Differences between Dyes and Pigments
Dyes used over a concrete overlay
Dyes and pigments are substances that impart color to a material. The term colorant is often used for both dyes (also called dyestuffs) and pigments. The major difference between dyes and pigments is the solubility (the tendency to dissolve in a liquid).
Dyes, also known as colorants in which the coloring matter is dissolved in liquid, are absorbed into the material to which they are applied.
Pigments, on the other hand, consist of extremely fine particles of ground coloring matter suspended in liquid which ofrms a paint film that actually bonds to the surface it is applied to.
The major differences between dyes and pigments are -
| Dyes | Pigments | |
| Solubility | Soluble in many liquids | Insoluble in water and most of the solvents |
| Number | Available in large number | Comparatively lesser in number |
| Lightfastness | Lower dyes are very much vulnerable. Lights destroy colored objects by breaking open electronic bonding within the molecule | Traditionally pigments have been found to be more lightfast than dyes |
| Product resistance | Lower as compared to pigments | Very high |
| Size | Dye molecules are comparatively smaller; it’s like comparing a football (pigment) to say a head of a pin (dye) | Pigment particles are about 1-2 microns in size. It means that the particles can be seen under a magnifying glass |
| Bonding | Dye molecules have electrostatic charges that serve as a method for attaching the dye to the concrete | Pigment requires the help if a binder for gluing. As it is an inert substance which si merely suspended in a carrier/binder |
| Imparting colors | Dyes can impart color by selective absorption of the dyes | Pigments impart colors by either scattering of light or by selective absorption |
| Combustible Properties | Combustible | Non-combustible |
| Chemical Composition | Organic compounds | Normally inorganic compounds, often involving heavy toxic metals |
| Longevity | Do not last as long as pigments | Last longer than dyes |
You can also follow the link – http://www.concretenetwork.com/fix-concrete-color/dyes-vs-stains.html
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