Classification and characteristics of pigments for paint

Paint pigments are an essential ingredient that give paint its color and coverage ability. They exist in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with special qualities and uses. Anyone painting, whether a hobbyist or a professional, needs to understand the various pigment types and their properties.

Pigments are mainly categorized according to their composition and place of origin. Pigments fall into two primary categories: inorganic and organic. Carbon-based molecules are the source of organic pigments, which are distinguished by their vivid hues. On the other hand, inorganic pigments, which are derived from mineral compounds, provide more stability and longevity.

Different pigment types have unique qualities that suit them for particular applications. For example, organic pigments are frequently utilized in paints for artists and automotive finishes, or in other applications where vivid, strong colors are required. Conversely, inorganic pigments are preferred for exterior paints and industrial coatings due to their superior lightfastness and weather resistance.

Pigments can be further categorized based on their color attributes and functional features in addition to these fundamental groups. Opacity, which certain pigments offer, is essential for producing a consistent, sturdy finish. Some are translucent and can be combined to change the color of other colors or used to create glazing effects. Special pigments, like pearlescent or metallic, give the paint distinct visual effects that improve its aesthetic appeal.

Selecting the appropriate pigment requires taking into account a number of factors, such as the intended color, longevity, and the particular needs of the application. Painters can make wise choices and accomplish the best results on their projects by being aware of the classification and properties of pigments.

Pigment colors

The creation of various colors can be accomplished with the following pigments:

• White – chalk, lime or white;
• yellow – crown, guard;
• blue – ultramarin, azure;
• red – iron or lead, mummy, cinnabar;
• Green – chrome or lead greens.

Based on their origin and composition, pigments are the essential ingredients that give paint its color and opacity. They can be further classified into different types. These consist of both synthetic and natural pigments, each having special qualities that influence the paint’s finish, performance, and durability. Knowing the qualities of various pigments makes it easier to choose the best paint for a given application, guaranteeing brilliant colors, durability, and surface protection.

Types of pigments

There are two types of pigmenting materials: natural and synthetic. There are two categories for natural ones: organic and inorganic. Although natural materials are scarce, they are widely employed in construction because using them is less expensive than creating artificial components.

Natural pigments

Mineral dyes

Metals and oxides are the sources of natural pigments. The following inorganic elements with corresponding colors are among the sources of dyes:

• iron oxides (yellow, brown, red);
• manganese (yellow, purple, brown);
• chrome (green);
• cobalt (blue);
• copper oxides (emerald, red, bright green);
• antimony (yellow);
• guards (pale yellow, golden, dark yellow, red-red when calcining);
• Mars (light brown, dark brown);
• Umbra (reddish-brown, greenish-brown);
• van dick (brown);
• Ultramarin (blue).

Mineral dyes are known for their exceptional strength, light resistance, good mixing properties, and connecting compatibility.

Some of the properties of inorganic dyes

1. Dry guard. It is extracted from clay minerals that are painted with hydrated iron oxides. Dry ocher color-yellow, yellow-brown. The security is used as a coloring substance in the manufacture of cement solutions used to create decorative plaster. It is also used in the production of silicate and adhesive colors. Compounds with ocher are well suited for painting products made of concrete, metal and wood. The pigment is durable, hiding, resistance to light and alkalis.
2. Natural Siena. Clay coloring substance yellow. It looks like ocher, but the siennese contains a larger amount of iron oxide and silica. Siena is resistant to alkalis and lime and is used in almost all varieties of paint. When mixed with oil, Siena gains screening characteristics. Such compositions are often used in finishing work on expensive wood breeds.
3. Red-souquet iron. Includes iron oxide and traces of quartz minerals. Color of coloring substance-red-brownish. The pigment is extracted by subtle iron ore grinding. The substance is not poisonous in itself, but its dust contains toxins. Different grades of the beer of iron are used to add special forces to alkyd primers and paints and varnishes (for painting ships, anti -corrosion compounds). Surik also found widespread use in oil compounds for painting metal products located outdoors. The cost of production of the element is small, so it is used in adhesive colors and enamels.
4. Umbra natural. The pigment includes manganese and iron oxides. The color of the Umbra is brown with a shade of green or dark yellow. As a result of calcining, Umbra acquires a red-brown color. Dye is characterized by increased strength, good coloring properties. Adding umbra allows oils to dry faster. The coloring substance is used for painting plaster, metal and wood products.
5. Chroma oxide. The pigment is produced as a result of complex chemical reactions. Color-from light green to dark green. Disadvantages of chromium oxide are explosive, toxicity and fire hazard. The advantages of a substance are high resistance to light, high strength, resistance to acids and alkalis even at high temperatures. The pigment can be added to the pigments of any origin. Chromium oxide is used for especially important coatings at chemical enterprises, pipe surfaces and equipment subject to high thermal load.
6. Sucked lead. Color-bright orange or orange-red. It differs in great weight and is a product of oxidation of lead gletes at high temperature. Lead sword – very toxic material. The pigment is characterized by high resistance to alkalis, anti -corrosion qualities and hiding. Souric lead is low by acid resistance.
7. Mars is brown. Color-dark brown, light brown. The pigment is carried out when calcining the mixture, which includes manganese, iron oxide, aluminum oxide hydrate. Brown Mars is distinguished by stability to alkalis and light, as well as acceptable hiding parties and lifting properties. The component is used with binders in water and non -wounds. The coloring substance is used for painting metal and wooden products, as well as plastered surfaces.
8. Emerald greens. The dye is characterized by high lozing properties, resistant to light, humidity and gases.
9. Cobalt is blue. Color is bright blue. The substance transfers the effects of atmospheric precipitation, characterized by high sequcate and glazing qualities. Blue cobalt is characterized by increased oil intensity and low covering.
10. The Berlin azure is light -resistant, it is characterized by hiding and color intensity.

