The actual colouring matter in paintA coloured substance that can be thickened or thinned and spread over surfaces. Paint can be water soluble, oil or plastic based, and have opaque or transparent qualities. For further information please follow thus link. Paint is made up from three main things: pigment, to give it colour; a medium, (such as oil) which is used to support the pigment; and 38 something to thin it down, such as water or turpentine. and ink.