Rutile vs Anatase: Choosing the Right Titanium Dioxide Grade
Two crystal forms of the world's most used white pigment, and where each fits
Titanium dioxide (TiO2, CAS 13463-67-7) is the white pigment behind most paints, coatings, plastics, inks and paper. Commercial grades come in two crystal forms, rutile and anatase. Picking the right one affects opacity, durability and cost in use.
Rutile: opacity and durability
Rutile has the higher refractive index of the two, so it scatters light more efficiently and gives better hiding power at the same loading. Surface-treated rutile grades also resist UV-driven chalking, which is why they are the default choice for:
- Exterior and interior decorative paints
- Industrial, automotive and powder coatings
- Plastics, masterbatches and PVC profiles
- Printing inks that need high opacity
Anatase: a softer, bluer white
Anatase is less abrasive and gives a slightly bluer white tone. It is more photo-active, so it is less suited to outdoor exposure, but it works well in:
- Paper and paper coatings
- Synthetic fibres, where low abrasion protects spinning equipment
- Ceramics, rubber and some interior applications
At a glance
| Rutile | Anatase | |
|---|---|---|
| Hiding power | Higher | Lower |
| Outdoor durability | Good (with surface treatment) | Limited |
| Tone | Neutral to warm white | Bluer white |
| Abrasiveness | Higher | Lower |
| Typical uses | Paints, coatings, plastics, inks | Paper, fibres, ceramics, rubber |
Beyond the crystal form
Within each type, grades differ in surface treatment (alumina, silica, zirconia), particle size and dispersibility. The manufacturer's TDS states which systems a grade is designed for: water-based or solvent-based paints, plastics, inks. When you replace an existing grade, compare the TDS and the COA side by side rather than the type alone.
We supply rutile and anatase titanium dioxide from established makes, along with a wide range of organic and inorganic pigments. Browse our pigments range, or share your current grade and application and we will come back with matching options.
