Färgbindare

Färgbindare, often translated as pigment binder or binder, refers to a substance that holds pigment particles together and to the surface being painted. In essence, it's the liquid or semi-liquid medium that carries the color. Without a binder, pigments would simply be a loose powder that would rub off easily.

The choice of binder significantly impacts the properties of a paint, influencing its adhesion, durability, drying time, sheen, and flexibility. Common binders include oils, such as linseed oil in oil paints, and acrylic emulsions in acrylic paints. Water is a binder in watercolors and gouache, but it evaporates, leaving the pigment particles adhered to the surface through the action of a secondary, water-soluble binder, often a gum arabic. Egg yolk serves as a binder in tempera paints, creating a durable and fast-drying medium.

Inks also utilize binders to ensure the pigment adheres to paper or other substrates. The binder's interaction with the pigment and the surface is crucial for the longevity and appearance of the artwork or printed material. Different applications, from fine art to industrial coatings, require specific binders tailored to their unique performance demands. The chemistry of the binder determines how it dries or cures, whether through evaporation, oxidation, or polymerization, ultimately solidifying the pigment layer.