LUMENTIFY
The basic formula
Pigment quantity = quantity of carrier material × pigment loading
The loading refers to the carrier material – the lacquer, resin or plastic the pigment is added to. The guide values:
- 15–20 % for transparent and light carriers (clear lacquer, casting resin, light plastics)
- 30–50 % for opaque carriers such as white wall paint
A practical rule of thumb: around 20 g of pigment per 100 ml of lacquer.
Example table
| Carrier material | transparent / light (15–20 %) | opaque (30–50 %) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 kg | 1.5–2 kg | 3–5 kg |
| 100 kg | 15–20 kg | 30–50 kg |
| 500 kg | 75–100 kg | 150–250 kg |
| 1,000 kg | 150–200 kg | 300–500 kg |
Quantities for surfaces
For coatings you usually plan in square metres rather than kilograms. First determine the amount of carrier from the consumption stated in your lacquer's or coating's data sheet:
Carrier quantity = area × consumption per m² × number of pigmented coats
Then apply the basic formula.
Worked example with assumed values50 m² area, a clear lacquer with a consumption of 200 g/m² (example value – your data sheet is authoritative), two pigmented coats: 50 m² × 0.2 kg/m² × 2 = 20 kg of lacquer. At 15–20 % this means 3–4 kg of glow pigment.
What affects the calculation
- Carrier: the more opaque or dark the carrier, the higher the loading required.
- Targeted use: often the whole surface or part does not need to glow. Pigmenting only the top layer or making only markings glow reduces the quantity considerably.
- Masterbatch: for masterbatch precursors, the concentration depends on the later let-down ratio – we do this calculation together with you.
- Granules and glow stones: here the scatter or embedding density decides, not a percentage. We determine the quantity with you on a sample.
Weight and volume
Glow pigment has a density of 3.6 g/cm³ and is therefore considerably heavier than most binders. 20 % pigment by weight therefore takes up considerably less than 20 % of the volume. Weight counts for ordering; for viscosity and settling in liquid systems, volume is worth a look.
From estimate to order
The estimate gives you an order of magnitude. The exact loading is best determined by sampling in your own system – after that, quantities for project, series or bulk supply can be planned reliably. We supply in large containers and as recurring production quantities.
The loading of around 20 % is our basis for calculation and testing. How much you actually need in the end is your decision – ideally after your own tests and an evaluation in your production. We are happy to support you with advice by phone or video call. How this works is described under samples and bulk orders.