pigmentstarker

Pigmentstarker is a term used in color science and materials technology to describe pigments or colorants with high tinting strength, meaning they can impart a strong color to a binder or base using relatively small amounts. The concept is important across industries such as paints, inks, plastics, and coatings, where efficient color generation and material performance must be balanced.

Tinting strength is typically measured by comparing the color intensity produced by a pigment at a given concentration with that of a reference pigment under standardized conditions. The result is expressed as a relative value, ratio, or percentage. The measurement is influenced by the binder, the base (for example, white or tinted substrates), dispersion quality, particle size and distribution, and the pigment’s chemical and crystal structure. Because strength depends on these variables, a pigment that is strong in one system may be less so in another.

Factors affecting pigment strength include pigment chemistry (inorganic versus organic), particle size, milling and dispersion, and interactions with the binder. Opacity and transparency are related properties; some high-strength pigments provide excellent hiding power, while others are valued for vivid color saturation without full opacity. Practical implications include reduced pigment loading, potentially lower cost, and changes to shade, gloss, and color stability. However, very strong pigments can pose challenges such as over-shading, substrate staining, or greater sensitivity to color drift during mixing and aging.

Standards and testing methods for tinting or color strength exist in various regions, often under ISO or ASTM frameworks, and are used to compare pigments for formulation and quality control.