Tuubvärvid

Tuubvärvid, often translated as tube paints, refers to artist paints that are dispensed from collapsible metal or plastic tubes. This packaging method became widespread in the 19th century, revolutionizing the way artists worked by offering portability and ease of use. Before the advent of tube paints, artists primarily worked with pigments ground and mixed with binders themselves, often in small bladders or pots. The development of hermetically sealed tubes allowed for pre-mixed paints to be stored for extended periods without drying out, making plein air painting much more accessible.

The most common types of artist paints sold in tubes are oil paints and acrylic paints. Watercolors are also available in tubes, though pans are a traditional and still popular alternative for this medium. The materials used in the tubes themselves, originally tin and lead, have largely been replaced by aluminum and various plastics due to cost, durability, and environmental concerns. The ability to purchase a wide range of colors in convenient tubes significantly democratized art-making, enabling artists to focus more on their creative process and less on the laborious preparation of materials. The standardization of tube sizes and colors also facilitated consistent color mixing and reproduction for artists.