Richeson Casein Artist Paints & Sets

From rich opaques of oil to thin watercolor washes - One of the most durable mediums known to man

Casein (kay'seen) is a quick-drying, aqueous medium using a milk-based binding agent, and is one of the most durable mediums known to man. Nine thousand year old casein cave paintings have been discovered in Asia, and later, the medium was used by Byzantine, Roman and Renaissance artists including the Old Masters. Richeson Casein is a versatile, professional, water-based medium known for its velvety finish!

Richeson Casein Colors are fast-drying, reworkable water-soluble paints. Caseins are great for underpainting and work with oils!

"Casein is a water-based paint medium with working properties that resemble gouache, cel vinyl—and, in some respects, oil. I've used all of those latter paints quite a bit, but casein has qualities all its own. It can be used transparently, but it has great opacity when you need it, something often lacking in acrylic. It's one of the oldest paint mediums, dating all the way back to the Egyptians – JAMES GURNEY"

What is Casein?

Casein (kay'seen) is a quick-drying, aqueous medium using a milk-based binding agent, and is one of the most durable mediums known to man. Nine thousand year old casein cave paintings have been discovered in Asia. Later, the medium was used by Byzantine, Roman and Renaissance artists, including the Old Masters. Known for their versatility and array of capabilities, casein paints can be used to create a variety of effects from the rich opaques of oil to thin watercolor washes. Because casein has an exceptional integrity of color and always dries to a perfect matte finish, it is unexcelled for art reproduction. The velvety matte finish can also be buffed to a satin sheen or varnished to produce a resemblance to oils. Over time, casein pigments become resistant to moisture and as history has proven, the medium has a durability and permanence which has easily stood the test of time. Because it dries quickly, it is possible to lay down a glaze and move onto the next stage within a few hours instead of waiting for days, or even months, as with oils.

Can I mix casein with other mediums?

Yes you can! Use casein over watercolor or gouache or as an underpainting for acrylic, pastel or oils. If using casein under oils, apply a barrier layer of Damar varnish over the casein before the oil paint. Casein can also be used under oils as an excellent underpainting medium.