Lake (pigment)

General term for numerous oil-soluble organic pigments that are prepared by the precipitation of a dye on an absorptive powdered, inorganic substrate; alumina trihydrate is most often used as the substrate because of its transparency. All pigments invented in relatively early periods and made in this way are still called "lakes." The word may be derived from the Italian word "lacca," a term used by medieval dyers for the scum removed from dye vats and sold to painters. The making of lake pigments dates to the Egyptians and Greeks. Lake pigments are used in painting, printing inks, plastic colorants, and coated fabrics.