A deep dive into the materiality of paint. We look at what paint is made of, the ways pigments are sourced, the binders used to hold paint together, and the vehicles that thin our paint. And as always, we add a small dose of existential dread to keep our heads on right.

Think you know paint? Not until you've learned all that we teach you in this video!


(Art Through an Existentialist Lens)

This tutorial video provides an in-depth look at the composition and properties of various types of paints, namely oil, acrylic, and watercolor, while emphasizing the role of pigments, binders, and vehicles in paint formulation.

The video begins by introducing the basic components of all paints: pigments and binders. Pigments are described as powdered substances derived from natural and synthetic sources, responsible for imparting color to the paint. These can be sourced from various places, including natural elements, laboratory creations, and even unique sources like insect-derived Carmine or historically, Indian yellow from cow urine.

The role of the binder is explained next. Binders are crucial for holding the pigment particles together and ensuring their adherence to a surface. The tutorial uses vivid analogies, likening binders to a circus strongman or the Titan Atlas, to underscore their importance in maintaining the integrity of the paint.

Next, the tutorial delves into the distinct types of binders used in different paints. Oil paints use linseed oil, derived from flax seeds, as their binder. Acrylic paints employ acrylic polymers, which have diverse applications beyond painting. Watercolor and gouache paints use gum arabic, a natural substance from acacia trees, also used in various everyday products.

The concept of a 'vehicle' in paint is introduced. This component, crucial for paint application, is not found in the paint tube but is essential for its usage. The vehicle helps to thin the paint, facilitating its movement and application. For oil paints, turpenoid is recommended as a safe, albeit toxic, thinning agent, with a warning about the importance of safety measures like gloves and ventilation. Water serves as the vehicle for both acrylic and watercolor paints.

The video provides practical demonstrations, showing the effects of different vehicles and binders on paint viscosity. Examples include oil paint straight from the tube, oil paint thinned with linseed oil, and oil paint mixed with turpenoid, highlighting the varying degrees of thinness and viscosity.

The tutorial concludes with a tease for future videos on topics like paint light quality, consistency, and additives, and encourages viewers to apply their newfound knowledge in their painting endeavors.

Overall, this video serves as a comprehensive guide on the fundamentals of paint composition, offering valuable insights for both novice and experienced artists in understanding and working with different types of paints.