Optimist Mixable Color
View all
FAQs
Federal Color manufactures supplies for the modern artist. We believe that analog art has an irreplaceable role in human civilization, and we're on a mission to preserve its essential tools and materials for the long term.
Federal is owned and operated by the same team as St. Louis Art Supply.
We're located in St. Louis, Missouri, and all Federal products are currently made in-house.
In 2024, we plan to release Federal products made elsewhere—things like brushes and pencils, which require specialized machinery and expertise. Our planned partners are multi-generational family companies in Japan and Europe. When we release these items, we'll tell you the whole story.
Yes! Our Optimist Mixable Color is a perfect medium for color theory, drawing, and painting classes. It's designed to teach CMYK color mixing, so it can also be a great option for design courses.
If you're ordering for a classroom, we can arrange special pricing, sizes, and packaging for your needs. Please email sales@federalcolor.com with educational and bulk inquiries.
Yes! We'd love to see our products in your indie retail shop. We have no minimum order, and we offer free freight on U.S. wholesale orders over $300.
Please note that Federal Color may not be sold on Amazon or other third-party marketplaces.
Yes. We use pigments rated 7+ on the Blue Wool Scale, an industry-standard measurement of lightfastness. Check the label of each Federal product for its individual BWS rating.
A rating of 7/8 means that the pigment is not expected to fade for 100+ years. A rating of 8/8 means that the pigment is not expected to fade for 300+ years.
We strive to use the safest possible ingredients, and our formulas are reviewed by an independent toxicologist as required by U.S. law.
Currently, there are no Federal Color products that require hazard labeling, special handling, or special storage.
For specific directions and information about each Federal product, please consult the label or the product description page on our website.
No. Optimist Mixable Color is made from natural shellac, which is deposited by insects onto tree branches in Southeast Asia. Federal beeswax is, of course, made by bees.
We do have plans for a vegan-friendly color product, slated for release in mid-2024. Stay tuned!