Pearlescent pigments, also known as effect pigments, are a type of colorants that can be used by mixing with different binders or mediums.
If we have to classify the effect pigments in terms of materials, technically they can be categorized into aluminium-based, pearl-based and titanium-coated pigments that can be polarized, however, there are two main types of effect when mixed with a binder.
The first type of effect pigment, like the conventional pigments often used in tube paints, can be mixed with a binder to produce a glossy, lustrous paint.
Although a darker background can enhance the glossy effect, this type of effect pigment can still create a shiny result even if it’s painted on a white background.
The picture below shows a series of gold and silver effect pigments supplied by Kusakabe.
The colors Gold and Green gold are made of brass, while Pearl Gold, Pearl Silver, and Pearl Bronze are made of titanium dioxide-coated mica.
The second type of effect pigment produces vibrant colors when the background is black or mixed with darker paints. The following series is called METASHINE and they are known for their high luminosity.
The METASHINE series consists of a flake-textured glass core, while the surface of which is coated with metal or metallic oxides to give it a beautiful sheen.
Picture from PIGMENT ARTICLES "Let's Mix Metashine Pigments with Acrylic Paint"
For example, when METASHINE Titania Coat GT1080RR (Red) is applied to two different backgrounds, you can tell there is a difference in appearance.
Picture from PIGMENT ARTICLES "Let's Mix Metashine Pigments with Acrylic Paint"
Moreover, these effect pigments tend to hover in a liquid due to their light specific gravity and when mixed with binders, some pigments may have a stronger surface tension and a dispersing agent may be needed.
Because of this reason, pre-kneaded effect pigments that come in tubes and bottles are highly recommended.
They can be used right out of the container, so even beginners can easily enjoy the sparkling effect.
In this article, we introduce some of the effects paints that are available in our store.
IRIDESCENCE series is an acrylic resin paint made of polarising pigments that change color depending on the angle of view.
It becomes water-resistant when dry. It is highly versatile as it can be mixed with other acrylic paints and various water-based mediums.
This series comes in two types: Chromashine and Chroma Pearl. The former has a highly opaque metallic color and is not easily influenced by the underlying color. On the other hand, the latter is highly transparent and provides a shimmering, color-changing effect depending on the color underneath the paint.
There are two different sets available: the IRIDESCENCE Chromashine 8 color set AC893 and the IRIDESCENCE Chroma Pearl 8 color set AC894.
Each color is also available in a larger bottle, however, this set is recommended for those who want to try several colors at a time.
IRIDESCENCE Chromashine 8 Color Set AC893 IRIDESCENCE Chroma Pearl 8 Color Set AC894
The Pearl Color series by MATSUDA, like the IRIDESCENCE series, is an acrylic resin paint.
The paints are covered with a clear and highly elastic film which gives a subdued glossy appearance after drying. With high pigment strength, they have excellent lightfastness and coloring quality. The Pearl Color series can be used in painting but is also popular in leather handicrafts.
These paints with the name "pearl" look completely different on a white and black background.
Pearl Color Pearl Red Pearl Color Pearl Blue Pearl Color Pearl Pink Pearl Color Pearl Gold
Pearl Color Pearl Brown Pearl Color Pearl Green Pearl Color Pearl Silver Pearl Color Gold
Pearl Color Silver Pearl Color Bronze Pearl Color Royal Gold Pearl Color Brown Gold
This series can be mixed with regular acrylic paints to add more depth and create a wider range of color shades.
FINETEC Pearlescent Color is watercolor paint made from natural gum arabic and pearlescent or polarising pigments. However, with the use of gum arabic, they are not as water-resistant after drying as the above two products.
It is suitable for drawing with dip or glass pens as well as brushes.
F0603 6 colors set F0602 6 colors set F2400 24 colors set F1200 12 colors set
The FINETECH series is watercolor paint and is not water-resistant, so it cannot be mixed with acrylic paints like Holbein‘s IRIDESCENCE or MATSUDA’s Pearl Colour. Please make sure they are transparent watercolor paints if you wish to mix them with other products.
Sometimes we might end up creating too much paint when we make it from scratch with pigments. Therefore, paint tubes or watercolor pans like these are suitable for use in small quantities, such as using these effect paints to add a final touch to your work.
Translated by Atsumi Okano, Nelson Hor Ee Herng
Art Materials Expert at PIGMENT TOKYO
Akira Oya
Born in 1989 in Tokyo. Master of Fine Art and Design at Nihon University College of Art. While working at PIGMENT TOKYO as an Art Materials Expert, he also continues his career as a visual artist.
Born in 1989 in Tokyo. Master of Fine Art and Design at Nihon University College of Art. While working at PIGMENT TOKYO as an Art Materials Expert, he also continues his career as a visual artist.