Car owners often look for a way to highlight their traffic flow, betting on the visual effects of the body. When it comes to the glittering surface, many people ask: The paint in the car is called the And where to get them. In fact, it is not just a loose mixture, but a complex technical component that determines the depth and nature of the reflection of light.
In the professional environment, such additives are divided into several categories depending on the chemical composition and shape of the particles. The most common name is metallic Or just "metallic." However, there are other options, such as mother of pearl, xeralic and mica, each of which gives a unique glow at a different viewing angle.
Understanding the differences between these materials is critical before you start painting. Incorrect selection of binder or particle size can lead to the fact that the coating loses its decorative properties or completely detached after a short period of time. Letβs take a closer look at the terminology and technology.
Terminology: How to name supplements
When you come to an auto-enamell shop and ask for βsparkles,β the seller can offer you several product options. The main name of the component that creates the effect of granularity and shine is powder Or aluminum pigment. It is these microscopic plates that reflect light, creating the familiar metallic effect.
However, if you need a more complex glow that changes hue depending on the angle of incidence of light, it is a question of the light. pearl-pigments. They are made of mica covered with metal oxides. Unlike simple aluminum, mother of pearl is not just shiny, it refracts light rays, creating a depth effect.
β οΈ Never confuse cosmetic glitters with automotive pigments. Ordinary sparkles for creativity do not have a protective coating and dissolve in an aggressive solvent of automotive paint, spoiling all the material.
There is also the term "xeralic" - a special kind of pigment with a faceted structure, which gives a very bright, sparkling glow, resembling a scattering of stars. Such additives are often used in premium paint lines to create a chameleon or multicolor effect.
Types of pigments for automotive enamels
The choice of the right type of pigment determines not only the appearance, but also the technology of application. The market offers a wide range of solutions, and it is important to understand their physical properties. The main species can be classified by the material of the base and the shape of the particles.
The first and most common type is aluminum-pigments. They come in different fractions: from fine-grained (giving a smooth, calm shine) to coarse-grained (creating the effect of "grain"). The particle size is measured in microns, and this parameter determines how smooth the surface will be after varnishing.
The second popular type is mica pigments. They are chemically inert and heat resistant. Mica is often used in the composition base-enamelBecause it works well with the lacquer layer. An important characteristic is the shape of the scales: the smoother they are, the higher the reflectivity.
- β¨ Aluminum powder is a classic silvery shine, high cover.
- β¨ Mica pearl is a soft glow, a game of color, depending on the angle of view.
- β¨ Xeralic is a bright, sharp sparkling, the effect of depth and saturation.
- β¨ Bronze powder - gives golden or copper shades, requires caution in use.
I would like to mention the interference pigments. They are transparent on their own and only start working in combination with a dark substrate. This allows you to create complex visual effects that change in front of the observer.
The effect of particle size on the result
Large particles (30-50 ΞΌm) give a bright but granular effect, small (5-10 ΞΌm) create a smooth, uniform surface with a soft shine. The choice depends on the desired style and type of sprayer.
Technology of mixing and preparation of composition
The process of introducing pigment into the paint requires strict adherence to proportions and sequence of actions. Just pouring the dry mixture into a jar of enamel is a gross mistake that will lead to the formation of lumps and uneven color. Right. dispersion - the key to success.
First, a binder must be prepared. If you are using a ready-made base, make sure it is thoroughly mixed. Dry pigments, especially aluminum, tend to stick together. Their uniform distribution often requires pre-soaking in a solvent or a special dispersant.
It is important to keep concentration. Typically, the metal pigment content is between 5% and 15% of the total mass of the mixture, depending on the desired intensity. Exceeding the norm can violate adhesion and lead to the fact that the varnish will lie unevenly, manifesting the so-called "shagrene skin".
βοΈ Preparation of the mixture
After mixing, the composition should be infused. This time is necessary in order for the air that got into the mixture with active stirring to completely come out. Air bubbles on the surface of the painted part are a frequent defect that occurs due to rushing at this stage.
Car body application process
Applying paint with metallic or mother of pearl effect requires high skill and the right equipment. The main tool is a spray gun with a duse of a selected diameter. Large particle materials require a wider nozzle to avoid clogging the torch.
