This solvent-based, lead-free paint was the best-kept secret of faux finishers. Now, the secret is out. Japan colors have a luscious matte surface, a heavy pigment load, and pure rich colors. Their semi-paste consistency makes them perfect for stenciling. They can be thinned to make stains or glazes, or added to glossy oil-based paint to create semi-gloss finishes and soft tints. Use them for antiquing, graining, lettering, striping, scenic design, and furniture finishes. These flat, quick drying colors excel in purity, tone uniformity, strength, and fineness of grind. Lead free. Thin with mineral spirits. Ronan Blacks — To help in your selection, here is a bit of information about the various Ronan blacks. Drop Black has a slightly brown shade to it. Refined Lamp Black is most often used as a mixing or shading black. Solid-covering Lamp Black is the most highly pigmented color and is used when doing lettering or in situations where the most opaque pigment is desired.