A universal colorant composition for both solvent- and water-based paints and coatings includes a colorant component, such as pigment, dye, colorant, tinting agent and/or metal effect agent; a surfactant package including at least one alkyd-compatible; surfactant and at least one latex-compatible surfactant; and a carrier. When the surfactant package is added to a base paint it provides a mixture having a drop in viscosity of less than about 50%.