Blick Art Materials is the leading art supplier in the US, and their house brand tempera paints are the gold standard for art education. They are designed specifically to solve the "teacher's dilemma": balancing price vs. pigment quality. Unlike craft store paints (which are often glossy or plastic-like), Blick temperas stick to the traditional matte & opaque formula.1. The Liquid Tempera LinesBlick Premium Tempera (The "Teacher's Choice")Grade: Professional / Classroom top-tier.Binder: Starch-based.Finish: Dead matte.Pigment Load: This is the highest opacity tempera Blick sells. It is designed to cover in one coat, even on brown butcher paper or cardboard.Behavior: It is thick and creamy (won't drip off a brush). It mixes cleanly without turning into "mud" instantly.Best For: High school / Middle school art projects, color theory mixing, and poster painting.Lightfastness: Rated excellent (won't fade on bulletin boards).Blick Student Tempera (The Standard)Grade: General classroom.The "Original Formula": Blick prides itself on keeping the old-school formula that resists flaking and chipping.Difference from Premium: Slightly less pigment density, meaning you might need two coats for yellow or red to cover black paper completely.Best For: Elementary and Middle school daily painting.Blick Essentials Tempera (The Budget Line)Grade: Economy.Price: The cheapest liquid option.Behavior: Thinner consistency than Premium. It is designed for volume—filling cups for hundreds of kids.Cleanup: Optimized for soap & water cleanup, making it safer for younger classrooms where spills happen.Blick Washable Tempera (The "Pre-K" Safe)The Trade-Off: Washability vs. opacity.Chemistry: To make paint washable from clothes, you must remove the heavy pigments that stain. Therefore, this paint is semi-transparent. It will not cover dark paper well.Best For: Pre-K and Kindergarten finger painting where getting stains out of clothes is more important than artwork longevity.2. The Solid Tempera LinesBlick Tempera Cakes (The "Hockey Pucks")Format: Solid, dry discs of paint (like giant watercolors).Activation: You need a wet brush to pick up color.The "Killer" Feature: Zero waste. Unlike liquid paint (where kids pour too much and it goes in the trash), the cakes dry out instantly when you stop using them. They last 10x longer than liquid bottles.Finish: Matte, but can look "streaky" or transparent if the kid doesn't use enough water.Best For: Quick cleanup, passing out trays easily, and mess-free classrooms.Blick Tempera Sticks (Paint Sticks)Format: Looks like a glue stick, paints like a crayon.Finish: Satin / Semi-gloss.Behavior: Dries in 90 Seconds. It creates zero mess (no water cups needed).Best For: Posters and quick signs where you don't have time for drying.3. Summary ComparisonUse Blick Premium if: You need opacity (covering dark backgrounds) and rich color mixing for older students.Use Blick Student if: You need a reliable, standard paint for everyday elementary art.Use Blick Washable if: You are terrified of parents complaining about stains on clothes (Pre-K).Use Tempera Cakes if: You hate filling paint cups and cleaning up liquid messes (zero waste).Use Tempera Sticks if: You need instant drying time for posters.

