Understanding Why Some Colors Are Thicker or Thinner in the container – The Science Behind GTX Face Paint
At GTX Face Paint, we’re proud to offer a wide range of vibrant, high-quality face paints designed for artists and enthusiasts. We know that some customers have noticed that certain colors of our paints can appear thicker or thinner than others. Today, we want to explain why that happens—and why we sell our paints by weight, not volume.
First, we designed the 60g boxes to give you the most surface area possible and to be able to make as many cakes as possible. When we started GTX we only had one size, 120g and about 6 months in we added the 60g size. We wanted to make sure that the boxes were easily differentiated at a quick glance, and that the artist had a lot of surface area for the paint, so we went with a larger rectangle box. The original box was a 120g square. The 60g boxes are not supposed to be "full" but they are supposed to contain at least 60g of paint, not including the box.
The Science Behind Pigment Density
One of the biggest reasons why certain colors of face paint appear thicker or thinner comes down to the pigments themselves. Different pigments have different densities and particle sizes, which can significantly affect the texture of the paint.
For example, titanium dioxide, the pigment used in white face paint, is one of the heaviest and densest pigments available, with a density of 3.9 to 4.3 g/cm³. This gives white paints a thicker feel because there’s more mass packed into each sq cm of pigment. In contrast, some organic pigments, which are often used in bright or neon colors, are much lighter and have a smaller particle size, making those colors feel thinner/easier to mold. (Just because a color is softer or harder, doesn't mean something is wrong! Every paint will differ in texture due to different pigment loads!)
This is why a color like white might feel heavier and more opaque, while a neon yellow or pink may seem thinner and squishier. It’s all about the natural properties of the pigments used to create each color.
How Pigment Load Affects Texture
Another factor is the pigment load—which refers to the amount of pigment needed to achieve a specific color intensity. Some pigments require more product to reach full opacity, while others can achieve the same coverage with less pigment. This is why some colors, even with the same amount of base ingredients, may have different consistencies.
For example, darker colors like black or navy blue typically need a higher pigment load to achieve deep, rich tones. This higher load results in a thicker paint. Meanwhile, lighter or pastel colors may require less pigment, making them appear thinner by comparison.
Why We Sell by Weight, Not Volume
We understand that this difference in texture can sometimes create confusion, which is why we want to emphasize that we sell our face paints by weight, not by volume. (Per industry standard.) Selling by weight is the most accurate way to ensure that you’re receiving the correct amount of product, no matter the color.
If we sold by volume, it could create an imbalance between colors. For example, a thick white paint might take up less space in a container than a fluffy metallic paint, leading you to receiving less product in a thicker/denser color. By selling by weight, we can guarantee that you’re getting at least 60g or 120g of face paint—whether it feels/looks thick, thin, or anywhere in between.
I am sure you have seen this:
It is a great visual aid here. Fat is larger and fluffier than muscle but they both weigh the same 5lbs. Some pigments are fluffier like Mica for metallics, and some are denser like Titanium dioxide. You still need 60 FULL grams of paint in your container.
How Does This Impact You as an Artist?
Rest assured, these differences in texture do not impact the quality or performance of the paint. Each color is formulated to provide excellent coverage, bendability, and long-lasting wear. Whether you’re using a thicker/denser color like white or a less dense color like a neon shade, you’ll still get the high-quality results you’ve come to expect from GTX Face Paint.
Consistency Is Our Priority
At GTX Face Paint, consistency is key. We are always working to ensure that our paints perform reliably across all colors, and we are constantly testing and refining our formulas to meet the highest standards. We value your feedback and are committed to providing you with the best possible face painting experience. We hope this helps clear up any confusion about texture variations and why selling by weight ensures you’re getting exactly what you’re paying for, or even a few grams more!
If you have any questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help!
Please watch this vid to see how to measure your paint at home:
@gtxfacepaint Let's weigh some paint today! I know a few weeks back people were appalled to find that there was a glitter company that was advertising 10 grams of glitter but had included the weight of the container in that 10 g. People were pretty mad because it's kind of expensive glitter. I'm not sure exactly what brand that was or anything like that, but we sell the actual proper amount of the paint, 120 or 60g, without the container. All of the different pigment loads and weights will vary so the thicknesses will vary. Hope that makes sense, guys! If you want to go deeper and learn more I have a new blog up at GTXfacepaint.com #gtx #gtxfacepaint #gtxfacepaint #gtxcowgirl #diyfacepaintkit #facepaint #texasbusiness #facepainter ♬ original sound - GTX Cowgirl Facepaint