Refers to the coloring substance itself, often used in art, manufacturing, or chemistry contexts.
This paint uses natural pigments.
Often used interchangeably with 絵の具 or 塗料 in everyday contexts, but technically refers to the coloring component.
I went to buy paint for the wall.
顔料 is the raw pigment used to color things, whereas 絵の具 is the ready-to-use paint product sold for painting.
顔料 is the raw colored pigment used as an ingredient, whereas 塗料 is the finished liquid or paste product ready to be applied to a surface.
A Sino-Japanese compound of 顔 “color, complexion” and 料 “material,” denoting a substance used to impart color.