How is powdered pigment made?

Pigments are mined from the earth as minerals. They are then refined to remove impurities.

2. Milling

The refined minerals are milled into a fine powder. This can be done using a ball mill, which is a machine that grinds the minerals between steel balls.

3. Classification

The milled powder is then classified according to its particle size. This is done using a sieve or air classifier.

4. Drying

The classified powder is then dried to remove any moisture.

5. Treatment

The dried powder may be treated with chemicals to improve its properties. For example, some pigments are treated with heat to make them more colorfast.

6. Packaging

The treated powder is then packaged and sold to manufacturers.

7. Mixing

Manufacturers mix pigments with other ingredients to create paints, inks, dyes, and other products.

8. Application

The finished products are then applied to surfaces to add color and protection.