Tinting is the process of adding two or more colors to a system. Tint machines or color dispensing machines are used to tint the standard paint bases.
The tinting strength of a paint film is the ability of a colorant or a pigment by which it can alter the: Color intensity andAppearance
It helps standardize the paint formulations on the basis of tint levels. It also produces various shades and colors after adding tinting colors.
What is tinting strength?
Definition in terms of hiding power
The tinting strength of paint refers to the strength of Titanium dioxide (TiO2) in the paint. It is also referred to as the hiding power of the TiO2 on the top layer of paint.
Definition in terms of reduction strength
The tinting strength in paint bases (whites) is generally referred to as reduction strength. It is checked by adding colorant paste to evaluate the reduction in color strength of the final solution.
Definition in terms of color pigment
The tinting strength can also be defined as the relative power of coloring a paint, coating, or ink system. This is also referred to as tint color. The higher the tinting strength the higher will be the reduction of the whiteness (Rutile or TiO2) of the paint. In many cases, the tinting strength is also relative to the opacity of the paint or coating system.
What are the benefits of evaluating tinting strength?
There are a lot of important analytical and statistical inferences driven by tinting strength evaluation. A few of them are as follows:
Process standardization – Optimizing and controlling TS can be done only when the process is standardized and rationalized. Therefore, when we are constantly controlling TS, also means we are working on the process control as well.
Pigment standardization – The pigment is the reason for Tinting strength development in any paint or ink system. Tinting strength standardization is a result of efficient pigment dispersion. Hence, pigment dosage can be standardized by TS control.
Quality control and assurance – Tinting strength is one key parameter, which is used in quality control and assurance. It determines that the paint/ink has been processed in an effective manner.
Better color delivery in paints and inks – Tinting strength is the degree of color development in any system. Paints and inks are often subjected to colorants or color mixing. The control over tinting strength leads to:
consistency in resulting shades and
superior color delivery
Cost optimization – A standardized process, pigment loading, and other parameters can bring in a considerable amount of cost-cutting to the product.