How does color shifting paint work?

In summary: There's not a whole lot of info that I could find. Something about metallic particles and light wave shifting. I was hoping someone here knew more and could elaborate. Thank you in advance.
  • #1
GiTS
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There's not a whole lot of info that I could find. Something about metallic particles and light wave shifting. I was hoping someone here knew more and could elaborate. Thank you in advance.
 
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  • #2
I found some more info http://truebills.com/Ovi.html . This raises a couple questions.
1. What is the film? Metal powder?
2. How do you pick colors? Is it like the base color is from straight on reflection and the second color can only exist because of an interaction between interfering reflections of that base color as it reflects off the mirror?
 
  • #3
From the website, http://www.uspaint.com/paints/color-shifting.asp"

Color shifting paints are created by using unique, multi-layer pigment flakes that give paints and coatings the ability to change color when viewed from different angles. Each flake exhibits a wide range of hues depending on the angle at which it is viewed and the angle of incidence of light...

You need a very relfective surface overcoated with one or more other materials. The surface needs to fractured into tiny pigment flakes. I would think the easiest way to accomplish that would be to coat a brittle high dielectric material (not metal) with a reflective metal and then overcoat that with another high dielectric compound as is http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-...or+shifting+paint"&RS="color+shifting+paint""

Coating the reflective platelet on both sides allows the particle to work regardless of how it falls on the surface during the spray process. See http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-...or+shifting+paint"&RS="color+shifting+paint"".
 
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1. How does color shifting paint work?

Color shifting paint works by using special pigments that are designed to reflect light at different wavelengths. These pigments contain multiple layers of different materials, such as titanium dioxide and iron oxide, that are arranged in a specific way to create the color shift effect.

2. What causes the color shift in the paint?

The color shift in paint is caused by the interference of light waves as they pass through the layers of pigments. This interference results in different colors being reflected at different angles, giving the illusion of a color shift as the angle of view changes.

3. Is color shifting paint the same as iridescent paint?

No, color shifting paint and iridescent paint are different. Iridescent paint contains particles that are able to reflect multiple colors at once, creating a shimmering effect. Color shifting paint, on the other hand, only reflects a specific range of colors depending on the angle of view.

4. Can color shifting paint be used on any surface?

Color shifting paint can be used on most surfaces, including metal, plastic, and wood. However, it is important to properly prepare and prime the surface before applying the paint to ensure the best results.

5. How long does the color shift effect last?

The color shift effect in paint can last for a long time, as the pigments are designed to be durable and resistant to fading. However, the longevity of the effect may depend on factors such as the quality of the paint and the amount of exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors.

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