Crayola is the most recognized brand in children's art supplies. Unlike Blick (which targets art teachers and serious students), Crayola targets early childhood education (Pre-K to Grade 3) and home use. Their chemistry prioritizes safety and washability above all else. Consequently, their paints are generally thinner and more transparent than professional temperas, but they are chemically engineered to be the easiest to clean in the industry.1. The Liquid Tempera LinesCrayola Premier™ Tempera (The "Art Room" Line)Grade: Highest quality (for Crayola).Binder: Starch-based.Finish: Matte.Behavior: This is Crayola's attempt to compete with Blick Student Tempera. It has a creamy consistency and decent opacity. It flows smoothly and covers well on white paper.Washability: Non-washable. (Note: This is crucial. Premier is designed for performance, not ease of cleaning. It will stain clothes).Best For: Elementary art projects where color mixing and coverage matter more than stains.Crayola Artista II® Tempera (The Budget Line)Grade: Economy / secondary.Behavior: Thinner than Premier. It is often sold in gallons for budget-conscious schools.Smell: Has a distinct "fermented" or earthy smell (common in economy starch paints) if stored too long.Coverage: Semi-opaque. Good for butcher paper, but struggles on cardboard.Washability: Non-washable (Stains clothing).Crayola Washable Paint (The Flagship)The "Ultra-Clean" Promise: This is the product Crayola is famous for. It uses a proprietary technology that lifts pigments from fabric fibers in a hot wash cycle.Appearance: Gel-like and semi-gloss. Unlike traditional matte tempera, this paint often dries with a slight plastic sheen.Consistency: It feels slimy or jelly-like (non-drip).Opacity: Low to medium. Because they removed the heavy staining pigments, it is transparent. It looks vibrant on white paper but disappears on black paper.Best For: Home use, messy toddlers, and finger painting.2. The Specialty Tempera FormatsCrayola Tempera Paint CakesFormat: Dry discs.Activation: Requires water and a stiff brush.Behavior: Unlike Blick cakes (which can be quite opaque), Crayola cakes tend to be very water-color like. They are transparent and low-mess.Best For: Quick distribution in classrooms where liquid mess is forbidden.Crayola Paint Sticks (Quick Dry)Format: Twist-up solid stick (Glue stick style).Drying Time: Instant (60 seconds).Finish: Glossy / waxy.Texture: Feels like drawing with lipstick. It provides full coverage instantly without water.Best For: Posters and parents who want "zero cleanup" painting.Crayola Finger PaintGrade: Toddler.Texture: Thick, tapioca-like gel.Paper Required: Must be used on "finger paint paper" (glossy/coated paper). If used on construction paper, it soaks through and warps the page instantly.Washability: Extreme (wipes off skin easily).3. Summary ChecklistCrayola Premier Tempera: Creamy texture / Matte finish / Non-washable (It stains) / Best for grade school art.Crayola Artista II: Thinner texture / Economy price / Non-washable / Best for large banners.Crayola Washable Paint: Gel texture / Semi-gloss / Best washability on the market / Best for home & toddlers.Crayola Tempera Cakes: Dry disc / Water required / Transparent / Best for low-mess classrooms.Crayola Paint Sticks: Solid stick / Instant dry / Glossy / Best for quick posters.

Kwik Stix are technically solid tempera paint. Think of them as glue sticks made of paint. They are designed to solve the single biggest problem in elementary art: Drying time.Their tagline is "Dries in 90 Seconds," and they truly do. They are the favorite tool for teachers who have 30 minute art classes and can't send wet paintings home in backpacks.1. The Product Sizes (Form Factor)Unlike liquid paint, Kwik Stix come in different barrel widths.Original Kwik Stix (The Standard)Size: Resembles a standard glue stick.Usage: The "all-rounder." Good for filling backgrounds and general drawing.Mechanism: Twist-up bottom. Cap must be clicked shut tightly or they will dry out.Thin Stix (The Detailer)Size: Resembles a thick marker or pen.Usage: Designed for older kids who find the original sticks too clumsy. You can actually write words and draw outlines with these.Compatibility: The paint formula is identical to the big sticks, just molded thinner.Jumbo Stix (The "Block" Filler)Size: Massive barrel (contains 40g of paint vs. the standard 10g).Usage: For toddlers with grip issues or for filling huge banners quickly.2. The Color FormulasThe binder is the same (solid tempera), but the pigments vary dramatically.Classic Colors:Finish: Satin / Semi-gloss.Opacity: High. Covers cardboard and brown paper easily.Behavior: Feels like drawing with a very smooth, wet lipstick.Metalix (Metallic):Finish: Shimmering.Quality: Surprisingly good coverage on black paper. The gold and silver are favorites for holiday crafts.Neon (Fluorescent):Finish: Dayglow matte.Behavior: These are translucent "highlighter" colors. They