How to make multichrome effect optically variable colorshift chameleon ink?

Editor: Jason (iSuoChem Marketing Operations Director &Professional Engineer.)
Information reference: Wikipedia, ispigment.com

Basic Formula Recommendations

1. Transparent Base Ink (Suitable for Silk Screen and Gravure Printing)

Ingredient Ratios:

Optically Variable Pigment (e.g., Super Chameleon Pigment/Interference Color Pigment): 10-20%

(Recommended: Merck Iriodin series, BASF Variocrom, or iSuoChem pearlescent powder)

Transparent Resin (e.g., Polyurethane, Acrylic Resin): 50-60%

(Select a low-viscosity resin, such as PU-3950)

Solvent (Ester or Ketone, such as Ethyl Acetate, Butanone): 20-30% (Adjust according to drying speed)

Dispersant (e.g., BYK-163): 1-2%

Leveling agent (e.g., BYK-354): 0.5-1%

To help you better understand how to make Transparent Base color-shifting ink, we have summarized the above content into a table as follows:

Note: The above basic formulations are for reference only. Customers can make minor adjustments based on available pigments and materials to meet their specific requirements.

2. UV Curing Ink (Suitable for Offset and Flexo Printing)

Refractive Pigment: 8-15%

UV Resin (e.g., Epoxy Acrylate): 60-70%

Reactive Diluent (TPGDA): 15-20%

Photoinitiator (e.g., TPO): 3-5%

Dispersant (BYK-UV 3510): 1-2%

To help you better understand how to make UV curable color-shifting ink, we have summarized the above content into a table as follows:

Note: The above basic formulations are for reference only. Customers can make minor adjustments based on available pigments and materials to meet their specific requirements.

Download: Ink production guidance document - How to Make Multichrome Effect Optically Variable Colorshift Chameleon Ink

FAQ: After understanding how to make optically variable colorshift ink, I will give you a brief introduction to similar products.

1. Pearlescent pigments, also known as pearl powders, or mica powder. They were the first high-end effect pigments to appear. However, they have now become a common effect product on the market. Prices vary between high-end and mid-range.

2. Chameleon pigments were also originally developed from pearlescent pigments. They are more expensive than ordinary pearlescent pigments and exhibit different color changes depending on the viewing angle. Its price is much lower than optical varaible colorshift pigment.

Pic# Chameleon pigment

3. Optically variable pigments, also called multichromic pigment, super chameleon pigment or colorshift pigment. It is developed from chameleon pigments, are a new high-end pigment. They differ from chameleon pigments in their product structure.

Pic# Optically variable pigment

This kind of high-end colorshift pigment has a stronger color concentration, more color change levels, and scarcity than ordinary chameleon pigments. It is often used in anti-counterfeiting products such as banknotes, as well as some high-end automotive coatings, car exteriors, and high-end cosmetic pigments.

4. Optically variable magnetic pigments (Cat's Eye Effect Pigment) are optical variable pigments with the addition of magnetic silver. For example, in cosmetic applications, after a manicure, the pattern changes under the influence of a magnet. They are more expensive than refractive pigments.

Pic# Optically variable magnetic inks

5. iSuoChem is also developing and launching more new high-end pigments. Contact iSuoChem for more information on the latest and most popular pigments.