Coatings with visual effects

Glitter, luminous or color changing, here are some examples of the specificities of some of the special varnishes which are more particularly called varnishes with special visual effects.

These differ from technical or reaction varnishes, which certainly have visual characteristics, but which are not finishes intended purely to give an extraordinary, innovative and completely surprising visual effect. Effect varnishes are rare, little known products. They create often very beautiful and impressive looks. Their properties are not always obvious and the element of surprise is provided by the fact that the varnish reveals its special effect in particular circumstances.

Their field of use is limitless. They can bring, in addition to their power of protection and brilliance, their special visual aspect, on any surface, any object : it can be glasses, a motorcycle helmet, a blender, a bottle of perfume, a bar counter... It is very often possible to formulate them in the classic solvent-based version, but also in the water-based acrylic version.

Varnishes with optical special effects

Iridescence, that is to say a scintillating and colored effect, of micro-reflection of light, is one of the main effects that can be found among these finishes. It is created by transparent pigments which makes it possible to keep the term "varnish". Iridescence becomes "interference" when the reflection of light results in a reflection of a different color, light or background.

This visual phenomenon is surprising and it is composed of pure light. It can sometimes be multicolored with “opalescent” finishes. They also create "colors based on pure light", these are photo-luminescent varnishes that light up in the dark. The effect varnishes are multiple and play with the light to create attractive and innovative finishes on all types of supports, without modifying the color of this support.

Iridescent pearl varnishes

Sparkling, glittery, iridescent, pearlescent, here is a series of adjectives, of which few people know exactly the nature and the difference. Iridescent pearl varnishes mainly play with light by making it bounce off their pigments. There are subtle differences between the products and variations according to the size of the particles contained in the varnishes. Iridescent varnishes allow optical phenomena thanks to the microscopic layers of these precious pigments, which are able to filter and transform the light that strikes them and which is then returned to our eyes.

Phosphorescent varnishes

Paints do not really differ from phosphorescent varnishes, because in truth both have a similar, that is to say medium, transparency. The name "varnish" implies that the product is a finish, shiny and resistant. As for the appearance of a phosphorescent varnish, it is colorless and appears slightly whitish or even yellowish, depending on its Europium content, especially if the layers are multiplied.

Varnish to standards
Technical varnish
Specific protective varnish
Water-based varnish
Textured varnish