Absorption
        The light dusty form of carbon blacks allows them to be converted to an easy to disperse pellet form by the dry pelleting process. Over a period of time carbon blacks absorb active ingredients in a paint formulation, such as the metal soaps used as driers in air-drying alkyds. This absorption can lead to problems, however, doubling the dosing of drier content is a common way of compensating for this issue.

Flocculation
        Following dispersion small particles of carbon black have a tendency to flocculate. To minimize this tendency it is necessary to take utmost care when diluting paints. Only small calculated additions should be made with thorough homogenization between additions.

Dispersion
        Carbon blacks can be difficult to disperse as they have very small particles with a correspondingly large surface area. Improved dispersions can be attained by oxidizing the surface of the pigment or by adding small quantities of organic groups such as carboxylic acids. Such groups decrease the pH of the aqueous extract and aid the wetting of the particles.

Viscosity of the paint
        Particles of carbon form clusters which are often compared to a cluster of grapes, held together by forces ranging from weak physical attraction to chemical bonds. This structure affects the dispersibility, the jetness, gloss, and, above all, the viscosity of the paint.

Uses
         Carbon black is one of the oldest of pigments. It was used 27000 years ago for cave paintings, and in 2500 before Christ by the Egyptians in inks. It was also used for the printing process during the Middle Ages.
         The rubber industry is the biggest user of carbon blacks by a large margin, in comparison, the paint industry is only a modest user. The printing inks industry also uses significant quantities.
Finer particle blacks are used for high-quality finishes such as in automotive paints on account of their higher jetness. Medium size blacks are used for intermediate quality paints, whereas the coarser pigments are used for decorative paints.
        For tinting purposes coarser grades are usually used as their lower strength means they are easier to control.

Price
         The price of carbon blacks varies depending on particle size, increasing as the particle size is decreasing. However, carbon black is a relatively cheap pigment. Speciality grades, made for specific applications, are more expensive.