Cres-Lite Metallic Pigments
You’ll find Cres-Lite adding its dazzling finishing touch everywhere, from Ritz Carlton Hotels to Nike Town and Neiman Marcus retail stores, Chicago’s Cadillac Theater… even Victoria’s Secret retail stores. Cres-Lite has been used in a variety of applications ranging from architectural finishes to finishing burial vaults.
We hope the following general information will help you determine the suitability of metallic pigments for your desired use.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Cres-Lite pigments should not be confused with ready-to-use “powder coatings”. Typically, these pigments require the use of a wet carrier or clear vehicle. Due to the overwhelming availability of different vehicles to the coatings and ink markets, it is impossible for us to analyze the performance of these pigments in every potential application. It is strongly recommended that the purchaser or end user thoroughly test these pigments in an environment that closely simulates field application and/or production techniques.
The pigments represented here are composed of copper, copper/zinc alloys, aluminum, or varying blends of all three. Because these pigments are pure metal, there are some limitations to their use. Typically copper or bronze pigments do not tolerate excessive amounts of heat above 200°F before color degradation will begin. Our “Resisto” pigments can be used where temperatures are expected to fall between 200°F and 500°F. Aluminum pigments can withstand temperatures up to 1200°F. At this temperature, a special high heat resistant coating must be used. As to choice of carrier or vehicle, relatively pH neutral products provide a more stable environment for the suspension of metallic pigments opposed to highly acidic or alkaline vehicles. Because the nature of these pigments is to “leaf” or orient themselves near the surface of a paint or ink film, a clear top coat is advised whenever it is likely that a metallic finish will be exposed to excessive handling or where durability is important.
PRIMARY COLORS: The colors represented in this group are produced with aniline dyes, which are NOT light-fast. Therefore, their use where exposure to ultra-violet light may occur, is NOT RECOMMENDED!
MIXING TECHNIQUE
The variety of different vehicle systems prevents us from outlining specific formulations. A general starting point for formulas would be:
Bronze Powders
- Golds: Pale, Rich, Rich Pale, Deep
- Coppers
- Designer Tones
- Resisto Grades
Approximate 1.5-2.0 pounds per gallon
Approximate 1.0-1.25 pounds per gallon
Note:
Course Grade pigments (40 micron or higher –i.e. #251, #352) may require higher pigment load for better opacity.
Premixing or “wetting” of the pigment in a solvent compatible with the vehicle system is recommended. This allows for easy dispersability and helps eliminate tiny agglomerates that often form with mixing metallic powders. Avoid exposing pigments to excessive shear.
Micron size range: 10-50
APPLICATION
Due to the low viscosity required for metallic pigmented coatings, which helps promote leafing, air-atomized spray and HVLP are generally recommended as the best application methods, especially for doing large surface areas. Because of the metal content of these pigments, the use of electrostatic equipment is NOT recommended. Other methods of application, including roller, brush, rag, sponge, etc. can be effective for doing fine detail work or smaller surface areas. To obtain best results, follow the recommendations of your coating/ink manufacturer.
EXTERIOR APPLICATION
Due to the nature of copper to oxidize over a period of time (note the difference between old pennies vs. those just minted), we do NOT recommend the use of metallic pigments for exterior use without the use of an exterior UV clear top coat. Cres-Lite “Resisto” grades which have a thin protective coating applied to the pigment flake along with application of a UV resistant clear coat can enhance the life expectancy of a metallic finish outdoors. Any Cres-Lite Pearlescent pigment can also be used in an exterior application.
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