When it comes to painting, understanding color coding is essential, especially if you’re working with specific materials like BMP tubes. While the color of the tube itself doesn’t directly indicate the paint color inside, it’s designed to give you a clue about the pigment family. However, deciphering this code can be tricky, especially for beginners. Let’s demystify the relationship between BMP tubes and the actual colors they hold.
Decoding the Mystery of BMP Tube Colors
BMP tubes, unlike some brands that use color-coded caps, often employ a more subtle system. You’ll likely encounter tubes in various shades of white, grey, or even transparent. This might seem confusing at first, but it doesn’t mean you’re left guessing!
The key lies in understanding that BMP, like many professional-grade paint manufacturers, focuses on providing high-quality pigments with minimal additives. This means the tube color is often a reflection of the pigment’s natural state or the base medium used in the paint formulation.
Why Doesn’t BMP Use Clear Color Coding?
You might wonder why BMP doesn’t opt for the straightforward approach of using colored caps or labels. Here are a few reasons:
- Pigment Purity: BMP prioritizes the integrity of its pigments. Adding dyes to the tube or cap to indicate color could potentially compromise the purity of the paint.
- Light Sensitivity: Some pigments are highly sensitive to light. Using transparent or opaque packaging helps protect the paint from degradation caused by prolonged light exposure.
- Professional Focus: BMP often caters to experienced artists who are familiar with identifying paints based on pigment names and characteristics, rather than relying solely on visual cues.
How to Identify Paint Colors in BMP Tubes
So, if the tube color isn’t a reliable indicator, how do you know what’s inside a BMP tube? Here’s the breakdown:
- Check the Label: This might seem obvious, but the label is your most reliable source of information. Look for the pigment name, color index number (if provided), and any other details about the specific shade.
- Consult a Color Chart: BMP usually provides color charts or online resources that accurately display the actual colors of their paints. These charts are invaluable for matching colors and understanding the nuances of each pigment.
- Experience and Familiarity: Over time, as you work with BMP paints, you’ll become more familiar with their specific pigments and how they appear on the palette.
[image-1|bmp-tube-label|BMP tube label|Close-up image of a BMP paint tube label. The label is white with black text. It clearly shows the brand name “BMP,” the pigment name “Cadmium Yellow Light,” and the color index number “PY35.” The tube itself is a neutral gray color.]
Tips for Organizing Your BMP Paints
Even without clear color coding, organizing your BMP paints can be easy:
- Alphabetical Order: Arrange your tubes alphabetically by pigment name. This method makes it simple to locate specific colors.
- Pigment Family: Group similar colors together, such as reds, blues, yellows, etc. This approach is helpful for color mixing and creating harmonious palettes.
- Custom Chart: Create your own color chart by squeezing a small dab of each paint onto a piece of paper or cardstock. Label each swatch with the corresponding pigment name for easy reference.
[image-2|bmp-paint-organization|BMP paint organization|A photograph showing a well-organized artist’s palette with a variety of BMP paint tubes neatly arranged in a custom-made wooden box. The tubes are sorted by color families and each tube has a small dab of paint squeezed out next to it, creating a visual color chart for easy identification.]
The Beauty of BMP’s Approach
While the lack of bold color coding might seem like a hurdle initially, it ultimately encourages a deeper understanding of pigments and color mixing. By focusing on the information provided on the label and familiarizing yourself with the characteristics of each pigment, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the world of BMP paints and create stunning artwork.
Remember, the true beauty of art lies in the exploration and mastery of color. BMP provides you with the highest quality tools, and with a little practice, you’ll be able to unlock the full potential of their magnificent pigments.
