Understanding Color Lakes: EASYMIX™ vs. Standard Pigment

You're asking about the difference between EASYMIX™ COLOR Lakes (organic) and standard Pigment Color Lakes (organic). Based on your observations and product information, here's a breakdown:

1. Dispersion (How to Mix):

   • EASYMIX™ COLOR Lakes: These are specially treated (often coated with substances like Methicone, as seen in product descriptions) to make them incredibly easy to disperse in your formulation. You typically don't need special grinding equipment; simple stirring is often enough to get an even color distribution.
   • Standard Pigment Color Lakes: These are the primary form of lake pigments. They consist of organic dye precipitated onto a substrate. These pigments tend to form clumps (agglomerates) and require mechanical force, such as grinding or high-shear mixing, to break down these clumps and disperse the color evenly throughout your product. If not properly dispersed, you can end up with speckling or uneven color.

2. Coating/Treatment:

   • EASYMIX™ COLOR Lakes: They have a surface treatment (like Methicone coating) specifically designed to improve dispersibility and ease of use.
   • Standard Pigment Color Lakes: They generally do not have this specific easy-dispersion coating. Their surface properties are different, leading to the need for more vigorous mixing.

3. Composition:

   • Both are "Lakes," meaning they are organic dyes chemically bonded to an insoluble material (like aluminum hydroxide). The term "organic chemical" likely refers to the organic dye component itself, which is present in both types.

4. Cost:

   • As you noted, standard Pigment Color Lakes are often more expensive per weight. This can be due to various factors, including the concentration of the organic dye, the specific type of dye used, or the manufacturing process.

Which one is better?

Neither is inherently "better"; they serve different needs:

• Choose EASYMIX™ COLOR Lakes if you prioritize ease of use, don't have access to grinding or high-shear mixing equipment, or are working with simple formulations where quick and easy dispersion is key.
• Choose Standard Pigment Color Lakes if you need potentially higher color intensity (depending on the specific pigment), have the necessary equipment (grinder, high-shear mixer) to ensure proper dispersion, and are looking for the base pigment form.

In summary, the main difference lies in the surface treatment and resulting ease of dispersion. EASYMIX™ is pre-treated for user convenience, while standard pigments require proper processing to achieve optimal color performance.