DANIEL SMITH Kyanite Genuine Watercolour Paint 15ml Tube — Translucent Granulating Blue-Grey

DANIEL SMITH Kyanite Genuine 15ml is an extra-fine, granulating watercolour made from the kyanite mineral that delivers a translucent blue-grey wash with shimmering mineral sparkle.

DANIEL SMITH’s Extra Fine Watercolours are engineered for permanence, clarity and unique visual effects; Kyanite Genuine is part of their PrimaTek line, a collection of pigments sourced from real minerals and milled to bring extraordinary texture and optical character to paintings. This 15ml tube gives you a high-pigment formulation bound with pure gum arabic and milled to a grind that accentuates the pigment’s natural granulation and subtle luminescence. The paint conforms to ASTM D4236 and is designed to perform consistently in washes, glazes and textured passages.

What visual effects does Kyanite Genuine create on paper?

Kyanite Genuine produces a translucent, blue-grey wash that naturally separates on the paper as particles settle, producing pronounced granulation and a mineral-like sparkle. The result is a mottled, stone-like texture ideal for atmospheric backgrounds and natural surfaces.

• Translucent base colour with strong granulation
• Subtle glitter from mineral particles that catch the light
• Range of values from soft wash to deeper layered tones

How will this watercolour behave in mixes and glazes?

Kyanite Genuine mixes well with transparent and semi-transparent colours but keeps its granulating character, which can add depth and visual interest to mixed passages. Use it in thin glazes to preserve translucency or in layered applications to build richer textures without losing the mineral effect.

• Retains granulation in mixtures with non-granulating pigments
• Works cleanly in glazes and washes due to high pigment load
• Pairs beautifully with warm neutrals and cool blues for contrast

What are the technical qualities and permanence of this tube?

DANIEL SMITH watercolours are formulated to meet rigorous industry standards for lightfastness and permanence. The Kyanite Genuine 15ml tube is non-staining, transparent and offers excellent lightfastness when used as intended, giving reliable archival performance in finished work.

• Extra-fine formula with pure gum arabic binder — no fillers
• Non-staining, transparent, granulating behavior
• Conforms to ASTM D4236 and tested for consistency

How should artists use and store this 15ml tube?

Use a wet brush to rehydrate paint from the tube and experiment with diluted washes, dry-brush granulation, or layering for textured effects. Store the tube capped and upright in a cool, dry place to preserve freshness; squeeze gently to control the amount of paint released.

• Rehydrate on a palette for washes or lift directly from tube for intense colour
• Layer transparent glazes to deepen tone while preserving sparkle
• Cap tightly and store away from direct sunlight and extreme heat

Who is this for: Kyanite Genuine is ideal for watercolour artists who want mineral-driven texture and subtle sparkle in landscapes, skies, stones, feathers and atmospheric studies. It's suited to professional illustrators and hobbyists who value archival quality, unique pigments and the widest possible colour selection—DANIEL SMITH makes over 240 colours, including this distinctive PrimaTek option, allowing you to expand your palette with truly singular effects.