PIGMENT YELLOW 74/ HP YELLOW 1659

What Is PY74 / HP YELLOW 1659

CAS number 6358-31-2, CI number 11741, and classified as a Monoazo pigment, PY74 is a high-performance organic yellow. Also known as HP YELLOW 1659, this pigment is derived from acetoacetanilide coupling and exhibits two crystal forms: the α-form produces a greenish yellow shade, while the β-form yields a reddish yellow. With a fine particle size ranging from 30 to 70 m²/g, it offers good lightfastness for the monoazo class, achieving a 7 on the Blue Wool scale. It is widely used in industrial coatings, printing inks, and color toners.

Why Choose HP YELLOW 1659

HP YELLOW 1659 is specifically engineered for coatings applications, where its high color strength delivers vibrant, consistent shade development with minimal pigment loading. This grade provides low viscosity in coating formulations, enabling smooth application, excellent flow, and reduced energy consumption during mixing and dispersion. Compared to sibling monoazo yellows, HP YELLOW 1659 offers superior opacity and tinting power, making it ideal for industrial and architectural coatings that demand durability and intense color. Its fine particle size ensures uniform distribution and strong hiding power, while the optimized surface treatment enhances wetting and stability in solvent-based and water-based systems. When performance in high-speed dispersion or roll-applied coatings is critical, HP YELLOW 1659 outperforms standard PY74 grades by maintaining color strength without compromising rheology, giving formulators a reliable workhorse for demanding coating environments.

Key Features

• High color strength allows for reduced pigment usage while maintaining vibrant, saturated yellow shades in coatings.
• Low viscosity in coating formulations ensures excellent flow, leveling, and ease of processing during manufacturing.
• Fine particle size (30-70 m²/g) provides uniform dispersion, high opacity, and consistent color development.
• Good lightfastness rated at 7 on the Blue Wool scale delivers reliable outdoor durability for the monoazo pigment class.
• Versatile compatibility with industrial coatings, printing inks, and color toners supports multiple application requirements.

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C.I.NO.: PY74

Advantage: High color strength

Main Application Recommended: Coatings

Products description – PY74

HP YELLOW 1659 (PIGMENT YELLOW 74) is Greenish shade,it provide brilliant prints, which are brighter and more opaque than those of other monoazo yellow pigments. It is recommended used for printing inks, paints indusries.

Recommended Application

Coatings: solvent based paints, water based paints, industrial coatings, powder coatings
Printing inks: offset inks, solvent based inks, water based inks

Technical Data

• Light fastness: Light fastness rating is assessed on 1 to 8 Blue Wool scale where 1 = ‘Poor’ and 8 = ‘Excellent’.
• Heat Stability : Heat stability values given indicate the maximum temperature at which the pigment can be stoved for 10 min. on the full shade and in reductions without undergoing any significant change in shade.
• Oil absorption: The oil absorption is determined on the basis of EN ISO 787-5 and given in g linseed oil per 100 gm. pigment.
• Solvent bleeding: The bleeding in solvents is tested using the powder grades and the visual rating given on 1 to 5 Grey scale
  where 1 = ‘Heavy bleeding’ and 5 = ‘No bleeding”

Technical Note — The data and recommendations provided are based on HONOR Pigment’s internal testing and manufacturing experience. They are offered in good faith to assist customers in evaluating product suitability for their specific applications. As processing conditions, formulations, and end-use requirements vary widely, customers should conduct their own validation under actual use conditions. HONOR Pigment makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy of this information or its fitness for any particular purpose. Nothing herein shall be construed as a license or recommendation to infringe any patent. HONOR Pigment’s standard terms and conditions of sale apply.oduct contains particles < 0.1 μm. Any user of this product is responsible for determining the suitability of Honor Pigments’s products for its particular application & to ensure that any proprietary rights & existing laws & legislation are observed.

Frequently Asked Questions About PY74 / HP Yellow 1659

1. What types of coatings are best suited for HP Yellow 1659?

HP Yellow 1659 (Pigment Yellow 74, CAS 6358-31-2, CI 11741) excels in solvent-based and high-performance industrial coatings, especially where high opacity and brilliant green-shade yellow are required. It performs exceptionally well in architectural paints, automotive refinishes, and coil coatings. However, it is not recommended for high-temperature applications (above 200°C) or demanding exterior applications without proper stabilization, as its lightfastness, while good for a monoazo pigment, is moderate compared to high-performance alternatives. For general-purpose decorative and interior coatings, it offers an excellent cost-to-performance balance.

2. What are the key performance limitations of this yellow pigment?

The main limitation of HP Yellow 1659 is its moderate weatherfastness and lightfastness relative to more complex organic yellows (e.g., PY110 or PY139). In full shade, it resists fading well, but in tints (especially pastel shades), it can show noticeable color shift under prolonged UV exposure. Additionally, it exhibits limited heat stability (up to ~180°C), which restricts its use in powder coatings or stoving enamels that cure at higher temperatures. Its chemical resistance to strong acids and alkalis is also weaker; avoid using it in systems exposed to aggressive cleaning agents or industrial environments without a protective topcoat.

3. How does HP Yellow 1659 compare to PY12 or PY83?

Compared to PY12 (Diarylide Yellow), HP Yellow 1659 offers significantly better lightfastness and solvent bleeding resistance, making it a preferred upgrade for coatings that require longer durability. However, PY12 is often more economical for low-cost, indoor-only applications. Against PY83 (also a diarylide), HP Yellow 1659 has a greener, brighter shade and better opacity, but PY83 generally provides superior heat stability and chemical resistance for industrial finishes. For a mid-range, versatile, green-shade yellow in decorative and maintenance coatings, HP Yellow 1659 strikes the best balance between performance and cost.

4. Are there any special processing or dispersion concerns?

HP Yellow 1659 is generally easy to disperse in solvent-based systems, requiring standard high-speed dispersion or bead milling to reach full color development. However, due to its small particle size, it can be dusty in powder form; proper ventilation and dust control are advised during handling. In waterborne systems, it may require wetting agents or surfactants to avoid flocculation. Avoid over-grinding, as it can reduce opacity and shift shade slightly toward duller tones. For optimal gloss and hiding power, a dispersion fineness of 10-15 microns on a Hegman gauge is recommended. Pre-dispersed chips or pastes simplify processing.

5. What is the shelf life and how should I store HP Yellow 1659? Can I replace it with another pigment easily?

When stored in a cool, dry place (below 30°C, 60% humidity) in sealed, opaque containers, HP Yellow 1659 maintains its properties for at least 2-3 years. Moisture absorption can cause agglomeration; keep containers tightly closed. As a direct replacement, PY74 is widely available, but alternatives for a similar green-shade yellow include PY73 (slightly greener) or PY3 (redder shade). Note that replacing PY74 with inorganic yellows (e.g., PY184 bismuth vanadate) will dramatically increase opacity and weatherfastness but at a much higher cost and different shade. Always conduct a reformulation test when substituting.

HP Yellow 1659 Takeaway: A versatile, cost-effective green-shade monoazo yellow ideal for general industrial and decorative coatings, offering good opacity and brightness. Its moderate weather and heat resistance make it best suited for interior or protected exterior applications, where it outperforms diarylide yellows at a fraction of the cost of high-performance pigments.

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