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Special effects

Iridescent and Interference Colors described
Tips for working with Iridescent and Interference Colors

While the depth and range of color possible through an ink-jet printer has come a long way, special effect colors, such as iridescent and interference colors cannot be produced with an ink-jet printer.
Use GOLDEN Iridescent and Interference colors to incorporate unique effects with what can be produced digitally.

Iridescent and Interference Colors Described
GOLDEN Iridescent and Interference Colors achieve their reflective properties by synthetically reproducing several natural phenomena-the nacreous, or pearlescent, qualities found in fish scales or the dust of a butterfly's wing, and the shiny and reflective qualities found in certain metals and minerals.

All of GOLDEN's Iridescent Colors produce a luster quality by themselves, or when mixed with other colors and mediums. The Iridescent colors can be separated into 3 groups based on chemical composition.

Group I: These colors are derived from mica platelets. They are then coated with an extremely thin layer of titanium dioxide. Refraction and reflection of light at the titanium dioxide layers produces various colors and pearlescent effects. Group I pigments include:

• Interference Colors
• Iridescent Pearl (Coarse and Fine)
• Silver

Group II: These colors are also derived from mica platelets, but an iron oxide coating causes Group II pigments to possess hues in addition to pearlescent qualities. This group includes:

• Iridescent Gold (Coarse and Fine)
• Iridescent Copper and Copper Light (Coarse and Fine)
• Iridescent Bronze

Group III: A third group consists of reflective colorants that do not fit the above descriptions, including highly metallic pigments:

• Stainless Steel (Coarse & Fine)
• Micaceous Iron Oxide
• Mica Flakes (all varieties)

The property at work in the Interference Colors is known as light interference, most commonly seen in the rainbow effect created by a thin layer of oil on the surface of water.

Application Tips
Some procedures for maintaining bright surfaces have proven their effectiveness. What follows is a brief review of some of the more successful approaches.

• To produce the brightest colors with the Interference line, add a very small amount of black-1:100 or less. The black will strengthen the reflected color. Add more black if darker colors are required.
  
  
• To maintain the brightest possible effects with Iridescent Colors, avoid mixing them with opaque colors.
  
  
• Be aware that blends made with matte materials such as matte mediums and matte gels will also reduce iridescent qualities by scattering the light that hits the surface. Adding gloss materials, such as GOLDEN Gloss Gel, increases interference qualities by heightening reflectivity. The addition of Gloss Gels and Mediums also provides better spacing between pigment particles, maximizing the effectiveness of each reflective pigment.
  
  
• Overall, thicker applications will cloud the paint and weaken the intensity of the Interference Colors. Thinner applications increase the interference qualities. As the level of dilution increases, the pasty look disappears. Applying thin layers, whether by wash or glaze, effectively forces particles to lay flat with the large broadside facing the viewer. As more particle surfaces are exposed, the shimmer or luster increases.

Other Techniques and Considerations
Since the Iridescent and Interference Colors are relatively transparent, it is important to consider the impact of the base coat. By varying the color of the base coat, the overall color effect can be varied dramatically, especially when the Iridescent or Interference layer is applied transparently.

For example, Interference Blue can be applied in glaze form over a light yellow or a dark red to yield some unique effects. Relatively transparent colors can be wet-blended into the Iridescent or Interference Colors to produce other interesting results. Combining additional colors and Gloss Gels and Mediums can create some exciting glazes, in thin or thick films.

The important thing to remember about the Iridescent and Interference Colors is not to take them at face value. They can provide a range of colors and effects never before available, and many of their uses have yet to be discovered.

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