History of Paint in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 18, 2026

Paint is a mixture that forms a film-like layer when applied to a solid surface and dried. As art, this results in a painting. Paint comes in various colors and types, primarily oil-based and water-based, each possessing unique properties. It's used in art and industry for decoration and protection.

1978: Lead banned in paint for residential use

In 1978, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission banned lead in paint for residential use.

2003: Discovery of ancient ochre mixture

In 2003, South African archeologists found a 100,000-year-old human-made ochre-based mixture in Blombos Cave, suggesting it could have been used like paint.

2004: Discovery of ancient ochre mixture

In 2004, South African archeologists found a 100,000-year-old human-made ochre-based mixture in Blombos Cave, suggesting it could have been used like paint.

2005: Ashland Inc. introduces foundry refractory coatings

In 2005, Ashland Inc. introduced foundry refractory coatings with similar principle for use in foundries.

2009: Report on PCB in air samples

In 2009, a report published found polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) in air samples collected in Chicago, Philadelphia, the Arctic, and several sites around the Great Lakes, with wastewater effluent from paint production being a source.

2011: Report of a complete toolkit for making paint

In 2011, further excavation in Blombos Cave resulted in the report of a complete toolkit for grinding pigments and making a primitive paint-like substance.

2019: Statistics on plastic-based paint production

In 2019, it was reported that of the 44.4 million tons of globally produced paint, 95 percent was plastic-based.

2022: Study on microplastics in oceans

In 2022, a study by Environmental Action revealed that approximately 58 percent of the microplastics found in oceans and waterways could be traced back to paint.

2023: Price Comparison of Plastic-Based and Alternative Paints

As of 2023, a gallon of plastic-based paint may cost around $20 to $30, however the price for specialized paint, such as graphene and lime, ranges from $34 to $114 per gallon, underlining the financial challenges associated with transitioning from plastic-based paints.