Color theory
Pigment
A material explanation of pigment color: particles mixed with binders and seen through reflected light.
Prehistoric onward Particles, binders, surfaces, reflected light seed
What it is
A pigment is a colored material, usually made of small particles, that is mixed into a binder or applied to a surface. Unlike emitted screen color, pigment color depends on light, surface, opacity, particle behavior, and ageing.
Basics
- Pigments are usually insoluble particles; dyes are usually soluble colorants that bond with or penetrate a material.
- Pigment color depends on the pigment, binder, ground, layer thickness, lighting, and surrounding colors.
- Pigments can fade, darken, react chemically, or be toxic, so material history matters.
Notes for later expansion
- This page should explain pigment vs dye before users browse individual pigment entries.
- Later expansion should include opacity, glazing, binder, substrate, fugitive pigments, and safety labels.