What are pigments?

Pigments are substances used to give paint its color. They come in two main types: organic and inorganic. Organic pigments are derived from natural sources such as plants or minerals, while inorganic pigments are created synthetically in a laboratory. Organic pigments tend to be more vibrant and long-lasting than their synthetic counterparts, but they can also be more expensive. Inorganic pigments are usually cheaper but don’t last as long or have as intense colors.

There are a variety of special pigments available on the market today. Fluorescent pigments, for example, emit visible light when exposed to ultraviolet radiation and can be used to create glowing effects in paints and dyes. Metallic pigments are composed of tiny particles of metals such as iron oxide or titanium dioxide, creating a shimmery effect that can make surfaces look shiny and sparkly. Interference pigments have thin-film coatings that cause interference from certain wavelengths of light, giving them a unique iridescent color.