Pigmenting

Pigmenting is the process of adding pigments to a material to produce color. It contrasts with dyeing, where soluble colorants are used; pigments are typically insoluble and must be dispersed and bound in a matrix. The term is used across art, industry, and biology to describe coloring by pigment.

In art and manufacturing, pigmenting involves selecting a pigment, dispersing it as a stable suspension in a binder or vehicle, and applying the colored mixture to a substrate. Common steps include milling or grinding to break down agglomerates, adding dispersants and stabilizers, and curing or drying the coating. Pigments may be used in paints, inks, plastics, ceramics, and cosmetics. Pigmenting processes emphasize colorfastness, lightfastness, and compatibility with substrates and binders.

In textiles and printing, pigmenting often uses pigment prints or pigment inks that form a pigment layer on the surface rather than chemically bonding to fibers. In this context, washing fastness and breathability are considerations; curing temperatures can affect adhesion and finish.

In biology, pigmenting describes the development or presence of pigments in organisms, such as melanin production in skin or chlorophyll in plants. Pigmentation is influenced by genetics, hormones, and environmental factors, and serves roles in protection, camouflage, and photosynthesis.

Safety and environmental notes: Some inorganic pigments contain toxic metals; modern pigments emphasize non-toxic compositions. Regulations govern migration of pigments in consumer products and environmental discharge from pigment production and processing.