A Brief Guide to Different Types of Pigment Pastes
As resin artists, the spectrum of colors you can achieve in your projects is as vast as your imagination. One of the essential tools in your creative arsenal is pigment paste. This brief guide will delve into the different types of pigment pastes and help you choose the best one for your next masterpiece.
What Is Pigment Paste?
Pigment paste is a concentrated colorant that adds vibrant hues to various materials, including resins, paints, and coatings. These pastes are composed of finely ground pigments suspended in a liquid medium, which makes them easy to mix and blend. Their high color strength ensures that even a small amount can produce intense, vivid colors.
What Are the Primary Uses of Pigment Paste?
Pigment pastes add color to resins, paints, and coatings, allowing artists to create custom colors and achieve unique artistic effects.
Whether you’re working on a resin painting, jewelry, or other decorative items, pigment pastes provide a versatile and effective way to bring your artistic vision to life. They even have uses in industrial applications, such as consistently coloring plastics and rubber.
The Main Types of Pigment Pastes
Understanding the different types of pigment pastes can help you select the right one for your project. Let’s explore three main categories: water-based, solvent-based, and epoxy pigment pastes.
Water-Based Pigment Pastes
Water-based pigment pastes are excellent for artists looking for an environmentally friendly option. These pastes use water as the carrier medium, making it easy to clean up with soap and water.
They are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), reducing harmful emissions and making them safe for indoor use. Water-based pigment pastes are compatible with various materials, including water-based resins and paints, providing many applications for artists.
Solvent-Based Pigment Pastes
Solvent-based pigment pastes use solvents like alcohols or hydrocarbons as the carrier medium. These pastes are known for their superior adhesion and durability, making them ideal for projects requiring high resistance to wear and tear.
Solvent-based pastes are popular among artists who need their work to withstand various conditions. While they offer great performance, they come with high VOC levels, so proper ventilation and safety precautions are necessary.
Epoxy Pigment Pastes
Manufacturers specifically formulate epoxy pigment pastes for use with epoxy resins. They integrate well with epoxy systems, providing a smooth, uniform color throughout your project.
Epoxy pigment pastes are highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way in achieving deep, rich colors. Resin artists favor them for their ease of use and the beautiful, glossy finish they help to create.
Understanding the different types of pigment pastes is crucial for any resin artist. You can achieve the perfect color and finish by selecting the right type for your project. Whether you opt for water-based, solvent-based, or epoxy pigment pastes, each offers unique benefits that cater to your needs.
Important Note: Eye Candy Pigments does not sell water-based or solvent-based pastes. We do carry a wide selection of epoxy pigment pastes and look forward to helping you on your artistic journeys!
Our brief guide to different types of pigment pastes will enhance your creativity and help you make informed choices in your artistic endeavors. For projects involving epoxy resins, the epoxy pigment paste from Eye Candy Pigments is an excellent choice for achieving vibrant, consistent results. Contact us today for more information about our color-packed pigment pastes!