Winsor & Newton Introduce New Viridian Hues
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We’re excited to announce that Winsor & Newton have introduced new Viridian hues, maintaining the classic green that artists love, but with an updated pigment composition.
Why the Change?
The original Viridian pigment is being gradually phased out due to recent updates from regulatory bodies, but you can still purchase it while stock lasts. Winsor & Newton has created a new version that closely matches the iconic Viridian tone, offering the same beautiful colour without any safety concerns.
What's New?
The new Viridian Hue is available across three ranges:
These new hues are almost identical to the original in colour, transparency, and lightfastness, offering the same brilliant green we all love.
Benefits of the New Viridian Hue
- Same Great Colour: The new hue matches the original Viridian in tone, transparency, and quality.
- Safer Composition: The new formulation offers a safer alternative to the original pigment, giving you peace of mind.
- High Quality: The pigment strength is maintained, offering strong tinting power and longevity.
A Quick History of Viridian
Viridian was first created in 1838 as a safer alternative to Emerald Green. The original pigment was made from Chromium Sesquioxide, which gave it a transparent green that became a favourite among artists. Winsor & Newton's new formulation keeps all these qualities!
What About the Safety Risks?
The original Viridian pigment (PG18) contained a boron oxide compound, which some regulations have now flagged for potential health concerns. Winsor & Newton has made the switch to a safer formulation, so you can continue to enjoy the same vibrant Viridian colour with peace of mind.
Will There Be a Viridian Hue in Professional Watercolour?
Yes! A Viridian Hue in Professional Watercolour will be introduced in the future, so keep an eye out for updates.
The transition to Viridian Hue is happening gradually, so you may still find some of the traditional Viridian in stock for now - don’t worry if you come across both versions.
We’re excited to offer this new, safer alternative to the classic Viridian and can’t wait to see how you incorporate it into your artwork!
