The definition
Pigment volume concentration is the volume of pigments and fillers as a percentage of the total dry film volume (pigment plus binder): PVC = Vpigment ÷ (Vpigment + Vbinder) × 100. Volume matters, not weight, because a dense pigment like barium sulfate occupies far less space per kilogram than a light one.
PVC calculator
Enter dry volumes (any consistent unit).
The critical point (CPVC)
As pigment loading rises, there comes a point where the binder is just sufficient to fill the spaces between tightly packed particles. That is the critical pigment volume concentration. Above it, air voids appear in the film. CPVC depends on particle size, shape and how much binder each pigment absorbs (its oil absorption).
| Property | Below CPVC | Above CPVC |
|---|---|---|
| Gloss | Higher | Flat |
| Porosity and permeability | Low | Rises sharply |
| Corrosion and stain resistance | Better | Worse |
| Tensile strength | Higher | Drops |
| Dry hiding | Normal | Can increase (air voids scatter light) |
Where coatings sit
- Gloss topcoats and clears: low PVC.
- Barrier primers and linings: moderate PVC, kept well below CPVC for impermeability.
- Flat architectural paints: higher PVC, sometimes near or above CPVC to cut cost and gloss.
- Zinc-rich primers: deliberately very high zinc loading so particles touch for galvanic action.
The ratio PVC ÷ CPVC (often called the reduced PVC, Λ) is a convenient way to compare formulas built with different pigments.