High-Performance Pearlescent Pigments: Technical Specifications & Application FAQ
Q1: What are the main components of your pearlescent pigments? How do they compare to natural mica?

A: Our pearlescent pigments use Synthetic Mica or Glass Flakes as the core substrate, coated with multiple layers of nano-scale metal oxides (such as Titanium Dioxide or Iron Oxide).

Compared to natural mica, our synthetic and glass-based pigments offer:

  • Higher Purity: Free from natural impurities.

  • Controllable Particle Size: More uniform distribution.

  • Superior Color Stability: Brighter and cleaner colors.

  • Safety: No risk of radioactive contamination; fully compliant with EU RoHS standards.

Q2: Do the products contain hazardous substances? Are they safety certified?

A: Safety is our priority.

  • All pigments have passed Oral Toxicity Tests (compliant with EU EN 71-3 standards) and are safe for use in cosmetics and food-contact packaging.

Our products are free from heavy metals, microplastics, and prohibited polymers (compliant with EU Regulation 2023/2055), meeting global chemical safety standards.


Q3: How do I select the right pearlescent pigment model for different applications?

A: We recommend selecting based on your end-use:

  • Cosmetics/Personal Care: We recommend the Pritty Clareium series (e.g., Arctic White 1690), which offers high color saturation and excellent skin adhesion.

    Automotive Coatings: Choose high-temperature resistant Glass Substrate models (e.g., Gold Rush 3867), designed to withstand baking temperatures above 180°C.

  • Printing Inks: Use ultra-fine particle sizes (D50 < 5μm) to ensure uniform gloss and printability.

  • For specific parameters, please refer to our "Product Selection Guide."


Q4: Do pearlescent pigments discolor or decompose during high-temperature processing?

A:

  • Glass Substrate Pigments: withstand long-term exposure to temperatures up to 200°C.

  • Synthetic Mica Series: maintain color stability at process temperatures up to 150°C.

  • Customized solutions for extreme high-temperature applications are available upon request.


Q5: Do you offer customization for colors or particle sizes?

A: Yes! We provide OEM customization services. We can adjust the metal oxide layers, particle size distribution (standard range: 10-150μm), and specific hues (e.g., Tech Silver, Solar Gold) to meet your needs. Sample delivery is available in as fast as 3 working days.


Q6: How can I evaluate the dispersion of pearlescent pigments in my formula?

A: We suggest the following verification steps:

  1. Pre-disperse the pigment at a 1-3% ratio in a solvent (e.g., ethanol or water-based emulsion).

  2. Process with a high-shear mixer for 5 minutes (speed ≥ 1000 rpm).

  3. Observe the suspension for light transmittance and gloss consistency.

  • Need help? Contact us for our "Dispersion Process White Paper."


Q7: Are the products compatible with Polyurethane (PU), Acrylic, and other resin systems?

A: Yes. Our Synthetic Mica and Glass Substrate pigments are widely compatible with Water-based, Solvent-based, and UV-curing resin systems. For special resins (such as Epoxies), we recommend a compatibility test—we offer free samples for verification.


Q8: Will pearlescent pigments affect coating adhesion or mechanical strength?

A: When used correctly, they will not negatively impact coating performance. We recommend:

  • Controlling dosage between 3-8% (excessive amounts may reduce opacity/hiding power).

  • Adding the pigment to the formula after pre-dispersion.

  • Ensuring curing conditions match the resin system requirements (e.g., UV lamp power, baking temperature).


Q9: How can I judge the quality of pearlescent pigments?

A: Key quality indicators include:

  • Particle Size Uniformity: Verified via laser diffraction.

  • Coating Integrity: Analyzed via XRD (X-Ray Diffraction).

  • Weather Resistance: Tested via QUV accelerated weathering.

  • Batch Stability: Color difference (ΔE) controlled within ≤1.5.

  • We provide lab reports or third-party test reports for every batch upon request.


Q10: Do you have successful application cases in New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) or 3C products?

A: Yes, we serve leading brands:

  • NEVs: Custom Gold Pearlescent (Gold Rush 3867) for wheel coatings at a top-tier EV manufacturer.

  • Consumer Electronics (3C): Pearlescent texture effects (Clareium Diamond 8011) for a major mobile phone brand's back panel.

  • Cosmetics: Matte pearlescent effect (Arctic White 1690) for an international beauty brand's cream blush.

  • Visit our "Case Studies" page or contact sales for full reports.


Knowledge Hub: Understanding Pearlescent Pigments

Q11: What are Pearlescent Pigments?

A: Pearlescent pigments are flake-structured powders consisting of a substrate core and a coating layer. They generate a metallic or soft pearl-like luster through light refraction and reflection. The three most common substrates in the market are:

  1. Natural Mica: Often contains impurities like iron and manganese, giving the powder a greyish tone. Consequently, silver-white pearls made from natural mica may appear slightly grey or yellow.

  2. Synthetic Mica: Created by melting and calcining specific compounds. This artificial substrate eliminates impurities, resulting in higher whiteness, superior purity, higher chroma, and a skin-friendly feel ideal for cosmetics.

  3. Glass Flakes (Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate): Known for high transparency and intense light reflection. Glass-based pigments offer extreme sparkle ("glitter" effect) and high color saturation. They allow for versatile color combinations to create unique styling effects.


Q12: What are the application ranges?

Decorative Coatings: enhance appearance with multi-color shifts (traveling color), viewing-angle dependent effects, and premium faux gold/silver finishes. Special treatments significantly boost weather resistance for outdoor use.

Automotive & Powder Coatings: Provide strong metallic textures and stable physical/chemical properties. Ceramic coatings remain color-stable up to 700°C. Specialized encapsulation improves weatherability for auto paints and increases transfer efficiency (powder rate) for powder coatings.

  • Plastics: Ideal for "Mold-in-Color" (eliminating the need for painting) and high-load metallic masterbatches. Our surface treatments solve common pain points by improving dispersion, reducing dust, and enhancing shear resistance.

  • Cosmetics: Versatile use in eye shadows (pressed powders/cakes) and personal care products. They are hydrophilic and lipophilic (water/oil compatible), fitting various formulations.

  • Printing Inks: Suitable for most ink types, offering vivid, elegant colors with the added benefit of anti-counterfeiting properties.


Troubleshooting: Common Issues & Solutions

1. Plastics: Loss of Pearlescent Luster?

Cause: Pigment structure damage due to high shear.

Solution:

Strictly control mixing time and speed to prevent surface damage.

Avoid combining with high-opacity pigments (e.g., TiO2), which block the pearl effect.

Use single-screw extruders where possible to minimize shear stress during injection molding.


2. Coatings: Uneven Dispersion?

Solution:

Pre-dispersion: Soak and wet the pigment before adding it to the main mix.

Dilution: Add thinning agents to lower viscosity.

Additives: Incorporate specific dispersing agents to improve stability.


3. Powder Coatings: Low Transfer Efficiency (Low Powder Rate)?

Cause: Separation of pigment and base powder during spraying.

Solution:

Bonding: The most effective method is to use bonded metallic powder.

Specialized Products: Use our specific encapsulated series designed for powder coatings, which improve charging properties, dispersion, and metallic texture.


4. Inks: Viscosity Increase After Adding Pigment?

Cause: High oil absorption of the pigment or solvent evaporation.

Solution:

Reduce pigment dosage or increase solvent content.

Use surface-modified pigments designed to lower oil absorption.

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