Coating composition containing surface treated clay mixture, the surface treated clay mixture used therefor, and methods of their use

A coating composition and a pigment comprising a surface-treated clay mixture used therein, and, optionally, microspheres, in which the coating composition comprises a curable or hardenable resin system into which is dispersed the pigment. High build, corrosion resistant coating compositions are provided having high pigment content, which translates into lower material costs, attributable at least in part to the particle packing benefits derived from the unique clay mixture used as a filler.