pop under blacklight but do not cover dark marks underneath them well.Global Skin Tones:Usage: A specialized set of 14 multicultural shades. Essential for self-portrait projects so kids don't have to mix orange and white to guess their skin color.Earth Tones & Pastels:Usage: Softer, more natural palettes used for landscape projects, moving away from the jarring "primary colors" of the classic set.3. Key CharacteristicsDrying Time (The Selling Point):90 Seconds: This is accurate. Because there is almost no water content, the paint cures rapidly. You can stack papers on top of each other after 2 minutes without sticking.Texture:Finish: It does not feel like crayon. It dries to a smooth, paint-like skin that won't rub off on your finger.Wrinkle-Free: Because you aren't adding water to the paper, the paper won't warp. You can paint on standard printer paper without it curling up.Washability:Rated: "Washable."Reality: They wash off hands instantly. On clothes, they are mostly washable, but red and black can stain if left to set. They are slightly harder to remove from fabric than Crayola Ultra-Clean but easier than standard tempera.4. Confusion Control: Kwik Stix vs. Wonder StixThe brand makes a similar-looking product called "Wonder Stix." Do not confuse them.Kwik Stix: Permanent on paper. Won't wipe off.Wonder Stix: Dustless chalk. Designed to write on glass/whiteboards and wipe off.Rule of Thumb: If you want a painting to keep, use Kwik Stix. If you want to draw on a window, use Wonder Stix.Summary ChecklistOriginal Kwik Stix: Glue-stick size / Best for general art / Dries in 90 seconds.Thin Stix: Marker size / Best for detail & writing.Metalix: Shimmer finish / Best for black paper.Neon: Fluorescent / Low opacity / Best for highlighter effects.Skin Tones: 14 shades / Best for portraits.Primary Benefit: No water / No cups / No crinkled paper.

Prang (owned by Dixon Ticonderoga) is the workhorse brand of the art education world. They sit comfortably between the mass-market accessibility of Crayola and the specialized teacher-supply focus of Richeson. Prang is famous for one thing: Pigment density. Teachers often cite Prang as having brighter, truer colors than budget brands, staying true to their slogan: "Dixon Ticonderoga—The Best of Its Kind."1. The "Semi-Moist" Tempera Cakes (The Classroom Standard)Prang is the primary rival to Richeson in the cake market.The Chemistry: Like Richeson, Prang cakes are semi-moist. They contain a humectant (wax/glycerin blend) that keeps them slightly soft, rather than drying into a hard rock.Activation: Instant. You do not need to scrub the brush. A wet brush picks up heavy, opaque color immediately.Opacity: Excellent. They are known for providing solid coverage without looking streaky. The white can cover dark paper reasonably well (for a cake).Durability: These are extremely long-lasting. One tray of cakes often lasts a student an entire semester.The "Glaze" Effect: Because of the binder, if you add too much water, Prang cakes can dry with a slight satin sheen rather than the dead-matte of liquid tempera.2. The Liquid Tempera LinesPrang Ready-to-Use Tempera (Standard):The Feature: Non-settling. Prang uses a chemistry that prevents the pigment from separating into a hard rock at the bottom of the bottle. You rarely need to shake them violently before use.Finish: Matte.Flow: Smooth and ergonomic. It covers evenly and doesn't streak as much as cheaper brands.Washability: Non-washable. It will stain clothing.Prang Washable Tempera:The Trade-Off: Like all washable paints, these sacrifice some opacity for cleanability.Performance: They are thinner than the Ready-to-Use line but wash out of most clothing without pre-treatment.Best For: Younger elementary students where aprons aren't always used.3. The Specialty FormatsPrang Powder Tempera:The Budget Option: Sold in 1lb jars of dry dust.Mixing: Extends your budget significantly. You mix it with water to your desired thickness.Warning: Some colors in the powder line can have a faint sulfur/chemical smell when mixed, typical of old-school pigments.Prang Metallic Tempera:Performance: Surprisingly decent. The gold and silver liquid temperas are opaque enough to cover cardboard, which is rare for school-grade metallic paint.4. Summary ComparisonPrang vs. Crayola: Prang generally has higher pigment density (brighter colors), but Crayola has better washability technology.Prang vs. Richeson: They are nearly identical in the "cake" category. Prang is often easier to find in standard retail stores (like Staples or Walmart), whereas Richeson is mostly sold through art catalogs.5. Summary ChecklistPrang Semi-Moist Cakes: Instant activation / High opacity / Long lasting / Best for daily classroom use.Prang Ready-to-Use (Liquid): Non-settling / Matte / Non-washable / Best for posters.Prang Washable (Liquid): Thinner / Easy clean / Best for elementary.Prang Powder: Dry mix / Cheapest option / Best for sidewalks & banners.

