LEFRANC & BOURGEOIS

LEFRANC & BOURGEOIS – The Oldest Artist Paint Manufacturer in the World (Since 1720)

Lefranc & Bourgeois is the oldest continuously operating manufacturer of artist paints in the world. Its history dates back to 1720, when the Laclef family began making paints in Paris. In 1775, Charles-François Lefranc took over the company and gave it his name.

History of the Lefranc & Bourgeois Brand

The brand earned a special place among French Impressionists. Cézanne, Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh used its paints. In 1867, Alexandre Bourgeois founded a competing company. The two companies merged in 1965 under the name Lefranc & Bourgeois. Today, it is part of the Colart group, along with Winsor & Newton.

Lefranc & Bourgeois Products at ARTMiE

• Extra-Fine Oil Paints – professional quality
• Flashe – vinyl paints with a matte finish
• Vitrail – glass paints
• Encre de Chine – professional-quality Chinese ink

Why Lefranc & Bourgeois?

300 years of history. Paints used by the Impressionists. French elegance in every tube. If you’re looking for a blend of tradition and quality, Lefranc & Bourgeois is a choice that never disappoints.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Lefranc & Bourgeois Fine oil paints stand out?

These paints offer a high concentration of pigments and a buttery consistency that’s ideal for layering. They’re popular with students and professionals alike for their lightfastness and ability to retain brushstrokes. They dry quickly and create a satin finish when dry, making it easier to continue working on the canvas without a long wait.

What is Lefranc & Bourgeois gouache used for, and how do you work with it?

This brand’s gouache paints are known for their high coverage and matte appearance. They’re suitable for illustrations, design sketches, or painting on paper and cardboard. You can thin the paint with water to create softer color transitions. Once dry, the surface remains velvety matte, and the pigments retain their intensity even when layered.

What is the difference between Fine oil paints and the extra-fine series?

The Fine series is intended for everyday painting and study, while Lefranc & Bourgeois extra-fine oil paints contain the highest-quality pigments with maximum lightfastness. Extra-fine paints are more finely milled, which provides better brilliance and depth of shade. Professionals choose the extra-fine line for works that require long-lasting results and specific color mixing.

How should you use Lefranc & Bourgeois mediums for oil painting?

This brand’s mediums help you adjust the viscosity, gloss, or drying time of paints. For example, linseed oil increases gloss and slows drying, while turpentine thinner makes the paint matte and speeds up the hardening process. We recommend adding mediums gradually directly to your palette to maintain the desired paint consistency and avoid unnecessarily degrading the pigment by over-thinning.

Are Lefranc & Bourgeois varnishes suitable for protecting all types of paintings?

Yes, the brand offers specialized varnishes for oil and acrylic painting. Final varnishes protect the artwork from dust, moisture, and UV radiation. For oil paintings, wait until the paint is completely dry, which can take months. You can choose a gloss, matte, or satin finish, depending on the final look you want for your painting.