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Mijello Mission Gold
Mijello is a Korean company who make Mission Gold watercolors. They come in 126 colors now. Their watercolors are made in traditional Korean pots. I absolutely love knowing the process paints are made from. It actually does make a difference on how the paints react and how they last. I’ll be talking mostly about the Mijello Mission Gold 36 color set.
I have bought cheaper watercolors, and they were fun. However, there comes point when you want to make some serious paintings with some serious paint that will hold up and have the quality appearance. I can say now, through experience that you can feel and see the difference between high artist grade paint and lower quality watercolor paint. I’m not trying to be s nob, and I still love some cheaper watercolors, however, everyone needs a good artist quality set in their collection.
I’ve wanted to try Mission Gold watercolors for a very long time. I had seen some of my favorite artists painting with them and I heard a lot of good things about them. Finally, I gave in and bought their 36 color set, This set came with a beautiful plastic pallet that has exactly 36 wells.
There are several factors to look at who judging the quality of watercolor paint and when choosing a good set.
Watercolor Factors when choosing your paint
High quality watercolors will be made with high quality ingredients and have higher amounts of pigments.
When you look at tube of artist grade paint you will see a letter number combo and a lightfast rating. Mission Gold paints also include satin for staining and opaque levels.
High quality watercolors are not made with a bunch of fillers. Lower quality paint will have fillers and even white paint added to it to make it go further and lower the cost, The result of this is that your color quality will be compromised. You will also have to work a lot harder to create vibrancy and the level of color on the paper.
Also, the general look of the paint will also be affected. Think of hair when it is freshly dyed, how rich and full of depth and color. Then think of hair when the color has faded and is long over due for a touch up. It is faded and pale and has lost its luster. To me, that is the difference between high quality paint and low quality paint. Let me say one more time, there are cheaper brands that still put out great paint. I’m not a complete paint snob. However, these cheap paints still have fillers and less pigments. Or, lower quality paint will also be made from several pigments altering the tome of the paint.
Some cheap paint does not even list the pigments on the package. If it doesn’t list things such as pigments and lightfast ratings then you cannot count on it being lightfast.
When it comes to pigments, lower quality will result in dull colors and will affect how the paint spreads and reacts on the paper. It can spread to thinly and lift too easily.
Binders
A good watercolor will be made will good binders lower quality paints will be made with synthetic binders and sub standard binders.
If you have a low quality binder the paint pigments can smear right off the page. The way the paint blends and spears will also be affected. Lower quality binders will mean the paint does not spread out evenly, it can have harsher edges, and they will not blend as well.
Good quality pigments and binder combination will mean you the paint will blend and not have patches of splotchiness.
Lighfast
Lightfast rating lets you know how the color of your paint will hold up over time. There are some colors that do not have a good lightfast rating no matter what brand do to the nature of the color. Neon colors opera rose, violets have low light fast qualities. Colors that are made from earth pigments such as minerals, rocks, and gemstones.
Mijello MIssion Gold ingredients
Mijello has five mission statements.
1.The first is pigments. They specialize in bringing the finest pigments from around the world to ensure superb lightfastness and vivid colors.
2. Color uniformity consistent color strength and formation.
3. Exceptional Solvency. This means you can easily reactivate your paints from dry to wet.
4. Non-toxic and Non-chemical additives. This is really important to me. I don’t like the idea of something I love making me sick. I stopped using certain oil paints because of the harmful fumes. When I’m painting inside I don’t want to danger myself or my family. Mijello states that they do not use harmful chemicals or gummy thickening agents and they are able to provide unparalleled color and vibrancy.
5. Cadmium free Cosmetic grade Preservatives. Mission watercolors do not have cadmium colors nor do they add formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is linked to cancer and is actually in a lot of products we use. I first became aware of it when I saw a warning label on a yoga mat. Then after some research I found out that formaldehyde is used way too much. I love these paints partly because they don’t have these chemicals. I am striving to be as non-toxic as possible in my lifestyle.
Mission Gold states that they are “colors found in nature.” They are handmade and aged in traditional Korean pots to achieve their brilliant color and to reach the ideal thickening stage without the need go artificial thickening against.
Vibrancy and Color Shift
Bright, vibrant colors is once of the most important aspects to me when choosing paint. Often, when I find paint with bright colors they don’t have a good lightfast rating, or they don’t have the brilliance I want and end up looking a little cheap.
That is certainly not the case with Mijello Mission Goal Watercolors. The paint and color is luscious. There is very little color shift. Color shift refers to how the paint looks when it is wet and first applied versus how it looks once it is dry. Mission Gold paints have a vibrancy that looks beautiful both wet and dry and, it has a beautiful look and sheen. It does not have a chalky or dull appliance which can happen with lower quality, cheaper paints.
Lightfast
The lightfast ratings are all pretty good. The colors, Bright Violet and Bright Opera have the lowest ratings, which is to be expected as those colors have low lightfast ratings regardless of brand. The pigment is not a lightfast pigment and you should be aware of this when creating your artwork.
Granulation
These paints are non-granulating. Some people like granulation, some people don’t. Granulation refers to the way the pigment particles react on the paper. Granulating paint will have uneven sedimentary areas of pigment particles. This can create a very interesting texture. However, if you like your paints more smooth than you may not want it. It’s all a matter of style. I tend to paint more with non-granulating paint.
Color Mixing
So far, I have been absolutely delighted with the way the Mijello Mission Gold colors mix. I love playing around and seeing the colors I can create. The vibrancy of these paints makes it even more fun.
I’m in love with the skin tone colors I have been able to create. They are deep and rich and beautiful.
Layering
I have been able to create beautiful layers with these paints. I love building up layers, that is the beauty of watercolors. These paints work with you as you create layers and do not fight you.
You can create light layers and build on them as you choose. This paint is easy to make light or more opaque. It’s a delight to play and paint with.
Overall Palette
The colors that are included in the Mijello Mission Gold 36 color set are very well chosen. You get a variety of warm and cool hues in all the primary colors. A lovely assortment of green and earth tones. You should be able to create anything you want with this palette. You have actually more than enough to create wonderful works of art
Overall Thoughts
I wish I would have bought the Mijello Mission Gold 36 color set sooner. They fit me and my style perfectly. I love the bright colors, the quality of the paint and the appearance once dry. If you’re a vibrant color lover like me and you want quality paints then Mijello Mission Gold is a great option for.
Where to learn more about painting with watercolors
If you want to learn more about how to paint with watercolors and love on-line learning than you should give Skillshare a chance. Skillshare is an on-line streaming service for art classes and so much more. For one low price you have access to thoudanss of classes. I am always on Skillshare taking classes. I have tested several of their on-line watercolor classes and I have to say they are FABULOUS! You can check out my favorite watercolor classes in in this article here.
There are always more classes being uploaded, as well. With this link you get to try Skillshare for two-months FREE! Yep, free. That’s how I got started with Skillshare. Your information is safe and if you cancel they will not charge you.
It’s a risk free way to get access to tons of classes with amazing teachers.
Share your art with me
I’d love to see your art. Please, join my Facebook group, ask question, share your art and be a part of our community.
Great review, I like smooth colors with transparency. Would like to know more brands who have them