Specifying a color-changing pigment should take one line: the color you want at rest, the trigger that changes it, and the color you want after the trigger. Our Color Changing Pigment range splits into two families — photochromic and thermochromic — that together cover most coatings, plastics and printing applications.
Photochromic pigments respond to ultraviolet light. They shift color when exposed to UV or direct sunlight and revert to their resting shade once the light source is removed, which makes them ideal for coatings, printing inks and plastics where a daylight-reveal effect is wanted — from outdoor signage to promotional packaging that changes on a sunny windowsill.
Thermochromic pigments are temperature-reversible, microencapsulated grades that switch between colors, or fade to colorless, as temperature rises or falls. They are used across coatings, printing, plastics and textiles, and food-grade, BPA-free options are available for sensitive applications. Choosing the right activation temperature is the key specification decision.
Whichever family you choose, the grade must match your process. Check binder compatibility, confirm that processing temperatures stay within the pigment's limits — microencapsulated thermochromic grades in particular — and select a particle size that suits your application method, from fine gravure printing to brush or spray coating.
Every grade is produced in our GMP workshop and supplied with full documentation: a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and MSDS are provided on request, with lot traceability on every delivery. We have supplied effect pigments to manufacturers for more than 20 years and ship to customers in over 100 countries.
To specify, tell us four things: the resting color, the trigger (UV or temperature), the target color after activation, and your application and processing conditions. We will recommend the right grade and particle size, and ship trial samples within 3 working days so you can test the pigment in your own formulation before committing to volume. Orders start from 0.1 kg, with a standard lead time of 7 days.
Send us the resting color, trigger and target shade, and our technical team will recommend a grade within 48 hours.
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