Pigment Usage Guide

🎨 What is a pigment?

Pigments are coloring powders used to give color to paints, coatings, and other decorative preparations.

There are natural pigments (of mineral, vegetable or animal origin) and synthetic pigments, manufactured industrially.

Pigments do not contain binder or solvent and must always be mixed with a binder in order to be applied.

The color and intensity of the pigment will depend on its origin, composition, and the binder in which it is mixed.

🕰️ Origin and use

Pigments have always been with humankind:

The first paintings were made with ochres and natural earths
Ancient civilizations used them for frescoes, walls, and decorative plasterwork.
From the 19th century onwards, synthetic pigments made it possible to broaden the color palette and obtain more consistent shades.

Today, pigments are chosen according to the technique , the support and the desired effect .

🥣 How to use pigments?

Basic principle

The pigment is always prepared separately before being added to the binder (depending on the technique: paint, plaster, wax, oil, egg…).

Pigment preparation

Place the pigment in a clean container suitable for the quantity.
Gradually add the water (it can be lukewarm or sparkling) depending on the pigment used, or the binder if using an oil technique, for example.
Mix until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous paste.

Compatible techniques

Paints and coatings (lime, casein, whitewash...)
Egg tempera
Oil paintings
Wax
Decorative plasters, polished concrete...

Suggested dosage

5 to 10% : light tints
10 to 20% : bold colors
Up to 25% or more, depending on the desired effect.

The color may lighten or darken as it dries depending on the type of binder used.

For TUTTI, the color is virtually the same when dry as when wet. However, the colors vary primarily depending on the lighting and the exposure of the rooms!