New simple procedure to produce white lead for special use in the plastic arts and in restoration

Paints based on the pigment white lead have traditionally been used in art. Currently, however, this pigment is difficult to find, either in powder or in paint, with sufficient purity and without undesired additives. Furthermore, the traditional methods of producing it are not feasible to use in the studio or laboratory. Therefore, the present work proposes a new method of producing the pigment on a small scale, to be used in the fields of the plastic arts, in restoration of works of art, and in research. The method consists of precipitating white lead from aqueous solutions of lead nitrate and sodium carbonate. The procedure is simple, quick, and without unpleasant materials or handling, and the resulting pigment is of great purity and similar to traditional white lead.