Types of Pigments Used in Paint and Coatings

There are two main types of pigments: organic and inorganic. Organic pigments are based on carbon and sometimes contain an inorganic component. Pigments that are organic contain a component of carbon, such as Pigment Red 202. Inorganic pigments can be opaque, translucent, or transparent. Generally speaking, organic pigments are safer to use than inorganic ones. Listed below are some examples of organic and inorganic pigments.

Complex inorganic pigments have enhanced properties and performance, such as high thermal and UV opacity, hiding power, and infrared reflectivity. While color is the most important consideration when selecting a pigment, both physical and spectral properties are equally important when formulating exterior durable coatings. When choosing pigments for these applications, heat and chemical stability should be considered. UV opacity and hiding power are important attributes for coatings that are subjected to high temperatures. Moreover, Inorganic pigments are non-migratory, meaning they won't dissolve or change color when in contact with solvents.

Earth pigments have been used for thousands of years. They were used by early hunter-gatherers for cave painting. Then, they were used to paint buildings and homes. Despite its lightfastness, earth pigments have very low toxicity. Thus, they were used in the early days of painting and were included in the artist's palette. However, some modern pigments can be corrosive to the surface.

Cadmium-based pigments pose a number of environmental and health hazards. Cadmium is a highly toxic heavy metal. While the yellows derived from cadmium are generally insoluble, they still pose a problem in solid waste. For this reason, many industries have switched to less hazardous organic yellow pigments. Once the environmental benefits and safety risks of cadmium pigments are fully understood, it is important to choose the right color.

The use of natural pigments in paint and coatings has increased dramatically over the last century. Organic pigments, in contrast, are more expensive and have lower covering power. Monoazo pigments exhibit the full range of redish-yellow color and are very durable. Copper Phthalocyanine Blue (CPB) is another natural pigment used for coloration. Its good heat and weather stability also make it a good choice for housepaints. It is also sold as curiosity blue watercolor paint by Daniel Smith.