Rutile titanium dioxide
The durable workhorse pigment. Rutile TiO₂ delivers the highest opacity, gloss retention and resistance to weathering and UV — the standard choice for exterior coatings, plastics, masterbatch and printing inks. We supply four grades: R818, R838, R868 and R878.
Four rutile grades.
Each grade is tuned for a balance of dispersion, durability and cost. Not sure which fits your formulation? Send us your application and we'll recommend one.
Which rutile grade?
Positioning summary below. Full technical datasheets and a certificate of analysis (COA) are provided with every quotation and lot.
| Grade | Process | Positioning | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| R818 | Sulfate | Cost-effective general-purpose rutile with reliable whiteness and opacity. | Interior & general coatings, plastics, paper. |
| R838 | Sulfate | Strong balance of dispersion and durability for everyday coatings and inks. | Architectural coatings, printing inks, masterbatch. |
| R868 | Sulfate | Higher weather and gloss performance for demanding exterior use. | Exterior/industrial coatings, durable plastics. |
| R878 | Sulfate | Premium multi-purpose rutile with excellent tint strength and durability. | High-end coatings, exterior masterbatch, film. |
Exact TiO₂ content, oil absorption, whiteness and other parameters vary by lot — request the datasheet for the grade you need.
Why rutile?
Rutile is the more thermodynamically stable crystal form of titanium dioxide. Its tightly packed lattice gives a higher refractive index and superior resistance to UV degradation and chalking compared with anatase — which is why rutile dominates exterior and high-durability applications.
For most coatings, plastics and ink formulations where lightfastness and weatherability matter, rutile is the default choice. Where cost is the primary driver and exposure is limited (interior paint, paper, some rubber), anatase can be a more economical option.
Rutile TiO₂ — common questions.
What is the difference between rutile and anatase titanium dioxide?
Rutile is the more thermodynamically stable crystal form of TiO2, with a higher refractive index and much better resistance to UV degradation and chalking — the standard choice for exterior and high-durability applications. Anatase gives a brighter blue-white tone at lower cost but has lower UV durability, so it is best kept to interior and non-weathering uses such as paper, rubber, ceramics and welding electrodes.
Which rutile grade should I use for exterior coatings?
Start from R868 for exposed exterior and industrial systems — it is tuned for weather resistance and gloss retention. For high-end coatings and exterior masterbatch, R878 adds excellent tint strength and durability. Send us your formulation and target market and we will confirm the grade.
What is sulfate-process rutile TiO2, and how does it compare with chloride-process?
All four of our rutile grades — R818, R838, R868 and R878 — are produced by the sulfate process. Chloride-process TiO2 uses higher-grade feedstock in a chlorination route and dominates some Western product lines, but well-made sulfate rutile delivers comparable whiteness, opacity and durability for most coatings, plastics and ink applications at a more competitive cost.
Do you provide a COA and technical datasheet?
Yes. A full technical datasheet is provided with every quotation, and a certificate of analysis (COA) accompanies every lot. Each order is inspected against your specification before shipment.
Are you the manufacturer of R818, R838, R868 and R878?
No — TiO2 Source is an independent sourcing and supply company, not a manufacturer. We match your requirement to the right Chinese producer, then handle independent quality control, export documentation and logistics, so you deal with one accountable partner rather than a single factory's catalogue.
What applications is rutile TiO2 used for?
Architectural and industrial coatings, plastics and white masterbatch, printing inks, and paper where opacity is critical. See our applications guide for which grade fits each use.
Need a rutile grade matched to your spec?
Tell us your application, target market and volume — we'll recommend a grade and send a quotation within 24 hours.