Some extender pigments also provide additional film performance in the areas of scrub or abrasion resistance. These types of pigments contribute only to a paints dry hide, but are necessary in order to control gloss. Examples of these kinds of pigments include red oxide, yellow ochre and umber.Įxtender pigments are lower cost pigments that give extra weight or bulk to the paint. Inorganic colorants are the duller, earthy colors and are more durable for exterior paint application.These are not very durable for exterior paint application. Organic colorants provide the brighter colors, and examples of these pigments include hansa yellow and phthalo blue.There are two main types - organic and inorganic. Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) is the most costly pigment and it contributes directly to a paint's wet hide, while providing whiteness Colorants are prime pigments that provide the actual color within the can. Prime pigments are those that contribute to both wet and dry hide in paint. There are two primary types of pigment - prime pigments and extender pigments. Pigments are finely ground particles that are dispensed into paint and provide color and hiding properties. All four ingredients combine to provide paint that meets your specific design needs. Solvents are the liquids that suspend the ingredients and allow you to place the paint on the surfaces, and additives are ingredients that provide specific paint properties such as mildew resistance.

Pigments provide color and hide, while binders work to 'bind' the pigment together and create the paint film. And with each variety of paint offering different properties that affect the outcome of a design project, understanding what's in a can of paint is key to success.Īll paints generally have four main ingredients - pigments, binders, solvents (liquids) and additives. In our summer 2013 educational series on paint and color technology, we begin with a review of one of the basics: what ingredients are in paint? The variety of paint products offered can be overwhelming.

What is paint made of chemically