We provide color for many, many applications, which is why we have many different solutions for a whole host of color needs. Before we discuss these in-depth, let us take a broad look at dyes, lakes and pigments.
Dyes are usually a water-soluble powder, which means that their color appears when they are dissolved and absorbed. Usually, they are solid powders and are soluble in water, oils, alcohols and other liquid solvents. The solvent is determined by not only the type of dye used (acid, basic or direct dyes) but also the product to which that the dye solution will be applied.
Our wide range of pigments and pigment systems provides ideal solutions for a broad spectrum of application areas. They are not soluble, but rather they show their color by reflection upon external application and their low particle size provides a high coloring power due to a more even dispersion. These can include organic pigments like yellow 1, green 7 and carbon black, as well as inorganic pigments like titanium dioxide and iron oxides.
While lakes may behave similarly to pigments, there are very key differences in how they perform. Lakes are bound to a chemical substrate (often aluminum, calcium, talcum or barium) to produce an insoluble product. This class of pigments, however, can be de-laked and prone to bleed in unsuitable applications. However, they are ideal for use in applications with low water availability.