Lower raw material costs don’t always mean a lower production cost.

In paint manufacturing, the right balance between Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) and Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) can make a significant difference to both formulation costs and final coating performance.

What role does each material play?

Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) is a key white pigment that provides opacity, whiteness, and hiding power. Its grade, dispersion, and dosage can directly affect how effectively a coating covers the substrate.

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) is commonly used as an extender and filler. Depending on its particle size, surface properties, and the formulation, it can help control costs and influence properties such as film texture, sheen, and mechanical performance.

So, should manufacturers simply reduce TiO₂ and add more CaCO₃?

Not necessarily. Increasing the filler-to-pigment ratio may reduce raw material costs, but excessive substitution can compromise hiding power, scrub resistance, gloss, and other performance requirements.

The key is to evaluate the overall formulation, including pigment volume concentration (PVC), particle size distribution, dispersion quality, binder content, and the target performance of the finished paint.

A practical approach for paint manufacturers:

1.Define the required hiding power, whiteness, gloss, and durability.

2. Compare TiO₂ grades based on performance in the actual formulation, not price per ton alone.

3. Adjust CaCO₃ dosage through controlled laboratory trials.

4. Evaluate both material cost per kilogram and cost per square meter of effective coverage.

The goal isn’t to use the cheapest ingredients. It’s to achieve the best balance between cost and performance.

Different paint applications require different balances. Interior wall paint, exterior coatings, and high-performance industrial coatings may have very different formulation priorities.

At XiMi Group, we supply Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) and Barium Sulfate (BaSO₄) for industrial customers. If you’re reviewing your raw material sourcing or looking for a suitable TiO₂ grade for your formulation, we’re happy to discuss your requirements.

For paint manufacturers: When optimizing your formulation, which factor matters most to you — raw material cost, hiding power, or long-term coating performance?

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