Following a historic introduction concerning production data in source texts of painting technology, the most important methods of lead white production are discussed; in this context, reference is made to the pertinent literature for detailed information. This is followed by a detailed discussion of the properties of lead white, arranged according to the binders used in painting. Furthermore, micromethods for identification of lead white paintings are listed. By using analysis of emission spectrometry and analysis of neutron activation, trace elements in lead white can be determined whose distribution pattern may indicate regional interrelations in painting. Trace elements also provice an opportunity to distinguish modern lead white of the 20th century from lead white produced during earlier times. Debye-Scherrer photos and infrared spectra are suitable for distinguishing basic lead carbonate from neutral lead carbonate or to detect neutral carbonate in basic lead carbonate, or vice versa.