Separation of Pigment and Binder in Metallic Watercolors

Separation of Pigment and Binder Is Part of Material Behavior

During the long-term production of metallic watercolors, pigments and binders can be regularly observed separating from each other in liquid form.

When relatively large effect pigments sink to the bottom after standing, the binder gathers in the upper area, forming a visible layer.

Separation Is Visible Before Pouring and During Drying

Long-term material observations show the following behavior during different stages:

• Clear layer formation during longer resting periods before pouring into pans
• Required re-mixing of the material before the pouring process
• Renewed variations in pigment and binder distribution while water evaporates

No Separation Usually Remains After Complete Drying

As evaporation continues, the material structure develops in the following way:

• The binder penetrates further into the pigment layer during drying
• A connected material structure forms once drying is completed
• A permanently separated top binder layer and bottom pigment layer are usually not observed after drying

Properties of Effect Pigments Influence Settling Behavior

Pigment particle size affects behavior during production:

• Effect pigments have relatively large particles and sink more easily in liquid form
• Visible layering appears more clearly during the liquid phase because of this
• The final dried structure differs noticeably from the liquid state

The Binder System Influences the Final Result

The interaction between ingredients determines the dried material structure:

• A suitable binder system leads to a stable dried structure despite liquid separation
• An unsuitable system can allow visible separation to remain even after drying
• The final result develops from the combination of pigment, binder, and natural drying

Pigment and Binder Separation Is Part of Material Documentation

Temporary separation of pigment and binder is a regularly recorded material phenomenon in metallic watercolors.

Continuous recording of this behavior serves to expand the material archive. Complementary observations are documented in the Pigment Behavior Archive.