Organic pigments are used to create clean, bright colors, and are best used for the interior. Inorganic pigments create earth-tone colors and are suitable for use both inside and out. When a color is made using organic and inorganic pigments in combination, the color changes tone during weathering as the less-durable organic pigment fades at a faster rate than the more durable inorganic pigment. Exterior paints tinted using organic pigments tend to fade at a considerably faster rate than those tinted using inorganic pigments. Only when a single organic pigment is used in deeper colors is the tendency to fade reduced.
Caution is advised when selecting colors when low cost and low maintenance is an issue.
In general, it is best to avoid most shades of pink, peach, salmon, yellow, orange, yellow-green, lavender, purple, and light blue for exterior use. These colors are among those which tend to require more coats to cover, or fade faster, or both. Flex Bon personnel are available for assistance in selecting high-hiding colors which are durable for exterior use. In addition to natural premature fading with organic pigments, another possible concern is alkali resistance. Certain organic pigments have been known to fade on masonry and stucco due to high pH. This is especially accentuated in our market area when high heat, ultraviolet rays and high humidity are present.