Pigment paste is a concentrated dispersion of pigments in a liquid medium. It is used primarily to color various materials like paints, plastics, inks, textiles, and rubber without significantly altering the properties of the final product. Here’s a detailed overview:
🔹 What Is Pigment Paste?
Pigment paste is a pre-dispersed mixture of insoluble pigments and a carrier (binder or solvent system). It is ready for use and simplifies the coloring process by providing consistent color and good dispersion.
🔹 Key Components:
Component Function
Pigments Provide color; can be organic, inorganic, or metallic
Carrier/Medium Liquid base (like water, solvent, or resin) for pigment dispersion
Dispersing Agents Help evenly distribute pigment in the medium
Stabilizers Prevent pigment settling or clumping
Additives Enhance properties like flow, viscosity, or UV resistance
🔹 Types of Pigment Pastes:
Water-Based Pigment Paste
Environmentally friendly
Used in textiles, water-based paints, and coatings
Solvent-Based Pigment Paste
More durable and fast-drying
Used in industrial paints, coatings, printing inks
Universal Pigment Paste
Compatible with various systems (acrylics, alkyds, epoxies)
Textile Pigment Paste
Specifically formulated for fabric printing
High wash and rub fastness
🔹 Applications:
Industry Use
Paints & Coatings Tinting and coloring paints
Textile Printing Direct printing or dyeing of fabrics
Plastics Coloring resins or polymers
Inks Used in inkjet, screen, or offset printing
Construction Coloring concrete, cement, or decorative materials
🔹 Advantages:
Ready-to-use; no grinding required
High tinting strength
Stable and consistent colors
Customizable for different applications
Less waste and precise dosing
🔹 Considerations for Use:
Compatibility with the base system (resin or binder)
Desired fastness (light, wash, chemical)
Viscosity and flow behavior
Environmental and safety compliance (low VOC, non-toxic)