Colour dyes are sometimes interchanged with pigments. While they are both organic colourants, they are different. The key distinction is that pigments are insoluble both in water and solvent while dyes are soluble in both media. Also, pigments provide surface-only coloration unless they’re mixed with polymer. While dyes are applied on substrates to which they have affinity.
Chemists working with these colourants are developing new formulations for greater stability while using less costly ingredients. They’re also developing new products offering better colouration and improved interactions with which the colour dyes or pigments come into contact. This is particularly in the case of formulating powder coatings.
Achieving Perfect Color Harmony in Powder Coatings
In order to provide enhancement or contrast of the colour dyes or pigment used in powder coating, as simple as using the color wheel would help. This can be achieved in different schemes, including the following.
- Complementation - the use of complementary colours, those which are located opposite to each other on the colour wheel, create a dramatic effect which can attract attention. Good examples would be yellow mica paired with blue base colour or a red mica combined with organic green. They are a perfect complementary because the effect flakes become discrete in powder paints.
- Analogous - this colour scheme is achieved by combining three side-by-side colours on the colour wheel. Analogous colour dyes and pigments offer a harmonious and rich effect such as those provided by autumn fall leaves and peacock colourations.
- Monochromatic - this last scheme is created by using variations of a single hue. It has low contrast but is considered as visually appealing to the eyes. In powder coatings, pearlescent micas offer great accents.
Whichever colour scheme you think is the best for your product or application, A.S. Paterson Company offers a wide range of colour dyes and pigments in different variations. Our dyes are available in both powder and pre-dissolved liquid dyes. It goes the same with our pigments, which come in dry and pre-dispersed forms. With their variety, we can help you achieve countless colour effects.