Your white paint is likely going on clear because it lacks the necessary opaque pigments, primarily titanium dioxide, or you might be using a base designed for tinting deep colors, which has low opacity.
White paint achieves its characteristic opacity, also known as "hiding power," primarily through the presence of titanium dioxide. This pigment is highly effective at scattering light, preventing the underlying surface from showing through.
The Role of Key Paint Ingredients
Paint formulations involve various components that contribute to its appearance and performance. Based on the provided reference, two important ingredients are:
- Titanium Dioxide: This is the most common ingredient used in paints to increase "hiding" properties. It provides the white color and opacity.
- Calcium Carbonate: This substance acts as a spacer to help spread out the titanium dioxide pigment particles. While it's a filler, it doesn't provide significant opacity on its own.
Understanding Clear Bases
The reference highlights a crucial point: "Extra deep and extra bright colors have lower opacity because they start out in a 'clear' base which contains only calcium carbonate."
This 'clear' base is designed to be tinted with strong color pigments. It doesn't contain much, if any, titanium dioxide, relying instead on the color pigments added later to provide the final opacity.
If your white paint is going on clear, it could be:
- A Mislabelled Clear Base: You might have accidentally purchased or been given a clear tint base intended for deep colors, but labelled incorrectly as white.
- A Low-Quality Paint: Some budget paints might skimp on the expensive titanium dioxide, resulting in poor hiding power and a translucent appearance, especially on the first coat.
- Designed for Specific Use: It might be a specialized product like a glaze or clear coat that contains some white pigment but isn't intended for full coverage in one or two coats.
Practical Insights & Solutions
- Check the Label: Look for terms like "deep base," "tint base," or "clear base." If it's labelled as such, it's not meant to be opaque white straight from the can.
- Consider Paint Quality: Higher quality paints generally contain more titanium dioxide and other solids, providing better opacity and requiring fewer coats.
- Evaluate the Surface: Painting over a very dark or contrasting color will naturally require more coats, even with good quality paint.
- Apply Multiple Coats: Even opaque paints often require two coats for a perfectly uniform finish. If the first coat is translucent, a second or third coat might build opacity.
- Ensure Proper Mixing: Pigments can settle at the bottom of the can. Make sure the paint is thoroughly mixed before use.
In summary, white paint going on clear is typically due to an insufficient amount of the primary opaque pigment (titanium dioxide) or because it's a formulation, such as a clear base containing only calcium carbonate as described in the reference, not intended for opaque white coverage without added pigment.
