Cadmium Orange is a friendly color with a lack of sharpness which one detects in some other orange pigments. Part of its appeal is its opacity (which is sometimes diluted by the paintmaker). Genuine Cadmium Orange, PO20, is a fabulous bright orange which surprisingly difficult to emulate or replace. This pigment offers gorgeous, opaque, lightfast and high chroma oranges from red orange to middle orange to yellow orange. It was years into our painting journey when we realized just how irreplaceable this color is, and once you really begin to study the chroma difference, it's hard to go back. (This is sometimes becomes especially clear in a medium like gouache but we also love PO20 in oils). The opacity and overall character of cadmium oranges make them a wonderful addition to the palette.
Debate has raged around the toxicity of cadmiums, and they are listed as pigments with toxicity, so be extremely cautious with them. Lately we have seen a lot of resources suggesting the modern cadmium pigments are engineered to be far less toxic. Here is a source, another source and another source. However, we always err on the side of caution with pigments (there is no downside to being super careful) and so we always handle these with respect. Also beware with older cadmiums for many reasons as they may also contain toxic adulterants like lead. We have read not to breathe them (this means not using them for airbrush). However, we are not experts in health and safety so please consult the relevant authorities on their proper handling and disposal. According to the work of Monona Rossol, cadmium is a carcinogen and causes kidney damage. The Artist's Guide to Health and Safety has more information about the hazards of pigments containing Cadmium as well as Selenium. They should not be sprayed and the dust should be stringently avoided (remember in regard to avoiding sanding). It should go without saying, but absolutely do not ingest any pigment.
PO20:1 is a cheaper way of making cadmium orange which has less strength and that version has a slightly different pigment code. PO20 is higher quality and contains less than 15% barium sulfate. The term "CC" refers to concentrated cadmium pigments.
This is a pigment which is said to require a high oil content- something to keep in mind if painting in layers, even though we have seen a few manufacturers list the oil content as low. Cadmium orange does tend to dry slowly unless of course driers have been added.
Cadmium Oranges come in several color notes from a near macaroni orange to middle orange to red orange. More on Cadmium Orange can be found in our brand comparison in oils.
It has great lightfastness, however it has some sensitivity to moisture, so do keep that in mind.
