Pigments

Pigments

Pigments are colouring materials used in historical and alternative photographic processes in which the image is formed from a layer containing finely dispersed pigment.

In gum bichromate, pigment is mixed with gum arabic and the light-sensitive component to create a coloured coating applied to the paper. The type and amount of pigment influence colour intensity, the character of the print and the way the image develops.

In carbon printing, pigment becomes part of the gelatin image layer. After exposure and further processing, the pigment itself forms the final image.

For these processes, it is best to choose pigments with fine particle size, good tinting strength and even dispersion, which helps produce a smooth and uniform coating without lumps or irregularities.

Pigments can be used for both monochrome prints and multi-layer colour work, with the colour and concentration adjusted to suit your own working method.