Dyes and pigments

Dyes and pigments are coloured substances that are used to colour materials

Dye= a soluble substance incorporated into the bulk of a material

Pigment= insoluble substance which can be spread in the surface layer or mixed into the material

A bit about paints;

Paint is made up of a colouring matter(pigment) and a liquid which carries the pigment , allows it to spread and helps it bind to the surface it is painted onto.

There are different types of paint:

• Spray paint - volatile organic solvent evaporates once the paint is applied
• Watercolours - a finely ground pigment and binder are suspended in water, the water evaporates and leaves the colour on the paper
• Oil paints - work by a slow drying process, and usually contain a solvet such as white spirit. Oil is a binder and doesnt evaporate but slowly hardens to produce a flexible film of colour

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