What term refers to finely ground particles that provide essential properties to paint?

The term that refers to finely ground particles that provide essential properties to paint is "pigment." Pigments are the components that give paint its color and opacity; they are responsible for the visual and aesthetic aspects of the paint. When pigments are finely ground, they ensure that the paint has a uniform color and can achieve the desired aesthetic and functional qualities.

Pigments can also affect the durability and performance of the paint. For example, they can influence the paint's resistance to fading, weathering, and other environmental factors. They typically exist as solid particles suspended in the paint, allowing for good coverage and adhesion to surfaces.

In contrast, binders are substances that hold the pigment particles together and help the paint adhere to surfaces. Solvents are the liquids used to dissolve or disperse the binder and pigments, affecting the viscosity and application of the paint. Additives are supplementary substances that can impart special properties to the paint, such as mildew resistance or improved flow. Each of these components plays a unique role in the overall formulation of paint, but it is the pigments that define the color and some significant visual properties.