PAINT AND PIGMENT REFERANCE TABLE KEY:

Opacity- Transparency:  1 = Opaque,   2 = Semi-Opaque,   3 = Semi-Transparent,   4 = Transparent

Light Fastness Rating:   I = Excellent,   II = Good,   III = Poor,   IV = Fugitive/Very Poor

Oil Absorption: is in ml/100mg
When the specific numbers are unavailable:   H = High,   M = Medium,   L = Low

Toxicity:  A = Low hazard;   B = Possible Hazard;  C = Hazardous;   D = Extremely Toxic;

(hue) = When the word "hue" in in parenthesis (hue), it refers to a hue color not designated on the label, when the word "hue" is not in parenthesis is part of the pigment name as per ASTM guidelines.

? = a question mark next to a name, note, or data code indicates that it may or may not be correct information due to conflicting information, questionable reference, possible typo or other discrepancies in the manufacturer or other reference documentation. Further study is needed to clarify.

†Effects of long term light exposure are given when known, this may allow an artist to anticipate color changes and possibly use them as an advantage. These effects are all relative to the pigments inherent light fastness and may take decades or even centuries in museum conditions to be visible.
Fades = Becomes more Transparent;  Lightens = Loses chroma but maintains relative transparency or opaque character;  Whitens = Becomes lighter and more opaque;  Darkens = Becomes darker but retains hue;  Dulls = Loses chroma towards neutral;  Blackens = Turns very dark or black losing chroma;  Hue shift = Changes hue towards a different color
Paint or Pigment Manufacturer Code & Art Medium:*****
Paint/Pigment Manufacturer Code:
(links below are to the official manufacturer web site and will open in a new window)
SE = Sennelier
SI = Sinopia
SCH = Schmincke
SQ = Steven Quiller
TA = Tri-Art
UT = Utrecht
WL = Williamsburg
WN = Windsor & Newton
GEN = Often used Generic term
  
Art medium or binder code:

d next to the manufacturer code indicates a discontinued pigment
a = Acrylic;  g = Gouache;  o = Oil-Alkyd-Watermixable Oil;  p = Dry Pigment;  
t = Tempera;  w = Watercolor-Aqueous Dispersion

Other than gouache, only single pigment paints and pigments are included. Gouache is designated distinct from watercolors because it is often is mixed with white or fillers to make it opaque and that is not usually indicated on the manufactures literature. Other art material forms such as pastel and ceramic glazes will not be designated. Aqueous pigment dispersions will be designated as watercolors. I have lumped oils, water mixable oils and alkyds together because they are all inter-mixable and use an oil base. I have not separated "artist" and "student" grades as it would just take up too much space and time. Clicking on the manufacturer code will take you to more information on the paint-pigment and whether it is the manufactures premium or economy grade.

+++++In all cases clicking on the medium/binder code will take you off site to where you can find more information and-or a purchasing source. If you find this site helpful you can help support this site by purchasing through these links. Thanks, and I hope I can continue to make this information available and current. The Links below are to the actual manufactures official sites and i am not affiliated with them in any way.