The theory of making paint.

Is the process of making paint a performance or artwork in itself?

Who is making their own paint at the moment?

What will be the environmental footprint of this project?

What is the theory and opinions behind environmental awareness artwork?

http://www.greenspec.co.uk/building-design/paint/

White pigment

Titanium Dioxide or TiO2 is used almost universally throughout the paint industry - including both in conventional paints, but also in 'eco' paints. Titanium Dioxide replaced previously well-known white pigments such as Lead Oxide ('Lead White'). Its near universal appeal is derived from its high opacity (the ability to cover or hide). Less-used pigments include chalk and lime, which have very low opacity and therefore can require many coats applied to achieve acceptable opacity.

Titanium Dioxide is made in one of two ways, each of which has a significant environmental impact.

Coloured pigments

Pigments are either 'organic' or 'inorganic'. Unless used in quantity, coloured pigments do not provide opacity so most paints rely on their including titanium dioxide.

• 'Organic'. Early organic pigments were based on dyestuffs derived from natural plants. Most contemporary organic pigments are synthesised from coal tar and petroleum distillates, but plant-based pigments continue to feature amongst 'eco' paint brands. Synthetic organic pigments are usually quite brilliant and have good colour strength. However, opacity tends to be low and many organics are not fully solvent resistant.

• 'Inorganic'. The earliest paints used pigments which were obtained by digging certain minerals out of the earth and grinding them to a fine powder. These 'natural' pigments are all inorganic compounds. Typical examples include ochre and sienna. Other inorganic and more prolific pigments in the market are usually metallic oxides derived from iron and clay or synthetics produced from petrochemicals.