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The application of pearlescent pigments is quite straightforward. Generally, simply adding an appropriate amount of pearlescent pigment to various transparent substrates can achieve a pearlescent coating effect. The final pearlescent luster and unique hue depend primarily on the oriented parallel alignment of the pigments.
Typically, the flake structure of pearlescent pigments follows physical laws, automatically aligning parallel to the direction of liquid flow during the coating process. As the solvent in the coating evaporates or a chemical reaction occurs, the system’s viscosity increases, fixing this ordered arrangement in place. This results in a bright pearl luster and distinctive color tones.
However, if the coating is too thick, the solvent evaporates too quickly, or the ambient temperature is too low, the viscosity of the coating may increase too slowly. This can prevent the pearlescent pigments from maintaining their aligned arrangement, leading to a loss of the pearlescent effect. In such cases, the coating may appear rough, dull, or exhibit uneven, overly bright tones. Therefore, for different coating systems, it is crucial to select appropriate drying speeds and viscosity levels, and determine the optimal formulation through experimentation.
Pearlescent pigments are highly versatile and can be widely used in various coating systems, such as acrylic, alkyd, nitrocellulose, polyester, and many others. They also exhibit excellent dispersibility in both water-based and solvent-based media, making them suitable for a wide range of aqueous and solvent-borne formulations.
Currently, pearlescent pigments are widely used in many fields. Below is a brief overview of their common applications and optimized usage methods:
Applications of Pearlescent Pigments
Pearlescent pigments are suitable for coatings, paints, inks (including printing, screen printing, and pad printing), plastic products, crafts, injection molding, glass decoration, cosmetics (such as nail polish and eyeshadow), paper printing, metal hardware coatings, liquid wallpapers, fluorocarbon paints, furniture finishes, and other industries.
Usage Tips for Pearlescent Pigments
Pearlescent pigments are typically used in the preparation of paints or inks. In some processes, they can also be directly mixed with the base material.
Specifications of Pearlescent Pigments
Pearlescent pigments are available in a wide range of particle sizes, with the largest around 20 mesh and the finest up to 2000 mesh. The minimum particle size is 1–10 micrometers, and the maximum particle size is 500–1500 micrometers.
Performance of Pearlescent Pigments
Pearlescent pigments are suitable for both water-based and solvent-based systems, can withstand temperatures of 600–800°C, and offer good resistance to acids, alkalis, and oxidation.
Formulation Method for Pearlescent Pigment Inks
(Using a 100g Sample as an Example)
(1) First, take 8%–12% of pearlescent pigment and place it in a container (the exact amount can be adjusted based on product requirements).
(2) Add 20%–30% of thinner (such as thinner, 783, 781, butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, cyclohexanone, diluent, etc.) and mix well with the pearlescent pigment to achieve thorough dispersion.
(3) Finally, add 65%–70% of varnish. The type of varnish should be selected based on the substrate material. In practice, the ratio can be adjusted according to product needs.
