Pearlescent and metallic pigments for automotive coatings, printing inks, injection molding and plastic masterbatch.
Last updated: 2026-10-11
Every product series we offer for Coatings, Inks and Plastics.
High-performance pearl pigments for automotive coatings, plastics, leather and industrial printing.
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Color-shifting pigments that change appearance with viewing angle, ideal for coatings and automotive effects.
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Precision-cut polyester glitter in 8 series — silver, gold, color, laser, diamond, fluorescent, rainbow and heat-resistant aluminum.
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Long afterglow luminescent pigments for safety signage, coatings, plastics, printing and decorative crafts.
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High-viability day-glow pigments for coatings, plastics, printing inks, textiles and decorative applications.
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Light-sensitive pigments that change color when exposed to UV or sunlight and revert when the light source is removed.
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Temperature-reversible microencapsulated pigments that switch between colors or fade to colorless at temperature rises.
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Copper-zinc alloy pigment powders in light, rich and dark bronze grades for coatings, printing, plastics and crafts.
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High-coverage silver-white aluminium pigments available in multiple mesh grades for coatings, inks, plastics and industrial metal-effect applications.
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Angle-dependent "chameleon" pigments that reveal two distinct colors as the viewing angle shifts. Heavy-metal <1 ppm, ideal for security printing and anti-counterfeit packaging.
Browse sub-series →Pearlescent and special-effect pigments for paints, coatings, plastics, ink and synthetic leather
For coatings, choose between two effect families. Pearlescent pigments (metal-oxide-coated mica) deliver a soft, angle-dependent pearl sheen that works well in automotive-style finishes, industrial paints and powder coatings. Metallic powders give a brighter, more solid metallic sparkle. The right choice depends on the gloss system, film thickness and the effect you want to reproduce. Send us your resin system and target color card — we will shortlist grades with the relevant TDS for lab trials.
For inks, pearlescent and color-shifting pigments add both aesthetics and security. Color-changing grades — photochromic (light-activated), thermochromic (heat-activated) and chameleon/optical-variable types — are widely used in brand-protection and anti-counterfeit printing, where the color shift is difficult to reproduce. Chameleon grades change appearance with viewing angle, ideal for labels, packaging and security documents. Share your substrate and printing method, and we will recommend a compatible grade.
Pearlescent pigments can be compounded into masterbatch and used in injection molding, but the result depends on pigment dispersion, polymer type and process temperature, so we never publish a one-size dosage. We recommend starting with a small trial: request free samples, run a test plaque in your resin, and check effect and mechanical properties before scaling. Our team supports the trial by recommending grade and pre-dispersion guidance, and 25 kg drum packaging keeps bulk supply stable once approved.
Ask one question first: do you want a true metallic body or a pearl-like sheen? Aluminum and copper (bronze) powders give dense, metallic coverage with a bright sparkle, used in automotive, industrial and decorative metal-look finishes. Pearlescent pigments give a softer, iridescent luster that shifts with angle and can be blended over white or dark bases for different depths. If you need both looks across a product line, we can supply both families from one manufacturer and keep your QC documentation consistent.
Outdoor exposure is application-specific: pigment stability depends on the coating system, binder, film build and exposure conditions, not the pigment alone. We do not state generic UV lifetimes; instead, tell us your substrate, resin, target durability and whether the part is exterior or interior, and we will recommend a grade whose TDS and field usage fit your specification. Requesting samples for an accelerated weathering test in your own lab is the fastest way to qualify a grade for a demanding exterior program.
OEM topcoats need metallic-pearl effect with tight batch consistency. Our pearlescent pigments deliver stable color travel and are supplied with TDS for solvent- and water-borne basecoats. Share your resin and substrate and we recommend a grade and weatherability-tested family — we specify per TDS rather than quoting a universal UV life.
Phone cases, toys and appliances call for a clean pearl in masterbatch or direct injection. Our pigments disperse in PP/ABS/PC with good heat resistance and no plate-out; we match a grade to your resin and processing temperature. TDS and compliance files (ISO 9001/GMP) available on request.
