Dyes, Paints, Pigments, Coatings & Inks

Chemistry involving dyes, paints, pigments, coatings, and inks involves problem-solving and is well suited for those who enjoy finding solutions through applied research. Work in this area requires critical thinking, analytical skills, and keen attention to detail.

Success in this field hinges on evaluating and incorporating customer satisfaction, as well as diligent attention to federal and local regulatory requirements.

Typical Job Functions

Chemists who work with dyes, paints, pigments, coatings, and/or inks develop materials (colorants, adhesives, etc.) that can be used for a vast array of purposes. From candy coatings to medical dyes, the application of these types of materials can be found in almost any industry. 

Government regulations and consumer preferences are driving sustainable manufacturing processes, responsible disposal practices, and a reduction in the volatile organic compounds historically found in coloring and adhesive materials. This provides opportunities for environmental chemists, health and safety specialists, product development chemists, and public policy workers.

Chemists in this area must be aware of how their formulations will affect other properties of a product, including flavors, allergic reactions, material strength, and tendency to corrode or oxidize. They must also take consumer behaviors into account (e.g., common laundry practices; cooking practices; color trends in cosmetics, fashion, or automotive finishes).

Common activities for chemists in this sector include:

• Synthesizing and characterizing new products and components (pigments, binders, solvents, antimicrobials)
• Developing new applications for existing products
• Developing and supporting commercial products, provide marketing support
• Providing customer support in the application of commercial products; assisting with troubleshooting
• Studying and improving the health, safety, and environmental effects of paints, coatings, and adhesives
• Teaching courses and training students
• Communicating with funding agencies, regulatory agencies, and the general public

Career Paths

Because of its broad applicability, opportunities for chemists working with dyes, paints, pigments, coatings, and inks are wide and diverse. For example:

• Analytical chemists in this field work with museums and universities to authenticate historical artifacts or works of art, or to analyze evidence for a variety of law enforcement agencies. 
• Formulations chemists work in industrial or academic labs to develop new food colorings, anti-counterfeit inks, or the latest colors for fashion, cars, and home decorating. 
• Environmental chemists collect and analyze samples to monitor levels of chemicals released into the air or water. 
• Chemists in industrial, academic, or government laboratories develop polymers that form artificial organs using 3D printing techniques.

As with any manufacturing sector, careers in public policy and government affairs are an option. There are also opportunities in patent law and intellectual property. Chemists with experience in this industry sector may go into sales and marketing.

Experienced chemists in this area may choose to move into program management or administration. 

Getting Started

Dye, paint, pigment, coating, and ink chemists require a solid background in chemistry or a related scientific field. Students and recent graduates may pursue internships in industrial, academic, or government laboratories to see if this field is a good fit and to help decide whether to pursue a graduate degree.

• Research and academic positions: Typically require a Ph.D., and possibly one or more postdoctoral fellowships.
• Research assistant and technician positions: May only require a bachelor's or master's degree. 
• Instrument specialists, chemical engineers, and those working in marketing or customer service: Typically require a Master's degree.
• Managerial and administrative positions: Typically require Master's degree.
• Research director positions: Typically require a science Ph.D.