The first layer is applied very thinly, almost "spray". This is necessary to create a base to which the main layer will stick. Pressure in the compressor should be stable, usually in range. 2.5-3.0 atmospheres. Sharp pressure surges will lead to stripes and stains.
The second and subsequent layers are applied more saturatedly, but here lies the main secret of working with sequins. The movements of the gun should be smooth and uniform. If you linger in one place, the metal particles will drown in a layer of paint, creating a dark spot. If you run too fast, the shine will be small.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter of a duo | 1.3. - 1.5 mm | Provides particle passage without blockages |
| Pressure. | 2.5 - 3.0 bar | Forms the correct spray torch |
| Distance to detail | 20 - 25 cm | It affects the uniformity of the particles |
| Time to dry | 10 - 15 minutes | It is necessary for the evaporation of the solvent |
β οΈ Note: When working with metallized paints, you should not use fast solvents in hot weather. The surface will dry instantly, and the particles will not have time to stand in the plane, which will give a dull, matte appearance.
Pay special attention to interlayer drying. Each layer should βgrabβ but not dry completely. The stickiness of the layer is checked by the back of the palm (in an inconspicuous place) - the finger should not stick, but the trace can remain.
Use only solvents recommended by the paint manufacturer. Quick-drying solvents can cause "boiling" or clouding of the lacquer layer, especially on metallics.
Lacquering and finishing
Once the base with sequins dried, the stage of protection begins. Metal pigments themselves do not have gloss and resistance to the external environment, so coating with varnish necessarily. Without varnish, the paint will quickly oxidize, fade and begin to wash out with rain.
Before applying the varnish, the base is often grinded with a fine abrasive (for example, P800-P1000) to remove possible dust and shaver. This makes the surface perfectly smooth. However, this should be done extremely carefully so as not to wipe the layer to the ground.
The lacquer is applied in two layers. The first is thin, binding. The second is more fat, creating the main volume and gloss. It depends on the quality of the varnish how deep and rich your βsilencesβ will look under the finishing surface.
It is important to let the varnish dry in conditions that exclude dust. Metallic paints under the varnish look like a mirror, and any grain of sand will be visible to the naked eye. The time of complete polymerization can take anywhere from 24 hours to several weeks, depending on the chemistry of the varnish.
The quality of the final look depends on the correctness of the application of varnish by 70%. Bad varnish will kill the effect of any, even the most expensive sequins.
Typical errors and defects of the coating
Working with pigmentation effects is full of pitfalls. Even experienced painters sometimes face problems that are difficult to fix without a complete repainting. Knowing the enemy in the face will help to avoid expensive alterations.
One of the most common problems is βappleβ or cloudiness. These are spots of different brightness on the surface. It occurs due to uneven spraying or the use of an incorrect solvent. Metal particles are placed in different directions and reflect light differently.
Another defect is the surfacing of the pigment. If the base layer is too thick or poorly dried, aluminum particles can float to the surface of the varnish. Visually, it looks like a silvery haze over the color, which spoils the depth of the tone.
- β Stripes and divorces are a consequence of the wrong technique of movement of the gun.
- β Dullness is the use of too fast a solvent or a small amount of pigment.
- β Craters: The ingress of silicone or oil into the paint or on the surface of the part.
- β Lacquer detachment is insufficient drying of the base before varnishing.
To eliminate most defects, the removal of the varnish and part of the base, followed by re-applying of materials, is required. Therefore, it is better to spend more time preparing and testing the spray on the sample than redoing the whole part.
Can I add a glitter to the finished paint in the jar?
Technically, it is possible, but it is extremely difficult to get a homogeneous mixture at home. The pigment will settle to the bottom, and when painting, first clean paint will go, and then clean sequins. Professional dispersion equipment is required.
What is the difference between pearl and metal?
Metallic gives shine due to the reflection of light by aluminum plates. Pearl is mica that refracts light, creating a color transfluence (e.g., from green to purple) and a depth effect, but does not produce a bright silver sparkle.
Which is better to choose for paint with sequins?
It is recommended to use two-component acrylic varnishes with a high dry residue (HS or UHS). They create a thick, durable layer that emphasizes the depth of the pigment and protects it from burnout.
Do I need to grind the base before the varnish?
If after drying the base on it there is dust or shaver β necessarily. The abrasive P800-P1000 is used. If the surface is perfectly clean and smooth, grinding is not required, but degreasing is necessary in any case.