Interior walls and textured art paints want a soft, light-catching finish. Our pearlescent grades disperse in water-borne architectural coatings and hold a subtle sheen; tell us your binder and we recommend a compatible family via TDS. ISO 9001/GMP documentation available on request.
PU leather, footwear and bags need pearl that bonds in coating and transfer layers without bleeding. Our pigments are suited to solvent- and PU-based leather finishes and keep an even metallic look through flexing. Share your coating system and we advise a grade per TDS; ISO 9001/GMP files on request.
Three steps from product list to one quote request.
Click + Add to Inquiry on any product. Your list collects in the floating cart (bottom-right).
Drop quantities, application and target market into the message box — once, for the whole list.
One click opens a short form (name, email, company). Your full product list is attached automatically — no email client needed.
Match your scenario to the recommended EFFECT-PIGMENT series, with the reason behind each choice (particle size, compliance, luster, cost).
| Scenario | Recommended Product / Series | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive OEM topcoat | Pearlescent Pigment (industrial grade), 10–40 µm | Tight batch-to-batch color travel; compatible with solvent- and water-borne basecoats; TDS available. |
| Plastic masterbatch (PP/ABS/PC) | Pearlescent / Metallic Series, 10–60 µm | Good heat stability and dispersion in polar/non-polar resins; low plate-out. |
| Architectural / decorative wall paint | Pearlescent Pigment, 15–60 µm | Soft, light-catching sheen in water-borne systems; cost-effective for large surfaces. |
| Leather & synthetic leather finish | Solvent-compatible Pearl, 10–45 µm | Bonds in PU/solvent coatings without bleeding or flex-cracking. |
| Printing ink (gravure / screen / flexo) | Fine Pearl / Metallic, 5–25 µm | Small particle size avoids nozzle/screen clogging and gives smooth print. |
| Consumer electronics (phone cases, appliances) | Pearlescent / Chameleon, 10–40 µm | Clean, consistent color in injection molding or spray coating; heat-stable options. |
| Wood coating / furniture finish | Pearl / Interference, 15–45 µm | Warm metallic effect with good transparency in clear lacquers; UV-stable per TDS. |
| Marine / outdoor signage | Weatherable pearl family, 20–60 µm | Larger, UV-tested grades hold outdoor gloss longer; confirm substrate/resin for full spec. |
Choose the band that fits your process and the effect you want.
| Particle Size Band | Visual Effect | Best-Fit Scenarios | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 15 µm | Fine satin / smooth metallic | High-gloss automotive clearcoats, thin-film printing inks, electronics spray coatings | Minimal texture; best for tight film builds and fine-detail printing. |
| 15–30 µm | Standard pearl / metallic luster | General industrial coatings, plastics masterbatch, architectural paints | Most common industrial band; good hiding and luster balance. |
| 30–60 µm | Sparkle / high-flip effect | Automotive basecoats, decorative wall finishes, leather coatings | Strong face/flip color travel; may need orientation control in application. |
| > 60 µm | Chunky sparkle / dramatic flip | Specialty automotive effects, textured coatings, accent plastics | Highest visible flash; check sprayability and film thickness compatibility. |
Natural mica, synthetic mica or borosilicate — pick by purity, heat resistance and budget.
| Substrate | Purity | Luster | Heat / Weather Resistance | Compliance / Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Mica | Good | Warm, natural pearlescence | Moderate; adequate for indoor / general industrial | Lowest cost; workhorse for volume coatings | Architectural paints, indoor plastics, general industrial coatings. |
| Synthetic Mica | Very high | Bright, clean reflection | High; better thermal stability for high-temperature processing | Premium; lower trace metals | Automotive coatings, high-temperature masterbatch, electronics, exterior finishes. |
| Borosilicate | Highest clarity | Glass-like sparkle / high transparency | Very high; excellent chemical stability | Premium; exceptional optical depth | High-end automotive, effect coatings, clear inks, luxury consumer electronics. |
Directional starting points — adjust to your base and process. (Not a fixed formula.)
