Inorganic pigments and dyes can make the difference between humdrum textiles and colorful pieces that really pop. You have plenty of options when choosing a manufacturer, so weigh your options carefully to get just the right one. You might first decide what country you want to do business in, and then look at the quality and formats in which the dye or pigment comes.

Inorganic dye suppliers offer products in a variety of different ways. Some focus on the manufacturing of the dye, while others serve as middlemen between the manufacturer and the buyer. You may choose among such companies as:

1. Inorganic dye manufacturers

2. Inorganic pigment manufacturers

3. Distributors of inorganic pigment and dye (essentially, brokers between the manufacturer and the buyer)

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider carefully whether to buy your inorganic pigments overseas

Whether you shop overseas for your pigment depends on your comfort level and budget. There are many companies both in the United States and in other countries, so check everyone's credentials to make sure they're reputable. Also find out what sort of customer support each company offers; if you aren't satisfied with the product, you may have to return it for an exchange or refund, which could be tricky on a global scale.

I recommend: Investigate potential suppliers carefully if you decide to do business overseas. There are dye companies all over the world, but you should pick a big company with a good history. Horsta Chemicals is based in China, and Paramount Minerals and Chemicals Limited is located in India; both are good places to start looking for inorganic pigment suppliers overseas.

Look for the highest quality inorganic pigments for your money

Inorganic dyes can vary widely in quality, so you want to find a brand that's as pure as possible with few fillers or added chemicals. Most companies are happy to show you the formulation of their dyes, and go to great lengths to show their customers that they have a quality product. Many are ISO-certified, which means that their products go through a series of tests to ensure that they are what they say they are.

I recommend: Work with an inorganic dye manufacturer that has ISO certification. Both Burgess Pigment and Pylam Products are ISO certified, so you can rest assured that you're getting a good quality product for the money.

Choose inorganic dye producers that offer products in a variety of formats

If you deal only with textiles, you may not need a wide variety of dye formats, but if you dabble in several different products, flexibility may be a plus. Many producers offer dyes and pigments in both liquid and powder form, which makes it easier than ever to get the result you desire. They may also be able to add the same colors to plastics, so you can have dyed-to-match buttons or zippers.

I recommend: Pick an inorganic dye company that can do it all. Both Spectrachem and American Colors can provide just about any dyes that you need in a wide assortment of colors and formats.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When shopping around for inorganic dye manufacturers, look for those that can create custom colors to meet your specifications.