COMPONENTS OF COLOUR LEADS

Colour pigments:

- give the colour

- water-resistant in most cases

Binding agents:

- cellulose derivates similar to wallpaper paste

Fillers:

- predominantly kaolin (porcelain clay)

Impregnating agents:

- increase the strength and gliding quality of the lead

- ensure a uniform stroke laydown during writing and drawing

- water-resistant leads: impregnating agent is a grease/wax mixture 

- watersoluble leads: impregnating agent is an emulsifier