What component of paint is responsible for giving it hiding power?

The component of paint that provides hiding power is pigment. Pigments are finely ground colored materials that are mixed with the binder and solvent to create paint. The primary function of pigments is to impart color and opacity to the paint. When applied to a surface, pigments obscure the underlying material, making the painted area less transparent, which is known as hiding power.

In contrast, the binder is responsible for holding the pigment particles together and adhering them to the surface, while the solvent helps to adjust the paint's viscosity and application properties. Gloss refers to the sheen or luster of the paint once dried, which is influenced by both the binder and pigment mix but does not contribute to hiding power. Thus, the pigment is essential for achieving that desired coverage and aesthetic effect in painting.