded? UV light from the sun breaks down paint pigments. This causes colors to fade and lose their brightness. How does this happen? UV rays shine onto the paint, and the pigment molecules break apart. Over time, colors fade, especially reds and blues, which are more light-sensitive. Some of Van Gogh's bright reds have faded because they weren't lightfast. Don't let that happen to your art!
Trekell Tip: Keep your paintings away from direct sunlight to make them last. You can also use lightfast paints that won’t fade!
How do you pick a paint that won't fade? Paints come with ASTM lightfastness ratings, which tell you how well they hold up over time.
When picking a paint, look for these ratings:
● ASTM I (Excellent Lightfastness)
● ASTM II (Very Good Lightfastness)
● ASTM III (Poor Lightfastness)
Always check the ASTM rating and the archival labels on your paint tubes. If you want your artwork to last a lifetime, use ASTM I or II paints!
The Legacy of Quality: Why Your Materials Matter
Artists have always used science and innovation to improve their craft. Their passion helps them create timeless works. Colors have changed from the bright hues of the Egyptians and the Renaissance to today's synthetic choices. Each option is essential. The brush you use and the surface you paint on affect how long your work lasts and how vibrant it looks. Investing in quality materials is not only about looks. It's also about keeping your vision and history alive for future generations. Choosing lightfast pigments, sturdy brushes, or well-primed surfaces matters. Knowing how your tools work helps you make lasting art.
Trekell Tip: The proper materials don’t improve art—they make it memorable. Ready to boost your art? Check out Trekell’s top-quality brushes, pigments, and surfaces. They’re made for artists who seek the best because their creativity deserves it.