PW 6 – anatase

This is the oldest version of titanium white which contained mostly anatase instead of rutile, as in current titanium white.

Manufacturer/ product code:  Werth-Metall
Chemical Description:  titanium dioxide
Color: white
Color Index: PW 6
Date: from 1920′

PW 6 – Titanium White (Anatase) is an inorganic white pigment composed of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) in its anatase crystal form. PW 6 provides superior covering power compared to traditional whites such as lead or zinc, while offering excellent chemical stability and lightfastness.

Chemically, anatase TiO₂ is highly resistant to light, heat, and most chemical agents. It is insoluble in water and organic solvents, ensuring long-term permanence in paints, coatings, plastics, and other materials. Compared to the rutile form of titanium dioxide, anatase has slightly lower opacity but is prized in artistic media for its softer, less chalky appearance and finer particle dispersion.

In practical applications, PW 6 exhibits very high hiding power and strong tinting strength, allowing it to dominate mixtures with colored pigments. Its fine particle size produces smooth, even paint films and enhances the brightness of mixtures. In artistic use, anatase titanium white has historically been favored in oil, tempera, and early synthetic paints for its balance of opacity and subtlety.