This is one of the coolest tools we use, a paint squeezer. They are made in both plastic and metal, Jack and I prefer the metal version. It’s stronger and gets more paint out of the tube.
Paint is money, the more we can entice out of the tube the better. This gadget is well worth getting and will pay for itself in no time at all.
Since we are talking about paint many of you have asked, “Is it better to use “Artist Grade” or are “Student Grade” paints OK?” The primary difference between them is concentration of pigment. Many times the actual pigments and vehicles used are the same. “Artist Grade” paints contain a higher ratio of pigment to vehicle than do “Student Grade”. But today’s “Student Grade” paints are extremely good. In fact much better than much of the paint the Old Masters used. And cost is a definite factor. A small tube of the “Artist Grade” paint is about the same price as two 200ml tubes of “Student Grade” paint. If you are painting in a super smooth technique you may find “Artist Grade” oils blend easier. But it’s all a matter of what you like to use and can afford. When it’s all said and done, no one will be able to tell the difference when they look at your painting on the wall.
We choose Winton Oil Paints in the 200 ml tube for most of our colors because we use a lot of paint. Winton is Windsor Newton’s “Student Grade” oil paint. I do put Grumbacher “Artist Grade” Pthalo Blue out on my palette instead of Winton. This makes a crisper, cleaner blue that I use a lot for the doors and gates in my paintings. Otherwise the Winton Pthalo Blue would be fine. If you would like to learn more about our Color Mixing System CLICK HERE.
Have a wonderful day and I hope you will visit again soon. If you would like to receive an email every time I publish a new post please feel free to subscribe to my blog. CLICK THIS LINK and scroll to the upper right side of the page. You will see a heading EMAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS. Just enter your email address and click the button “Sign me up!” It’s easy. Hugs, Mikki Senkarik
January 24, 2012 at 7:33 PM |
Thank you for sharing your preference for paints. I was led to believe that Student Grade paints are made with inferior pigments and have alot more filler in them and hence are not as intense in color. And that they fade in light after a short time. I just bought a book today explaining the differences. Do you ever use Student Grade paints? Thanks, Chris
January 25, 2012 at 3:53 AM |
Thanks Mikki. Thanks, too, for the Grumbacher Pthalo Blue tip. I just love the color of your doors. Love, Diane
January 25, 2012 at 6:05 AM |
i can see my daughter using it on the toothpaste..