Sure Ant,
I will take pictures and tell about my experiences. I hope that it is that simple as I think it is.

It is now 2 - 3 weeks ago that I started this test.
I had no experience with the process so I wanted to see how fast it works. I filled

Allan, you probably have more info than this link provides:
http:/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_lead
I thought this reference provided a link to another article that described the process, and noted that spent tanbark was used to bury the jars of lead buckles and acetic acid . . . dunno where that went.

The article stated that lead carbonate would efflorsece from the buckles with such abundance that sometimes it burst the clay vessels! All references seem to indicate that Carbon dioxide is a necessary atmosphere for the chemical reaction, rather than the introduction of carbonic acid (?)

Looks like a promising start!

Richard,

As I said, I am no chemist, and I am a little confused now.

The introducing of carbon acid to mix with the vinegar fumes will promote the chemical reaction. That was what I said, based on an artichle (in Danish).

You are probably right that the fumes should be called Carbon Dioxide, because it is also named CO2.
The CO2 is formed by the fermentation of the manure, and that is also the reason why it sometimes contains Hydrogene Sulphide that can miscolor the lead powder. Wherefore the manure is often replaced by used tanbark that did not miscolor the lead.

Another way of bypassing the problem of miscoloring was to get the CO2 from a brewery, leading the air from the fermentation directly into the room where the lead was.

I have read about 2 other methods to produce CO2.:
One is to simply drop some Baking Powder into the vinegar, that will produce CO2 into the room where it should be. CO 2 is more heavy than air and will stay in the bucket.
The other is to add HCL Hydrogenclorid, thinned, into crushed Marble, it also produces CO2.
The Baking Powder model is the most tempting.

What do you think?

Ha ha, Allan, what I think is I sure wish I had some knowledge of chemistry . . . although so often, a general knowledge isn't "enough" when applied to a speciific problem, and I doubt if the Dutch manufactureres of lead white in the 17th century knew chemical formulae and theory . . . they sure enough knew how to make it, though.

You are providing a more complete picture of the process for me, and I much appreciate that. It's really interesting to note the presence of sulphur compounds (and the subsequent problems with "contaminated" lead white) arises from the use of manure in the process . . . that makes a lot of sense.

I'm pretty certain you'll discover a process that's both workable on a small scale (without having to move into a brewery or a tanning shed or be behind a dairy) that will produce high quality basic lead carbonate!

If I run across any more pertinent lore or advice from chemists, I'll pass it on!

I imagine that the white lead pigment was first seen on some lead that was laying on a dunghill or maybe in connection with some sour vinegar.
These observations would easily lead to the conclutions necessary for the process that has been used for more than 2000 years. It was described by Greek Dioskorides 2200 years ago that it was made the same way and used for medicine !!!

Bad news / good news !
 

Hi all,
I feel that I owe you to say that I have cancelled the project of making my own lead white.

The reason why, is that a Danish lurker was so kind to inform me that I could order Chremnitz White / Michael Harding, from a Danish artist color shop.

Do'nt tell anybody, but I managed to order and get it in the mail, the real thing.

Thank you, Christoffer of Copenhagen, for helping me out on this.

I like the stuff, it has another feel than Titanium White, it is warmer and blends softly. I especially like it for skin color.

By the way, I managed to make a handfull of lead white powder and I will mull my own paint one of these days and try not to lick my fingers.

Hey, Allan, your secret's safe with me !! What good fortune. We sure don't need to spend any more time on studio maintenance and materials preparation than absolutely necessary . . . although you can't be painting every waking hour, such things cut into painting time eventually.

Yes, lead white has very different characteristics from other whites. Once you're "hooked", there's nothing else like it! Harding makes fine paints.