What type of pigment is an inert pigment primarily used for?

Inert pigments are primarily utilized as fillers or extenders in paint formulations. These pigments do not participate in chemical reactions in the paint but serve to bulk up the formulation, reduce production costs, and enhance certain properties without altering the primary color of the paint. They can help in achieving desired consistency and thickness, contributing to the overall texture and performance of the paint.

Inert pigments often improve the paint's ability to cover surfaces by increasing the volume of the formula while maintaining aesthetic qualities. They can also help reduce the amount of expensive colored pigments needed by providing a base. This use aligns with the role of fillers in achieving a specific paint performance without affecting the hue.

While pigments can provide color and affect drying times, inert pigments specifically do not contribute to these aspects in the same way that colored or reactive pigments do. Similarly, enhancing performance encompasses various functional roles that colored pigments typically fulfill rather than the role of inert pigments.