Flake aluminum pigments play a crucial role in modern coatings, imparting excellent metallic luster and surface protection. This science-based news article explains what flake aluminum pigments are, how they work, and their importance to industries using metallic coatings.

What are Leafing Aluminum Pigments?

Leafing Aluminum Paste is a specialized metallic pigment in which aluminum flakes naturally “float” to the surface of a coating film. This floating behavior is achieved by coating the flakes with stearic acid or similar additives.

The effects include:

• Bright silver luster
• High gloss reflectivity
• Excellent water resistance
• High coverage with thin coatings

At ZHANGQIU METALLIC PIGMENT, this effect is carefully controlled through precise milling, passivation and surface modification based on decades of industry experience.

Long-tail terms naturally included: leafing aluminum paste for coatings, high-brightness leafing paste, silver-effect leafing pigment.

Key Characteristics of Leafing Aluminum Paste

1. Surface Orientation and Gloss

The flakes of the Leafing Aluminum Paste are arranged parallel to the coating surface.

This enhances specular reflection, creating a mirror-like metallic effect.

Technical testing shows that, due to the higher flake concentration of the sheet aluminum paste, its brightness is higher than that of non-sheet aluminum paste.

2. Protective Barrier Performance

As the flakes migrate to the top layer, a metallic protective barrier is formed.

This structure improves:

• Water resistance
• Weather resistance
• Chemical stability

Widely used in anti-corrosion coatings and outdoor metallic coatings.

3. High-Efficiency Hiding Power with Low Dosage

Sheet aluminum paste typically has higher hiding power.

Manufacturers can achieve a strong visual effect with less pigment, thereby reducing material costs while maintaining a high-end appearance.

Applications and Comparison:Leafing vs Non-Leafing Aluminum Paste

Main Application Areas

Leafing Aluminum Paste is widely used in:

• Industrial Maintenance Coatings
• Anti-corrosion Coatings
• Decorative Silver Coatings
• Metallic Marking Coatings
• Heat-resistant Coatings

Leafing vs Non-Leafing (Technical Comparison)

For water-borne systems, specialized grades such as water-based leafing aluminum paste are engineered with protective surface treatments to prevent gas generation.

FAQ: Leafing Aluminum Paste

1. Why do leafing pigments float to the surface?

Because their flakes are coated with hydrophobic agents like stearic acid, creating low surface energy.

2. Can leafing aluminum paste be used in water-based paint?

Yes, but only specially treated water-based versions. Standard leafing paste may react with water.

3. Is leafing paste suitable for overcoating?

Generally no. Overcoating may disturb the floating layer. Non-leafing grades are better for multi-layer systems.

4. What industries benefit most from leafing pigments?

Industrial coatings, anti-corrosion paints, reflective coatings and decorative silver paints.

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Conclusion

Leafing Aluminum Paste remains a key technology for achieving premium brilliance, reflective performance and surface protection in modern coatings. With strict quality control and advanced production lines, ZHANGQIU METALLIC PIGMENT CO., LTD delivers consistent metallic effect pigments trusted worldwide.