putkivärit

Putkivärit, literally translating to "pipe colors" or "tube colors" in Finnish, refers to a historical and somewhat archaic method of applying pigments in art. This technique typically involved using tubes made of lead or tin to contain and dispense oil-based paints. Artists would squeeze these tubes to extrude the paint onto their palette or directly onto the canvas.

The advent of putkivärit revolutionized oil painting during the 19th century. Before the development of these collapsible tubes, artists had to grind their own pigments and mix them with oil, a laborious and time-consuming process. Storing and transporting paints was also challenging, often requiring specialized containers. The introduction of pre-mixed paints in tubes made them far more accessible and portable, allowing artists greater freedom to paint en plein air (outdoors) and to work more spontaneously.

While putkivärit were instrumental in the development of Impressionism and other movements that favored outdoor sketching and painting, the use of lead and tin tubes also presented certain issues. These materials were prone to corrosion and could react with the pigments, potentially altering their color over time. Furthermore, the disposal of used lead tubes raised environmental concerns. Modern art supply stores now offer paints in aluminum or plastic tubes, which are more stable and environmentally friendly alternatives. The term "putkivärit" itself, though still understood in Finnish art contexts, is less commonly used today to refer to contemporary tube paints.