PB15:2

It’s fairly rare to find PB15:2. Phthalo Blue, pigment code PB15, has several variants, and PB15:2 is one of the sub-categories of Phthalo.

The main types of Phthalo Blue are called Phthalo Blue Green Shade, which leans more cyan, and Phthalo Blue Red Shade, which tends to be a middle blue that leans slightly more toward indigo relative to other phthalos. PB15:2 is just one of several phthalo blues, and it seems like more of a red shade.

When it comes to Phthalos, the number after the colon in pigment code signifies this specific variety, which in this case is called Red Shade. Among Phthalos, PB15:1 is a more commonly found red-shade variety. General information on Phthalo Blue in paints can be found on the pigment entry for PB15 as well as the in-depth article on Phthalo blues.

Phthalo Blue requires a moderate amount of oil.

Opinion is divided on its drying time with some saying medium to slow and others listing it as fast, however it may contain driers. It seems to frequently contain additives, stabilizers, and extenders.

Many painters are not aware that phthalos could contain toxic contaminants since its generally its toxicity is thought to be low, and the potential for contamination is not well publicized. In particular, Phthalo Blue sometimes also contains dioxins and PCBs depending on how it was manufactured. The Artist's Guide to Health and Safety is one source for information about the hazards associated with copper pigments though we would caution that the book is dated. The author's most recent updated writing can be found through her site.

While phthalos are thought to be less toxic than other some paints, avoid tubes made before 1982 (or even we have heard as late as 1986) as they may be contaminated with impurities such as PCBs. This is part of why we advocate handling all artist colors with care and proper safety protocols.

Phthalo Blue Red Shade is a popular single-pigment artist paint. It's extremely concentrated in masstone, glazes beautifully, and makes high-chroma tints.