If you're into house painting or painting in general, then you should definitely know about pigments. Pigments are the elements that give the paint its color, and there are a ton of different types to choose from. In this blog post, we'll go over everything you need to know about pigments, including what types of pigments exist and how they're used.

What Is Pigment?

Pigment is a material that absorbs light and reflects specific colors. The color of the pigment is determined by the wavelength of light that is absorbed and reflected.

For example, black pigments absorb all colors of light and reflect none. Blue pigments absorb blue light and reflect other colors. Red pigments absorb red light and reflect other colors. White pigments reflect all colors of light.

There are a variety of different types of pigments, including organic and inorganic pigments. Organic pigments are a type of dye that is made from plant or animal material. The term "organic" refers to the fact that these dyes are made from materials that contain carbon.

Organic pigments have been used for centuries to color everything from textiles to paint. Many organic pigments are also non-toxic, making them a popular choice for use in food and cosmetics.

Inorganic pigments are manufactured pigments that do not come from plant or animal sources. Inorganic pigments are made from mineral or man-made (synthetic) substances. Inorganic pigments are used in some specialized applications, such as architectural coatings, electronic displays, and heavy-duty industrial coatings.

Most Common Organic Pigments:

Carbon-based paints are made from animals, vegetables, or manufactured organic chemistry. Traditional pigments were typically produced using flora and fauna before, but the majority of contemporary pigments are now produced through synthetic organic chemistry.

Alizarin:

Alizarin is a red pigment that was first extracted from the madder plant in 1826. It is used in artist's paints, dyeing fabrics and leather, and as a food colorant. Alizarin is also used in scientific research to stain tissues and cells for microscopy.

Azo Pigments:

Azo pigments are organic compounds that contain an azo group. This group is composed of two nitrogen atoms connected by a carbon-carbon double bond. Azo pigments are used in many different applications, including food coloring, textile dyeing, and inks. They are also used in some face paints and sunscreens.

Copper Phthalocyanines:

Copper phthalocyanines are a type of organic pigment that is used to create blue, green, and violet colors. They are made from copper, carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen, and are often used in paints, printing inks, and plastics.

Quinacridone:

Quinacridone is a synthetic organic pigment that was first synthesized in 1858 by German chemists August Wilhelm von Hofmann and Carl Graebe. Quinacridone is a deep-red color that has been used in both oil and watercolor paints.

Most Common Inorganic Pigments:

Inorganic pigments are not based on carbon chains and rings. Instead, they consist of dry ground minerals, usually metals and metallic salts. Because of their composition, inorganic pigments are usually more opaque and more insoluble than organic pigments.

Titanium Dioxide:

Titanium dioxide is a very common inorganic pigment. This opaque white pigment was created in the 20th century and is widely utilized for its high color quality, strong hiding power, nontoxic nature, and low cost. Titanium dioxide is now widely utilized as a method to add opacity and lighten other hues. Titanium white, most often, refers to titanium dioxide.

Iron-Oxide Pigments:

Iron oxides are inorganic compounds made up of oxygen and iron. These compounds come in many different forms and colors, including red, yellow, orange, and black. They are used as pigments in a variety of products, including paint and cosmetics. Iron oxides are also used in medical applications, such as tattoo inks and magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents.

Cadmium Pigments:

Cadmium pigments are a type of pigment that is made from the element cadmium. They have orange-red colors and have a high tinctorial strength, which means they are very bright and intense.

Cadmium pigments have been in use since the 1800s and were once very popular because of their bright color and durability. However, their popularity has waned in recent years due to concerns about their toxicity.

Carbon Black:

Carbon black is a pigment that is made from elemental carbon. Carbon black has been used as a pigment for hundreds of years, and it is still one of the most widely used pigments today. It is especially popular in paints and coatings because it produces a very high-quality finish with a very deep black color. It is also used in plastic, rubber, and ink.