WatercolorEarth / MineralEasySafety: Moderate Risk
Brick Dust Red
A broken brick is fired iron-rich clay — already a finished pigment.
Color
Warm terracotta to deep brick red
Binder
Gum arabic + honey
An old red brick is just baked iron-rich clay. Smash it, grind it, and it is paint.
- ▸The redder the brick, the more iron it has — and the warmer the color.
- ▸Sift through a stocking until it feels like baby powder, or it will scratch your paper.
- ▸This is the same pigment monks used to sketch their fresco underdrawings.
Steps
- 01
Wrap the brick in cloth and smash to coarse rubble with a hammer.
- 02
Grind the rubble in a mortar to fine talc-like powder.
- 03
Sift through a stocking twice to remove all grit.
- 04
Mull the powder with water on a tile to a silky paste.
- 05
Stir in gum arabic + honey binder; pan up.
Materials4
- — A piece of old red brick or unglazed terracotta
- — Hammer, mortar and pestle
- — Fine sieve or stocking
- — Gum arabic + honey binder
Safety
Involves dust, mild chemistry, sharp tools, or solvents. Use PPE and ventilate.
Hazards identified
- Airborne dust — respiratory irritant
Quick checklist
- ☐Wear an N95 / FFP2 mask when handling dry powders
- ☐Mix in a tray to contain dust; wipe surfaces wet
- ☐Work in a ventilated area; keep food and drink out of the studio
- ☐Read each material's safety data sheet (SDS) before starting
- ☐Have water, soap, and a first-aid kit accessible
Heuristic guidance derived from listed materials. Always consult each material's safety data sheet (SDS) and a qualified instructor before attempting.
Notes
Same chemistry as the Italian sinopia used for fresco underdrawings. Completely lightfast.