Richeson Casein (formerly known as Shiva Casein) is a professional-grade, water-soluble paint that uses milk protein (casein) as its binder. It is the only major line of artist-grade casein paint currently manufactured in the world.It is best suited for illustrators, concept artists, and fine artists who desire the matte finish of gouache but require the durability of acrylic or oil. Its defining characteristic is that while it dries fast and matte like gouache, it eventually "cures" to become water-resistant, allowing for permanent underpaintings or standalone works. Users should note it has a distinct, clean, ammonia-like scent, which is normal and necessary for preservation.Technical SpecificationsBinder: The paint uses casein (milk protein) combined with an alkali (typically ammonia or borax) to make it soluble in water.Finish: It dries to a dead matte finish. This absorbs light rather than reflecting it, making the medium excellent for photography and reproduction work.Drying & Curing: The paint is fast-drying, typically dry to the touch in 15–20 minutes. However, it requires a curing time of 2–4 weeks. Over this period, the milk protein hardens and becomes resistant to water, unlike gouache which remains soluble forever.Opacity: High. Most colors in the line are naturally opaque, similar to gouache.Solvent: Water. No turpentine or mineral spirits are required.3. The Color RangeRicheson offers roughly 37 colors in 37ml (1.25 oz) tubes. They are divided into "series" based on pigment cost.The "Shiva" Signature ColorsColors labeled "Shiva" (e.g., Shiva Rose, Shiva Green, Shiva Violet) are historic hues specific to this brand. Shiva Rose is particularly famous—a fluorescent-like, transparent pink that is brilliant for glazing. However, users should be aware that it is known to be fugitive (fades in light).The Cadmiums & CobaltsThe line offers genuine cadmium yellows/reds and cobalt blues. These are expensive Series colors, but they are highly opaque and possess excellent lightfastness.The Earth TonesColors like Raw Sienna, Burnt Umber, and Venetian Red are the workhorses of the casein line. They are incredibly opaque, fast-drying, and bulletproof in terms of lightfastness.Permasol BlueThis is Richeson's proprietary name for Phthalo Blue. It has extremely strong tinting strength.Lightfastness WarningMost of the line is rated lightfastness I (excellent). However, caution is advised with Alizarin Crimson (rated "fair") and Shiva Rose, which is known to fade and should be reserved for reproduction work or sketchbooks rather than museum pieces.4. Working Properties & BehaviorThe "Curing" Process (The Secret Weapon)This process is what separates casein from gouache. On Day 1, you can re-wet the paint and lift it with a damp brush, similar to watercolor. By Week 2, it begins to resist lifting. You can glaze new layers over old ones without the bottom layer dissolving. By Month 1, the paint is effectively permanent.Texture & HandlingStraight from the tube, the paint has a thick, paste-like consistency. When diluted, it breaks down into beautiful, flat washes. Like acrylic and gouache, casein undergoes a "value shift." Dark colors dry lighter, and light colors dry darker. Artists must anticipate this shift when mixing.5. Surfaces & ToolsSurface Rule #1: Rigid OnlyCasein becomes brittle when it cures. If you paint it on a flexible surface (like a loose canvas), it will crack. It is strongly recommended to use illustration board, Masonite, wood panels, or heavy watercolor paper that has been taped down or mounted. Canvas should only be used if it is glued to a board (canvas panel).BrushesThe best tools are synthetic watercolor or gouache brushes (Taklon). Avoid expensive natural sable brushes, as the ammonia content can be harsh on delicate hairs over time. Also avoid stiff hog bristles, as they tend to scratch the fragile wet paint layers.6. Common Issues & TroubleshootingTube SeparationCasein separates