Talc is a soft mineral that can be used as an alternative to chalk or marble powder in oil painting mediums. Its low refractive index provides translucency in oil painting mediums, making their consistency short and buttery. Talc is also used as a flux in ceramic glazes, lowering the melting point and helping to form a smooth, glass-like surface. It enhances the strength and transparency of the glaze.
Premium Fine Talc for Paints and Pastels - Natural Pigments
Bright white, fine talc for making grounds, paint, and pastels. Our talc is dry ground from natural ores in Montana. Use as an additive to make grounds and add texture and body to paints.
Bright white, fine talc for making grounds, paint, and pastels. Our talc is dry ground from an extensive deposit of high-quality Montana talc ore. It has low oil absorption in oil and solvent-borne paint and primers. The chemically inert nature of talc improves the weatherability of paint. The hydrophobic nature of talc surface contributes to the rheological (flow) properties (anti-sag, leveling, and brush ability) and functional properties (gloss and sheen control) of paint.
Applications
Use as an additive to make grounds and add texture and body to paints. Add talc to oil colors and mediums to create texture and increase the body of oil paint without affecting the color. Talc has a low refractive index that has little effect on oil colors, so it can be added to oil paint without significantly affecting the tint of the color. Add to pigment pastes for making pastels. Use in grounds to provide a soft surface.
Particle Size Grades
For a complete explanation of the available particle size grades and their use in artist's paints, please read Oil Paint Extenders: Enhance Your Oil Painting with Texture and Transparency.
Properties | |||
Chemical Name | Magnesium Silicate | ||
Description | A fine dry ground talc with a closely controlled particle size distribution | ||
Source | Montana | ||
Chemical Analysis | |||
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) | 61% | ||
Magnesium Oxide (MgO) | 31% | ||
Calcium Oxide (CaO) | <0.5% | ||
Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3) | 1% | ||
Iron Oxide (Fe2O3) | <1.3% | ||
Moisture Loss @110º C. | <0.5% | ||
Loss on Ignition | 5.5% | ||
Typical Physical Properties | |||
Extra-Fine | Fine | ||
Median Particle Size (microns) | 3 | 7 | |
Hegman Fineness (minimum) | 5 | 4 | |
Dry Brightness (Hunter Y, Rd Value) | 87 | 86 | |
Retained on 325 Mesh Screen | – | – | |
Oil Absorption | 34 g oil / 100 g pigment | 30 g oil / 100 g pigment | |
Bulk Density (Loose) | 0.26 g/cc (16.0 lbs./ft3) | 0.26 g/cc (16.0 lbs./ft3) | |
Tap Density (Packed) | 0.56 g/cc (34.7 lbs./ft3) | 0.80 g/cc (49.0 lbs./ft3) | |
Bulking Value (Weight/Solid gallons, lbs.) | 23.3 | 23.3 | |
Specific Gravity | 2.8 | 2.8 | |
pH | 8.8 | 8.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does talc do in a glaze?
How do I know if talc is asbestos-free?
Asbestos-free talc products undergo rigorous testing and certification. Check for certifications or lab test results confirming the absence of asbestos. Our talc is not certified for use in personal care products.
Is baby powder the same as talcum powder?
Baby powder was traditionally made with talcum powder but now often uses cornstarch or other alternatives instead of talc due to health concerns.
Can you still buy talc powder?
Yes, talc powder is available for purchase in cosmetic, industrial, and artistic applications.
SKU | 510-13TAL |
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Brand | Rublev Colours |
Vendor | Natural Pigments |
Processing Time | Usually ships the next business day. |