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 particle size. Dyes are much finer than pigments. Therefore dyes are not UV stable whereas pigments are usually UV stable. 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 forms a paint film that actually bonds to the surface it is applied to. In polished concrete process dyes are used because they penetrate deeper into the concrete surface do not wear off during the polishing phase. 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 Light fastness 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 light fast 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 watch HERE the application of concrete dyes during the polishing of self leveling concrete topping. Duraamen Industrial and Polished Concrete Flooring Products are designed to provide labor saving and long lasting flooring solutions. Talk to an expert about your flooring challenges…Please Call + 973 230 1301 / eMail Us