easily in the tube. It is common to open a cap and see clear brown liquid squirt out. This is just the binder. To fix this, massage the tube before opening, or squeeze the contents onto the palette and mix it back together with a palette knife.Stuck CapsThe paint acts as a strong glue. If paint gets in the threads, the cap will seal permanently. Always wipe the threads clean before capping. If a cap is stuck, run hot water over it for 60 seconds."Foaming" WashesSometimes, when mixed with a large amount of water, bubbles can form in the wash. Adding a drop of Richeson Casein Emulsion (sold separately) will smooth out the flow.7. Verdict: Why Use It?Use Richeson Casein if you are tired of the "plastic" feel of acrylics and the "lift-ability" of gouache. It is the perfect medium for artists who want to create solid, matte, illustrative works that feel substantial and historic.

Jack Richeson & Co. is a family-owned American manufacturer beloved by art teachers for their "classroom management" solutions. While brands like Crayola focus on washability, Richeson focuses on longevity and opacity. They are most famous for popularizing the Semi-Moist Tempera Cake, which changed how many elementary art rooms operate by eliminating liquid paint distribution completely.1. The "Semi-Moist" Tempera Cakes (The Flagship)The product that defines the brand. A hybrid between watercolor and opaque paint.The Concept: Unlike dry tempera cakes (which are hard like hockey pucks and require scrubbing to get color), Richeson cakes are semi-moist. They contain a glycerin binder that keeps them slightly soft.Activation: Instant. As soon as a wet brush touches the cake, it releases thick, opaque color immediately. No "scrubbing" required.Opacity: High. They cover much better than watercolor and can even work on colored construction paper (though they are not as opaque as liquid acrylic).Sizes:Mini Cakes: Square or round (approx 1.5 inches). Good for individual student kits.Large Cakes: The "hockey puck" size (approx 2.25 inches). These fit in the famous "Muffin Trays" and last an entire school year for a table of 4 students.Tray System: Richeson sells heavy-duty plastic trays that stack. Teachers love these because you can simply stack the wet trays at the end of class without cleaning them; the paint just re-dries and is ready for the next day.2. The Powder TemperaThe old-school budget option for bulk projects.Format: Jars of dry powder pigment.Usage: You mix it with water yourself.1:1 Ratio: Creates standard creamy paint.Watery: Creates a wash (like watercolor).Thick: Creates a finger-paint texture.Shelf Life: Infinite (while dry). Unlike liquid paint that smells rotten after 2 years, powder lasts forever until mixed.Best For: Sidewalk painting (mix thick), large banners, and teachers on an extreme budget.Warning: Dust. It can be messy to mix. Do not inhale the dust.3. The Liquid Tempera (Premium)A standard, high-quality liquid classroom paint.Grade: Premium student.Consistency: Creamy and thick. It does not drip easily.Binder: Starch-based.Finish: Matte.Comparison: It is generally considered superior to Crayola Artista II in opacity but is less "washable." It is comparable to Blick Premium.4. Summary ComparisonUse Richeson Semi-Moist Cakes if: You want zero waste and instant cleanup. They are the #1 choice for "art on a cart" teachers who travel between rooms.Use Richeson Powder if: You need the absolute cheapest volume of paint or need to control the thickness yourself.Use Richeson Liquid if: You are painting papier-mâché or 3D objects where cakes are too difficult to apply.5. Critical Tip: The "Muddy" WaterThe Issue: Because Richeson cakes are so soluble, they muddy the water cup faster than hard cakes.The Fix: Teach students to wipe their brush on a sponge before dipping back into the water, or use the "spray bottle" technique (mist the cakes 5 minutes before class starts so students don't need to dip into water constantly).

