How is paint pigment made?

Pigments are compounds used in coloring materials such as paint, textile, cosmetics, food. These substances are mostly insoluble in water and after being ground into fine powder, they are mixed with a liquid suitable for their intended use. Natural origin of pigments, which can be organic or inorganic, have been used since prehistoric times.

Organic pigments are pigments with hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen atoms in addition to carbon in their structure. Organic pigments of natural origin are obtained from animals and plants. For example, the red dye pigment obtained from the cochineal beetle is frequently used to color foods, cosmetics and fabrics.

Paints, which are generally used to protect and color the surfaces, are produced by mixing pigments with natural or synthetic binders and solvents that give fluidity to the paint, which give the paint properties such as stickiness, gloss, durability and flexibility.