Aluminum flake pigments are used to impart a brilliant look to coatings in a wide number of applications. Both the metallic effect itself, as well as the change in appearance from bright to dark as the viewing angle changes, are eye-catching. Formulators have a wide variety of metallic pigments from which to choose to achieve the aesthetics they seek, and this article introduces yet another option for modifying the appearance.
Organic polymethyl urea matting agents are used to lower the gloss of industrial coatings and overprint varnishes on their own or in combination with silica matting agents. They are inert and, compared with other matting agents, impart more abrasion resistance and less thickening in coatings. The use of these same polymethyl urea matting agents impacts the aesthetic appearance of a coating made with a metallic pigment in two ways: it reduces the flop index and increases the “sparkle” effect.