Daniel Smith PrimaTek
Genuine mineral watercolours ground from real stones — lapis lazuli, amethyst, serpentine, sleeping beauty turquoise, sodalite and more. Each colour granulates and settles in a way no synthetic pigment can replicate. In stock in Iceland at Föndurlist.
PrimaTek minerals & Daniel Smith watercolours
What makes PrimaTek special?
PrimaTek is Daniel Smith’s legendary line of genuine mineral watercolours. Instead of synthetic pigments, each tube contains paint ground from real gemstones and minerals — giving every colour unique granulation, depth and luminosity that cannot be replicated.
Ground from real stone
Each PrimaTek colour is made from a specific mineral or gemstone — lapis lazuli, amethyst, hematite, serpentine, jadeite, sodalite and more. The mineral particles are larger and more irregular than synthetic pigments, creating beautiful granulating textures on the paper.
Unique granulation
Because the particles are natural stone, they settle into the valleys of the paper in a way that is different every time. This creates organic, luminous texture effects that flat synthetic washes cannot achieve — perfect for landscapes, skies and natural subjects.
Lightfast & enduring
Mineral pigments have been used by artists for millennia precisely because they resist fading. PrimaTek colours hold their richness for decades, making them a sound choice for gallery work and pieces meant to last.
Tips for best results
Use quality cotton watercolour paper (300 gsm) to let the mineral particles settle into the paper texture. Try wet-on-wet washes to see the granulation at its best, and experiment with mixing PrimaTek colours with regular Daniel Smith Extra Fine watercolours for depth and variety.
Frequently asked questions
What is Daniel Smith PrimaTek?
PrimaTek is a special line of watercolours from Daniel Smith where the pigment is genuine ground mineral — lapis lazuli, amethyst, hematite, serpentine and more. Each colour has unique granulation and texture that synthetic pigments cannot replicate.
Why do PrimaTek colours granulate?
Mineral particles are naturally larger and more irregular than synthetic pigments. When the paint dries, these particles settle unevenly into the paper texture, creating the beautiful granulating effect PrimaTek is known for.
Do you carry other Daniel Smith watercolours?
Yes — we stock over 60 Daniel Smith Extra Fine watercolours in 15 ml tubes, from classic colours like Ultramarine Blue and Burnt Sienna to the special PrimaTek mineral range. Browse the full Daniel Smith collection.
Can I mix PrimaTek with regular watercolours?
Absolutely. PrimaTek colours mix beautifully with any Daniel Smith Extra Fine watercolour (and other brands). Combining a PrimaTek mineral colour with a transparent synthetic creates wonderful depth and textural contrast.
Do you ship across Iceland?
Yes, we ship nationwide and shipping is free on orders of 20,000 ISK or more. You can also pick up your order at our store at Einhella 11 - 107, 221 Hafnarfjörður.