Chromashift Pigment Color Flowing Effect Powder

The defining characteristic here is the color flowing effect — not just a hue shift between two discrete colors, but a dynamic, continuous transition that moves through the color space as the angle changes. On a dark base (black being optimal), this effect becomes particularly pronounced, with colors appearing to travel across the surface rather than simply switch.

This behavior is driven by thin-film optical interference. The flake substrate is coated with precisely controlled layers of titanium dioxide — and in some series, tin dioxide — creating phase interference that selects different reflected wavelengths at different angles. The result is genuinely angle-dependent, not a shift caused by flop alone.

Worth noting: the effect is significantly substrate-dependent. On light or white bases, the shift contrast drops noticeably. For maximum visual travel, dark backgrounds are strongly recommended, and pigment loading should be adjusted accordingly if you're working on lighter substrates.

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Product Series Overview

The Chromashift range is organized into multiple series based on color pairs, particle size, and end-use requirements. Here is a working summary:

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Applications by Industry

The color shift mica powder format works across a wide range of substrates and processing environments. Below are the primary application areas along with the relevant product considerations for each.

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Technical Characteristics

The color flowing effect produced by these pigments originates from controlled optical interference rather than dye-based absorption. This is a practical distinction: the effect is durable, does not fade through photodegradation in the same way organic colorants do, and maintains angle-dependency throughout the product's service life.

Composition varies by series. Standard Chameleon and Chromashift series are built on high-transparency flake crystals coated with titanium dioxide. Some interference-based series additionally incorporate tin dioxide as a modulating layer. The ChromaPlus-4 (C1535***) series is formulated without titanium dioxide entirely — a relevant detail for formulators managing EU cosmetic ingredient declarations or specific application restrictions.

In practice, particle size selection directly affects both the visual quality and the processing method. Fine grades (5–25μm) are preferred for gravure printing and smooth cosmetic formulations. Coarser grades (20–80μm and above) produce more visible individual flake sparkle and are better suited for decorative coatings, nail gels, or craft applications where macro effect is the goal.

For gravure Chromashift inks specifically: pigment loading runs at approximately 20% by weight. The ink system uses synthetic resin and organic solvent carriers with special additives. Print speed range is 60–150 m/min, drying temperature 60–100°C. For anti-counterfeiting pattern designs, line width should exceed 0.15mm, spacing above 0.2mm, and intersection angles above 30° to maintain visual integrity of the shift effect.

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Chromashift vs. Standard Interference Pigment — Practical Difference

This distinction matters in formulation. Ordinary interference pigments show a single reflected color against a dark base — the interference color — while appearing essentially colorless or white on light bases. Chromashift and chameleon pigments go further: they exhibit genuine angle-dependent color travel, shifting through two or more distinct hues as the observation or illumination angle changes.

That said, not every "color shift" product in the market behaves identically. The multicolor shift series (e.g., KT-95107 cycling through blue-green/blue/violet/red) provides broader angular color travel than a standard duochrome pair. The Devil's Kiss black-change series adds another dimension — the shift passes through or from a deep black, producing high-contrast dramatic transitions not achievable with conventional chromashift. Selecting the right series depends on the specific visual target, not just the listed color pair.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What base color gives the strongest color flowing effect?
Black is the most effective base. Other deep colors — deep red, dark blue, dark green, and brown — also work well. On white or pale bases, the interference contrast is reduced, and pigment loading needs to increase to compensate. For printing applications, black ink underlayers are the standard approach.

Q: Are any Chromashift pigments suitable for direct cosmetic use on skin, eyes, and lips?
Yes. The ChromaPlus series (C150***, C1525***, C1535***), Color up series, Holographic Multichrome, Devil's Kiss DKC1** series, and several 3D Cat Eye Magnetic series are produced as cosmetic-grade products, verified for face, eye, lip, and nail use. Regulatory documentation (MSDS, TDS, COA) is available for these grades, with compliance data for US, EU, and Japanese market requirements.

Q: Which particle size range is appropriate for gravure printing in security applications?
The 5–25μm fine series (e.g., KT-K12125, KT-K15225) are the working grades for gravure printing. Coarser particles will block fine plate cells and produce uneven ink transfer. Plate etching depth should be set between 45μm and 70μm to accommodate the flake geometry and achieve consistent film build.

Q: Can Chromashift pigments be used in solvent-based coating systems?
Most standard Chromashift series (K1****, S1***) are compatible with solvent-based systems. That said, the Aurora series has specific solvent-resistance distinctions — the Candy Aurora (ARS6***) and CandyPlus Aurora lines are explicitly solvent-resistant, while some Aurora Multicolor powder series are not. Always confirm solvent compatibility with the specific series before committing to a formulation. Technical data sheets and formulation guideline support are available on request.

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Request Samples or Technical Support

If you are evaluating Chromashift pigment for a specific system — whether it is an automotive base coat, a security ink formulation, a cosmetic product, or a decorative coating — the most direct path is to request targeted samples for your substrate and base color. Kolortek provides MSDS, TDS, COA, and formulation guidelines as part of standard technical support. Custom color matching and OEM/private label options are also available for qualified buyers.

Contact the technical team with your target application, substrate type, base color, and particle size preference to receive the most relevant sample set.