Bio-Based Heavy Acrylics are not meant to be a like for like substitute for Heavy Body Acrylics. There are differences in sheen with some colors of Bio-Based Heavy Acrylics which are more matte, namely Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Umber and Chromium Oxide Green. 

We are continuously monitoring supplier developments while working to increase the bio-based content further without sacrificing high quality attributes.   ​

Select colors were tested via a C14 analysis which showed the percentage of bio-based content for Liquitex Heavy Body was between 1 – 3 %, further highlighting the considerable impact of the new Liquitex Bio-Based Heavy Acrylics. 

Every color and medium was measured through a C14 analysis from the ASTM D6866-16 American standard, which is a scientific way to verify the formulation composition. The percentage of bio-based content is calculated based on the ratio of C14 to the total carbon in the sample. This tells us what proportion of the material comes from recent biological sources (like plants) versus ancient biological sources (like petroleum). The tests for each sku will be available to consumers on the Liquitex website. 

The products were tested vs. current professional acrylics on the market and behaved the same way. Clear paints like mediums can yellow after long exposure to extreme high temperatures (120 degrees Fahrenheit/50 degrees Celsius for 2-3 months) whether the dried paint film or in the pot. As with any acrylic, artwork should be stored under gallery conditions.

Yes, from a chemical perspective, the product is an acrylic and therefore is compatible with other acrylics & mediums. 

We tested the colors in a Q-sun machine for 300 hours which is the equivalent of 100 years in gallery conditions. The machine puts the paint through very extreme conditions to understand how each item behaves. The lightfastness ratings were given for each color as a result of this testing. Note that Iridescent colors are not rated for lightfastness by ASTM and therefore do not have a lightfastness rating. However, we did measure the iridescent pigments and they are in fact lightfast, they are just not rated by ASTM.

Yes, a high pigment load was prioritized in development to ensure professional quality. Therefore, the tinting strength is comparable to Heavy Body Acrylics. 

Phthalocyanine Blue (Green Shade), Quinacridone Crimson, Yellow Medium Azo. The three primary colors are transparent colors to have the cleanest and brightest color mixes.

No, there is no effect on shelf life. The shelf life is the same as other Liquitex products on the market today: 5 – 7 years provided the materials are stored properly at room temperature, kept tightly capped and kept free of contaminants. 

No, we intentionally developed the range to not have any components or pigments derived from animals. Because of this, Ivory Black is not part of the range while Lamp Black is being introduced. 

No, bio-degradable is something different. Once the paint is dried on the canvas, the paint will not bio-degrade.