White has the opposite problem to black: it covers badly and quickly reads as plaster. Essential Whites gives six shades from pure white through creams to light greys, so a white robe has shadow and volume while still reading white.
| Set type | Essential |
| Number of colours | 6 |
| Volume per jar | 20 ml |
| Type | water-based acrylic paints |
| Finish | matt |
| Manufacturer code | IONIC-0503 |
| EAN | 8432074905035 |
| Manufacturer | Ionic Smart Colors (MIG Jimenez) |
| Country of origin | Spain |
Why does white always look grainy?
Because it is applied too thickly. Thin white more than other colours and lay it on in two or three light passes – that goes for all six shades in this set.
Did the manufacturer rename this set?
Yes, it was originally the Ethereal White Set. Ionic now lists it as Essential Whites; the contents are the same.
How do I thin these paints?
With water or an Ionic thinner. They are self-hydrating, so they stay workable on the palette far longer than ordinary acrylics – a drop for brush work, roughly 1 : 1 for airbrush.
Is the set better value than single jars?
If you need at least half the shades, yes – the set costs less than the same number of individual jars. If you are missing only two, buy them separately in the Ionic Smart Colors category.
The other sets are in the Ionic sets category.