Is there a big difference between 'artist' grade and 'student' grade paints?

Question

This is another question about paints. Other than the pigment load and considerable price difference between 'student' and 'artist' grade paint, is there any real difference in the two? Some brands seem much higher than others, probably because of the rarity of pigments?... I was just wondering as I have always used the artist grade, but could I be saving money by using the cheaper grade? Do they not last as long or something? I am really interested to know what your inputs are on this. Also, what brands do you use? Thanks!

Answer 1

I think today's "student" grade are probably as good as the "artist" grade of the past. Cheaper grades also "fake" pigments with cheaper compounds; like using mixes of various "pthalo blues" instead of real cobalt for instance. Those cheaper tubes say on them "cobalt hue" or something similar to distinguish them from real cobalt. Student versions of the "lakes" or alizarin or other fugitive colors may fade somewhat faster I've heard.

Answer 2

This is the kind of question any reputable company that supplies both kinds should be willing to answer, if they haven't already put it on their web site.
I would expect artist's paints to duplicate the actual processes used in classical making of paint when artists mixed their own - so real pigments of the kind named in the color. Those had flaws, so there are new colors on the market.
Student paints are made with whatever tricks will produce reasonable color at lower cost. I would expect some of the colors to shift with time and especially some of them to not mix well without the consequences being defined.

Answer 3

I agree with HarvHermit's answer but just want to add that some paint companies simply add more water or base to their "student grade" version... with acrylics this is not too big of a deal unless you are painting very small details... but to cover a canvas with a basic color, always use the lower grade and then paint your fine details with higher quality paints.

I've sold a painting for quite a bit of money that I used very cheap paints to create... I don't recommend this but it can be done. Sometimes you just need to put some extras (like gloss medium) over the entire painting when dry in order to "boost it up".