| Base Type | Directional Loading | Dispersion Tip | Compliance Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water-borne architectural paint | Low-to-mid loading; increase for accent walls | Pre-wet pearl in co-solvent or dispersant; add to mill-base under moderate shear; use compatible rheology modifier. | Industrial grade; confirm local VOC and chemical inventory rules. |
| Solvent-borne automotive basecoat | Mid loading; orientation-dependent | Disperse in solvent/resin blend with gentle agitation; avoid prolonged bead milling that breaks platelets. | Use grade per TDS; REACH documentation available under NDA. |
| PP/ABS/PC masterbatch | Mid loading; temperature-grade specific | Pre-disperse into a masterbatch concentrate before final dilution; keep processing temperature within the grade’s recommended range. | Industrial grade; food-contact claims require separate food-grade pigment. |
| PU leather finish | Low-to-mid loading | Add pearl to solvent/PU resin under slow stir; roll or pass gently to maintain even metallic orientation. | Solvent-compatible grade required; confirm local solvent emission regulations. |
Common questions from buyers about this product. Click to expand answers.
15–30 µm is the standard OEM basecoat band. For fine clearcoat effects use < 15 µm; for high-flip styling use 30–60 µm. We recommend per your resin system and TDS.
Yes — we supply grades compatible with water-borne architectural and industrial coatings. Share your binder and we’ll recommend a grade with the right surface treatment to avoid agglomeration.
Our industrial-grade pearl series are used in PP/ABS/PC masterbatch and direct injection. Recommended processing temperature range is grade-specific — provide your resin and temperature profile and we’ll match the right family.
Pearl gives a softer, iridescent effect; metallic gives a sharper, mirror-like reflection. Many phone-case and appliance makers blend both. We can supply color-matched samples for your resin.
Yes. Our solvent-compatible pearl series are used in PU and solvent-based leather finishes without bleeding, settling or flex-cracking.
Loading depends on desired opacity, film thickness and pigment density. Start with the lower end of the supplier’s directional range and titrate to the target hiding/gloss. We provide TDS with suggested starting points.
Some grades span all three, but the right surface treatment, particle size and certification differ. Coatings need dispersion stability; inks need fine particle size; plastics need heat stability. We map the correct grade per process.
We support REACH/registration documentation under confidentiality. We do not publish ECHA registration numbers on public pages; full compliance files are available under NDA per shipment/grade.
Use a rheology modifier compatible with pearlescent platelets and avoid excessive high-shear milling. Pre-wetting the pigment in a small amount of co-solvent or dispersant often improves stability.
Synthetic mica is usually preferred for exterior automotive due to better heat stability, lower trace impurities and more consistent weathering than natural mica. Borosilicate can be used for premium sparkle effects in clear layers.
Yes — send a physical sample or Pantone reference and we’ll return a matched proposal within 48 hours, including recommended particle size and substrate for your resin and processing temperature.
Yes. Tell us what you make and we map the right effect pigment to your process — a one-stop color solution from design to finished goods.
Yes. Free 5–10g samples ship within 3 working days in foil bags or bottles.
Most products have a 1kg MOQ, with a few from 10g, with packaging from 5–10g samples up to 25kg.
Yes. For qualifying orders we stand behind product quality and committed lead time — if either falls short, we make it right through replacement, rework or refund.
Send a sample and we return a matched formula within 48 hours, supported by 10,000+ standard colors.
Yes. We export to 100+ countries and have served the global market since 2003 (20+ years). We handle international shipping and the documentation needed for cosmetic / food-grade imports where required.
Some pigments span several uses — e.g. pearlescent and glow appear in cosmetics, coatings and DIY — but the right grade and certification differ by application. Tell us your uses and we map the correct grade.