Schmincke HORADAM Naturals vs. HORADAM Watercolours – What’s the Difference?

Both Schmincke HORADAM Naturals and HORADAM Watercolours are top-quality paints, but they offer very different painting experiences. If you’re trying to decide between them, here’s what we found when testing them at The Deckle Edge.

Pigments & Ingredients

• HORADAM Naturals: Made from natural earth and plant-based pigments, so you’re getting colours straight from nature—think clay, minerals, and botanical extracts.
• HORADAM Watercolours: Uses traditional and synthetic pigments, giving a much broader range of colours, from soft pastels to highly saturated brights.

Texture & Feel

This was one of the biggest differences we noticed when testing them.

• HORADAM Naturals have a very tactile quality—some colours feel gritty, almost clay-like, while others are a bit slick, almost plant-like. You can really tell the difference between the mineral-based and plant-based colours, which adds to their unique charm.
• HORADAM Watercolours are smoother and more refined, designed for a more traditional watercolour experience with even washes and optimal flow.

Drying Time

• HORADAM Naturals take noticeably longer to dry, which can be great for blending but means you’ll need a little patience if you like to layer quickly.
• HORADAM Watercolours dry at a more typical pace, making them ideal for quick layers and controlled techniques.

Transparency & Finish

• HORADAM Naturals are mostly semi-transparent with a matte finish, which gives them a soft, earthy look.
• HORADAM Watercolours range from transparent to opaque, with a more luminous, vibrant finish.

Sustainability & Vegan-Friendly

• HORADAM Naturals are vegan and eco-conscious, formulated with sustainability in mind.
• HORADAM Watercolours are high-quality but not all colours are vegan, as some use traditional pigments like *bone black.

Which One Should You Choose?

• If you love the idea of painting with earthy, natural pigments and enjoy a more textural, organic experience, HORADAM Naturals are worth trying.
• If you need a wide range of colours, smooth handling, and more versatility, HORADAM Watercolours are the way to go.

Both are excellent in their own right, it just depends on what kind of painting experience you prefer. If you’re curious about trying them, pop in and see them in action at The Deckle Edge!

The Story of Bone Black – Tradition, Art, and Sustainability

Bone Black (PBk9) has been used by artists for centuries, dating back to ancient Egypt and the Renaissance, where it was valued for its deep, rich black tone and ability to create subtle shadows. Unlike harsher synthetic blacks, Bone Black has a soft, natural depth, making it a favourite in traditional watercolours, oils, and inks.

Beyond its artistic qualities, Bone Black also has a practical and sustainable side—it repurposes animal by-products (bones) from the agricultural and food industries, helping to reduce waste rather than letting these materials go unused.

That said, vegans and those looking for plant-based alternatives may prefer to avoid this pigment. Fortunately, there are excellent vegan-friendly options:

Lamp Black (PBk6) – Made from pure carbon for a smooth, neutral black.
Mars Black (PBk11) – Derived from iron oxides, offering a deep, opaque black.
Schmincke HORADAM Naturals Black – A unique, plant-based black from Schmincke’s Naturals range, providing a softer, organic alternative.
Whatever your preference, we’re happy to help you find the right black for your work. Visit The Deckle Edge to test the different pigments and see which one fits your style.

Schmincke HORADAM Naturals came 2nd for Sustainable Product Of The Year 2025

Schmincke Range