The Artist’s Guide to Paints: Types, Pigments, and Modern Innovations

Choosing the right paint is one of the most exciting—and important—parts of any artist’s journey. Whether you’re mixing your first watercolor or experimenting with metallics, understanding how paints are made and what makes them unique will help you get the best results for every project.

What Are Paints Made Of?

At their core, paints are a blend of finely ground pigment and a binder that creates a smooth, workable consistency.

Understanding Pigments: Organic vs. Inorganic

Inorganic Pigments

Inorganic pigments come from mineral sources, including earth tones like raw umber, ochre, burnt umber, and burnt sienna. Some are artificially prepared mineral colors, such as cadmium yellow or zinc oxide, prized for their vibrancy and permanence.

Organic Pigments

Organic pigments are derived from animal, vegetable, or synthetic origins. Historical examples include indigo, madder, and Indian yellow. Many brilliant synthetic organic pigments, like cerulean blue and cobalt green, are highly stable and should not be seen as inferior to natural pigments.

Pro Tip: Paints come in artist grade (highest pigment quality) and student grade (more fillers and substitute pigments). When you see “hue” on a label, it usually means a substitute pigment is used—often for affordability or safety reasons.

What Are Binders in Paint?

The binder holds the pigment together and determines how the paint behaves on your surface:

• Oil Paints: Linseed oil is the traditional binder.

• Watercolors: Gum arabic creates their signature transparency.

• Acrylic Paints: Acrylic polymer emulsion binds pigment into a versatile, quick-drying medium.

3 Common Types of Artist Paint

Watercolor

• Transparent, luminous layers

• Perfect for subtle effects on paper or illustration board

• Available in pans or tubes

Oil Color

• Smooth, slow-drying, excellent for blending

• Best on primed, slightly absorbent surfaces like canvas or masonite

• Linseed oil is the standard binder

Acrylic Paint

• A modern innovation, quick-drying and flexible

• Can mimic watercolor washes or thick oil impasto

• Ideal for artists needing versatility and easy cleanup

Beyond the Basics: New Paint Innovations

The art world constantly pushes the boundaries of color and effect. Here are some exciting specialty paints you may want to try:

Interference Paints

• Contain tiny flakes of mica coated with titanium dioxide

• Surfaces shift color depending on the angle of light and view

• Great for layering, airbrushing, and even fabric art

Iridescent Paints

• Similar to interference paints but opaque

• Produce a subtle metallic sheen

Metallic Paints

• Real metal particles mimic the luster of gold, silver, bronze, or copper

Fluorescent Paints

• Glow brightly by re-emitting absorbed light at a different wavelength

• Not lightfast—best for non-permanent work or indoor pieces

Other Paints You May Not Know About

Expand your toolkit with these lesser-known paint types:

• Alkyd Paints: Work like oil paints but dry faster; intense colors.

• Casein Paints: Made from milk curd binder; water-thinnable, matte finish.

• Gouache: Opaque watercolor; dries quickly with a smooth, matte surface.

• Egg-Tempera: Traditional fine art medium, made from egg-oil emulsion; used for underpainting or as a stand-alone technique.

Final Thoughts

From traditional oils to cutting-edge interference paints, the world of color is richer than ever. Knowing what’s in your paint—pigments, binders, lightfastness—empowers you to choose the right medium for your style, surface, and creative vision.