Abstract: A pigment composition for high build protective coatings material comprising special combinations of pigments selected from a first group consisting of low density pigments of smooth nodular shape having a maximum particle size of 325 microns with not less than 40% by weight retained on a 325 mesh screen and a second group consisting of pigments having a median particle diameter ranging from 0.5 to 20 microns and being shaped so that not more than 20% by weight of the particles have ratios of any two dimensions exceeding 10. The total pigment volume concentration of the coating material is not less than 40% and the total volume of both groups of pigments is not less than 75% of the total volume of pigments in the coating material with a blend of both groups containing from 20 to 95% by volume of the first group of pigments and from 5 to 80% by volume of the second group of pigments.