How Base Color Influences the Final Visual Effect of Optical Pigments

Optical pigments do not create a fixed appearance independently. The final visual effect depends on the interaction between the pigment layer, the optical properties of the pigment structure, and the underlying base color.

The influence of base color is closely related to the transparency and opacity of optical pigments. Higher transparency allows more influence from the base color, while higher opacity reduces the impact of the substrate.

For manufacturers and product developers using optical pigments, understanding the relationship between pigment transparency, opacity, and base color is essential for predicting final appearance and selecting suitable pigment systems.

BOSCOM Pigments evaluated several optical pigments on different base colors to show how substrate color influences the final appearance.

1. Test Setup and Evaluation Method

To evaluate the influence of base coat color on optical pigment performance, BOSCOM applied four optical pigments on automotive speed shape samples prepared with different base coat colors.

The evaluation conditions were controlled as follows:

• Optical pigments tested: TP60101 Ocean Sapphire, TT31401 Solar Yellow/Mint Green, TT41501 Forest Green/Ocean Cyan, TT71101 Violet Bloom/Rose Petal
• Base colors: Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Silver, Brown
• Pigment loading: 4 wt%

2. TP60101 Results on Different Base Colors

This optical pigment shows a blue optical effect on a black substrate. The following image shows its appearance on different base coat colors.

3. TT31401 Results on Different Base Colors

This optical pigment shows a Solar Yellow-to-Mint Green color travel effect on a black substrate. The following image shows its appearance on different base coat colors.

4. TT41501 Results on Different Base Colors

This optical pigment shows a Forest Green-to-Ocean Cyan color travel effect on a black substrate. The following image shows its appearance on different base coat colors.

5. TT71101 Results on Different Base Colors

This optical pigment shows a Violet Bloom-to-Rose Petal color travel effect on a black substrate. The following image shows its appearance on different base coat colors.

Conclusion

The test results show that optical pigment appearance is strongly influenced by the selected base color. Testing optical pigments with different substrates allows product developers to evaluate potential visual outcomes and create more differentiated effects for their applications.