LUMENTIFY
1. The binder: as transparent as possible
The pigment needs to absorb and release light – every bit of haze and every body colour in the binder costs brightness. Transparent or very light systems are ideal. Opaque white pigments in the binder absorb part of the light; then considerably more glow pigment is needed.
2. Pigment loading
| System | Pigment loading |
|---|---|
| transparent lacquer, clear coat | 15–20 % relative to the carrier (around 20 g per 100 ml) |
| opaque paint, e.g. white wall paint | 30–50 % |
More than 30 % in transparent systems adds hardly any brightness. Test every formulation on a small scale.
3. Water-based or solvent-based
Our pigments are SiO₂-coated and therefore hydrolysis-resistant – they are also suitable for water-based systems and even tolerate permanent contact with water. Water-based and oil-based systems themselves, however, cannot be mixed directly.
4. Particle size to match film thickness and application
Coarser pigments glow brighter, finer ones give smoother, thinner films. The particle should not be thicker than the planned layer. For very fine application methods or thin films we offer particle sizes down to 1 µm, for printing usually below 20 µm.
5. Settling in the container
With a density of 3.6 g/cm³, the pigment is considerably heavier than most binders and settles over time in low-viscosity paints. Allow for this in the formulation and advise your customers to stir the paint thoroughly before use.
6. Heat during curing
Air-drying paints and lacquers are uncritical. For stoving or powder coatings curing above 150 °C, only untinted pigments with a light, whitish daylight colour are suitable – tinted shades should not be used from approx. 150 °C.
7. Notes for the users of your paint
- Light substrate: apply a white primer on dark substrates first.
- Several coats: two to three coats with a soft roller; large areas come out most evenly when sprayed.
- Smooth surfaces: thin pasty paint slightly if necessary and apply with a small roller or spray system.
- Outdoors: cover with a waterproof clear lacquer after drying.
For your formulation developmentWe match pigment, glow colour and particle size to your binder and put together samples for your lab trials – usually free of charge.