Coatings chemists and paint formulators face the challenge of developing products that are not only durable and aesthetically pleasing, but that address sustainability issues and have added functionality. The technology of infrared-reflecting (IR) pigments addresses both sustainability and the desire for functionality by allowing the development of coatings that can reduce energy usage and meet building code-related certifications and requirements. There are three main classes of IR pigments that work with different mechanisms and can be utilized individually or together for maximum performance. This article is meant as an introduction into the fundamental properties of the pigments to better understand how they can be used in fully formulated products.