What are the blackest black in oil paints?

Detective Pux here, and I'm ready to solve the mystery of the blackest black in oil paints. This may sound like a simple question, but it's actually quite complex. You see, black isn't just black - there are many different shades and tones, and some are darker than others. So, let's put on our detective hats and dive into the world of black oil paints.

First of all, it's important to note that not all black oil paints are created equal. Some may be more opaque or more glossy than others, and some may have different undertones, like blue or brown. But when it comes to the blackest black, there are a few brands that are often cited as being the darkest and most intense.

  1. Ivory Black - This is a classic black pigment made from charred ivory or bone. It's often used by artists because it's very opaque and has a matte finish. However, some artists may avoid using it because of its association with animal cruelty.

  2. Mars Black - This is a synthetic black pigment that's often used as a replacement for Ivory Black. It's made from iron oxide and is known for its deep, rich color and high tinting strength.

  3. Lamp Black - This is a black pigment made from the soot of burning oil lamps. It's often used in printing inks and industrial paints, but can also be used in oil paints. It's known for its deep, velvety color and is highly opaque.

  4. Carbon Black - This is a synthetic black pigment made from incomplete combustion of petroleum or natural gas. It's often used in industrial applications, but can also be used in artist paints. It has a deep, rich color and is highly opaque.

  5. Bone Black - This is a black pigment made from charred animal bones. It's similar to Ivory Black, but is made from a different source. It's known for its opaque, matte finish and is often used in printmaking.

Now, some of you may be wondering, "But Detective Pux, what about Vantablack? I've heard that it's the blackest black in the world!" And you would be correct - Vantablack is a material that absorbs 99.965% of visible light and is considered the blackest substance known to man. However, it's not available in oil paints (yet), as it's still primarily used in industrial and scientific applications.

So, there you have it - a few of the blackest black oil paints on the market. But remember, the "blackest" black is often a matter of personal preference and artistic style. Some artists may prefer a more muted black, while others may want a deep, intense shade. It all depends on the effect you're trying to achieve.

Now, I know what you're thinking - "Detective Pux, this was all very interesting, but can you please stop talking about black paint? It's starting to make me feel a little dark and gloomy." And to that, I say, fair enough. Let's switch gears and talk about something a little more lighthearted, shall we? Like, I don't know, the color pink! Did you know that pink was originally considered a "masculine" color in the 19th century? It wasn't until the 20th century that it became associated with femininity. Strange how things change, isn't it?

Anyway, I hope this little detour into the world of black oil paints was informative (and not too depressing). And if you ever have any more art-related questions, you know who to call. Detective Pux, at your service!