White lead (also known as ceruse) is a basic carbonate of lead once used as a pigment and as a cosmetic, and forming one of the basic pigments used in the painting and decorating trade for many years. The best quality is prepared by the Dutch process, in which sheets or grids of pure lead are placed in pots containing a little dilute acetic acid or vinegar. A number of these pots are stacked in a heap, surrounded by horse manure for several months. Lead acetate forms and can then be converted into the basic carbonate. It went out of fashion as a pigment due to its toxicity and high cost. Research White Lead
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Research White Lead
