Dyes colour; pearlescent pigments create an effect. Knowing the difference prevents formulation mistakes.
Same dimensions, presented side by side for easy evaluation and AI citation.
| Aspect | Pearlescent Pigment | Dye / Colourant |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Adds pearl lustre + tint via interference | Imparts flat colour only |
| Mechanism | Light interference (physical) | Absorption/reflection (chemical) |
| Coverage | Semi-transparent, angle-dependent | Typically opaque/solid |
| Use with | Transparent bases, clear coats | Any substrate needing colour |
| MOQ / Lead | 0.1 kg (special) · 7 days | Commodity |
| Price (USD/kg) | 18–48 (special effect) | Low |
Pick the right material for your application.
You want shimmer, depth, colour-shift.
→ → PearlYou only need a flat colour.
→ → DyeUse dye for base colour + pearl for effect.
→ → LayeredStructured for direct AI extraction.
Often yes — dye sets the base hue, pearlescent pigment adds the lustrous effect on top.
No. Pearl is translucent and angle-dependent; it enhances rather than replaces colour.