Paint Pigment
The History of Paint Pigments
Chem 111-404
April 24, 2013
Introduction:
This report expresses five different pigments that were formed during chemical reactions. Three out of the total five reactions went through a metathesis, or double-replacment reaction. A metathesis reaction can be defined as “a chemical reaction in which an element or radical in one compound exchanges places with another element or radical in another compound.” (Webster). The other two pigments underwent a neutralization reaction, which is “A reaction between an acid and a base that yields a salt and water.” (Webster). In both types of reaction two substances are being combined to form a new solution. The metathesis reaction produces a solution and a precipitate, while the neutralization reactions produces a water, a salt, and even carbon dioxide. What precipitates during these reactions are deemed our pigments. When these pigments are added to a paint binding agent they form paint.
Pigment paints have been known to date back to the cave drawings as a way of keeping track of history. Their pre-modern paint binders usually comprised of watercolors, which was the mixing of water with the pigments, and even fat from animals. Most modern water paintings fade while the old cave paintings have kept their coloring. As time passed, these paint binders changed with the growing demand for paintings. Some binders developed to make lasting watercolors are gum arabic and even honey. These binders assist with the color uniformity and thickness of the watercolors.
As time went on a new paint, casein, was discovered. This paint is primarily identified in the Egyptian paintings. Casein is “a protein found in milk”(DBClemons) that is good for painting surfaces such as canvases and walls. In Colonial America “it was used to paint sets for theatre and opera productions. It’s dull sheen surface makes it ideal for use under bright light”(DBClemons). The third type of paint is acrylic. This paint is
Chem 111-404
April 24, 2013
Introduction:
This report expresses five different pigments that were formed during chemical reactions. Three out of the total five reactions went through a metathesis, or double-replacment reaction. A metathesis reaction can be defined as “a chemical reaction in which an element or radical in one compound exchanges places with another element or radical in another compound.” (Webster). The other two pigments underwent a neutralization reaction, which is “A reaction between an acid and a base that yields a salt and water.” (Webster). In both types of reaction two substances are being combined to form a new solution. The metathesis reaction produces a solution and a precipitate, while the neutralization reactions produces a water, a salt, and even carbon dioxide. What precipitates during these reactions are deemed our pigments. When these pigments are added to a paint binding agent they form paint.
Pigment paints have been known to date back to the cave drawings as a way of keeping track of history. Their pre-modern paint binders usually comprised of watercolors, which was the mixing of water with the pigments, and even fat from animals. Most modern water paintings fade while the old cave paintings have kept their coloring. As time passed, these paint binders changed with the growing demand for paintings. Some binders developed to make lasting watercolors are gum arabic and even honey. These binders assist with the color uniformity and thickness of the watercolors.
As time went on a new paint, casein, was discovered. This paint is primarily identified in the Egyptian paintings. Casein is “a protein found in milk”(DBClemons) that is good for painting surfaces such as canvases and walls. In Colonial America “it was used to paint sets for theatre and opera productions. It’s dull sheen surface makes it ideal for use under bright light”(DBClemons). The third type of paint is acrylic. This paint is
References: Douma, M., curator. (2008). Pigments through the Ages. Retrieved April 12 2013 , from http://www.webexhibits.org/pigments/intro "neutralization reaction." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2011.Web. 12 April 2013. Clemons, David. "D B Clemons - Casein History." D B Clemons - Casein History. DB Clemos, 5 July 2010. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. <http://www.dbclemons.com/casein1.htm>. Upson, Margo, and Bronwyn Harris. "What Is Acrylic Paint?" WiseGeek. Conjecture, 20 Feb. 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. <http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-acrylic-paint.htm>.