Two-stage pearl pigments are often mixed with inorganic and organic color pigments in car paint to create a wide range of colors and visual effects. The base color in which the pearl pigment is suspended is referred to as the “medium” color. This medium color typically comes from inorganic or organic pigments, while the pearl pigment provides the sparkle or shimmer. For example, if gold pearl pigment is added to a jet black base, the medium color would be jet black, and the sparkle color would be gold.
The concentration of pearl pigment determines the intensity of the effect. A low concentration of gold pearl in black paint would result in a subtle gold shimmer. A high concentration could create a dark, copper-gold appearance. The interaction between the medium and sparkle colors varies; sometimes the medium color significantly impacts the sparkle color, while in other cases, the interaction is minimal.
Transparency plays a crucial role in the final effect. Pigments with low transparency (opaque) like white can completely obscure the pearl pigment, negating the desired pearl effect. To achieve a pearl color with opaque pigments, a three-stage process is employed. The pearl pigment is mixed with a clear medium and applied over the opaque color layer, allowing the pearl effect to shine through.
Using a transparent medium with pearl pigment enhances the pearl effect but results in poor coverage. This necessitates an underlying opaque layer for hiding. Color stylists often strive to balance pearl effect and opacity/coverage to create colors suitable for factory and aftermarket car painting. This delicate balancing act allows for the stunning visual depth and shimmer characteristic of pearl white car colors. The interplay of transparency, pigment concentration, and layering techniques are essential in achieving the final look.