1. SummarySennelier Egg Tempera is a prestigious, professional-grade paint produced in France. It serves as the modern alternative to the messy, traditional process of mixing raw egg yolk with pigment powder.This paint is famous for being the "bridge" between watercolor and oil painting. It was favored by masters like Marc Chagall and is renowned for its luminosity and archival quality. Unlike the flat, dead-matte finish of casein or gouache, Sennelier Egg Tempera dries to a distinct, water-resistant satin sheen.2. The "Secret" Formula (Egg-Oil Emulsion)It is critical to understand that this is not just raw egg and pigment. If you put raw egg and pigment in a tube, it would rot within days.To make this paint shelf-stable and usable, Sennelier creates an emulsion. They blend the egg yolk with vegetable oil (typically linseed or poppyseed oil) and gum arabic.The Result: A paint that is soluble in water (you can thin it with water), but behaves slightly like oil paint.The Advantage: This oil content gives the paint a flexible, buttery feel that pure, homemade egg tempera lacks. It also prevents the color from shifting drastically when it dries.3. Technical SpecificationsBinder: Egg yolk emulsion containing vegetable oil.Solvent: Water. (However, because it contains oil, it can also technically accept oil mediums in small amounts, though water is the standard thinner).Finish: Satin / eggshell. It is not dead matte. It has a slight, waxy luster that glows.Drying time: Fast. It dries to the touch in minutes. However, like oil paint, it requires months to fully "cure" and harden completely.Yellowing: Minimal. While egg yolk is naturally yellow, the formulation is balanced to prevent significant yellowing over time.4. Working PropertiesThe "Water-Oil" HybridSennelier Egg Tempera feels different from any other medium. It flows like a heavy cream. Because of the oil content, it does not "snap" dry quite as instantly as homemade tempera or acrylic; it gives you a few extra seconds of open time to blend.Water ResistanceOnce dry, the paint becomes water-resistant (due to the oil and denatured proteins). This makes it excellent for layering. You can paint a fresh layer over a dry one without dissolving the work underneath.No Color ShiftOne of the biggest selling points is that what you see is what you get. Unlike acrylics (which dry darker) or gouache (which shifts in value), Sennelier Egg Tempera holds its saturation and value from wet to dry.5. Best Uses & TechniquesUnderpainting for oilsThis is the classic use case. Because the paint dries fast, lean, and water-resistant, many oil painters use it to establish the composition and dead-coloring. You can paint an entire underpainting in Sennelier Tempera in the morning, and start glazing over it with oil paints in the afternoon. (Note: You can paint oil over tempera, but you cannot paint tempera over oil).Fine Detail & Cross HatchingLike traditional tempera, it excels at fine, linear brushwork. It allows for incredible precision that oil paints sometimes struggle to match without mediums.RestorationBecause of its stability and color accuracy, it is often used by art conservators for retouching old oil paintings.6. Surfaces & ToolsRigid Supports OnlyDespite the oil content making it slightly more flexible than homemade tempera, the rule remains: Do not use flexible canvas. The film is still relatively brittle compared to acrylic. Use wood panels, museum boards, or heavy paper taped to a board.BrushesSoft hair brushes (Sable or high-quality synthetic) are best. Stiff hog bristles are generally too rough for the creamy consistency of this paint.7. Verdict: Is it worth the price?Sennelier Egg Tempera is expensive. However, it offers a convenience that is hard to beat.Buy it if: You want the luminosity of the Old Masters and the ability to underpaint for oils, but you don't want the hassle of cracking eggs and grinding pigments every single day.Skip it if: You want a dead-matte, flat finish (use casein or gouache instead) or if you want to paint thickly (Sennelier Tempera should be applied in thin layers; thick impasto will crack).