Organic dyes

Plants and insects are used to extract organic materials. These dyes dissolve in water, oils, and alcohol, in contrast to minerals. The strength of organic dyes is typically lower than that of mineral dyes. These pigments are most frequently used in painting because they pierce the surface’s structure rather than producing a colorful layer.

Krape or Marena roots are used to make kaplak, a common organic representative. An additional material derived from plants is an indigo that Weida gave us. Synthetic indigo is also produced by modern industry. Sea mollusks provide a pale brown pigment. It is possible to obtain black coloring compounds from organic raw materials.

Artificial pigments

The greatest resistance of synthetic coloring materials is shown against gas, light, humidity, and atmospheric precipitation. Their brightness of shade is what distinguishes them. Owing to these characteristics, synthetic pigments have long occupied the top spot among all dyes.

There are two types of synthetic dyes: inorganic and mineral. Complex chemical reactions are required for the production of inorganic pigments. The bright and pure color of synthetic inorganic pigments is a characteristic that sets them apart from natural pigments.

The cost of producing these components is higher than that of natural coloring agents. Paints and varnishes that are non-alternative are made in the construction industry using inorganic synthetic materials.

Synthetic mineral dyes are produced by combining two to three different ingredients. These pigments are classified as metals and salts besieged from solutions or manufactured based on the method of production.

Ultramarine

Falls under the category of artificial inorganic dyes. contains sulfur and sodium aluminosilate. In the building sector, ultramarin is frequently utilized in paints, water, and non-varnish applications. Plastered surfaces, metal, wood, and concrete can all be painted using these paints. Ultramarin is very rare in its pure form, and when it does occur, the usual intention is to counteract the yellow hue of chalk or lime.

You can use ultramarin as a screening dye. Both light and alkalis do not affect the pigment. However, since the coloring material in this instance loses color, adding it to lime solutions is not desired. When implementing internal and external finishing work, Ultramarin is appropriate for use with all types of connecting.

Cinnabar

In addition to its vivid red hue, the dye also has some dark tones. Painters can apply any kind of color to surfaces made of concrete, brick, plaster, or wood using Kinovar. Both exterior and interior finishing work are acceptable.

Anyone involved in painting or coatings must comprehend the classification and properties of paint pigments. Pigments are essential to the longevity, coverage, and general performance of paint; they do more than just add color. Every kind of pigment, whether synthetic or natural, organic or inorganic, has distinct qualities that affect how a paint performs and appears when applied.

Natural pigments are highly valued for their earthy tones and historical significance. They are derived from minerals and plants and have been used for centuries. Conversely, synthetic pigments are more widely used in contemporary applications due to their increased stability and wider variety of vivid colors. The differentiation between organic and inorganic pigments contributes to the diversity even more, as the former generally offer superior opacity and durability, while the latter typically provide brighter colors.

Practically speaking, the pigment selection influences the paint’s performance under different circumstances in addition to its final aesthetic appearance. High lightfastness pigments, for instance, guarantee that colors stay vibrant over time even when exposed to sunlight. Similar to this, exterior paints that have to endure severe weather conditions need to use pigments that are resistant to weather. Knowing these qualities makes it easier to choose the appropriate paint for the job, guaranteeing durable and eye-catching results.

In the end, a thoughtful pigment selection improves the paint’s usability and aesthetic appeal. Understanding the fundamentals of pigment classification and characteristics will help you make better decisions, whether you’re an artist looking for the ideal shade or a contractor searching for long-lasting coatings. Understanding the science underlying the hues will help you accomplish your goals more successfully and appreciate the long-lasting nature of your painted surfaces.

Video on the topic

Types of dyes

Watercolor: secrets of pigments, light resistance and mixing colors.

How to make a pigment from plants 🎨 | DIY natural paints | We make watercolor paints

We cook pigments.

Organic chemistry No. 2: dyes and pigments

Organic and inorganic pigments and paints

Spectacular paints Classification of pigments Part 2

Spectacular paints. Classification of pigments Part 3