| UNIPEARL® colorants are patented, universal, machine dispensable pearlescent colorants for use in special effect finishes. They can be used in both clear alkyd and water-based coatings. UNIPEARL® colorants can be used either by themselves in a glaze or neutral base over a colored substrate or in combination with COLORTREND® colorants. Dispensing at the point of sale allows for the most flexibility in color and effect. Moreover, it allows the retail store to offer an unlimited palette of luminescent finishes with a small investment in inventory. UNIPEARL® colorants are designed for use in faux finishes, decorative coatings, wall coverings and specialty finishes. UNIPEARL® colorants are compatible with nitrocellulose lacquers, epoxy alkyd, acrylic latex, catalyzed and water-reducible urethane coatings. Since UNIPEARL® colorants do not contain a binder, they will not form a film and must be used in a coating. Recommended starting levels are 2.5 ounces of UNIPEARL® colorant to 0.5 ounces of COLORTREND® colorant in a quart of glaze, neutral base or coating. These values are flexible and can be adjusted to achieve the desired color and effect. UNIPEARL® colorants are made with industrial grade pearlescent pigments. These pigments consist of mica platelets treated with titanium dioxide, iron oxide or a combination of both. The plate-like shapes come from the mica and the high refractive index or pearlescence comes from the titanium dioxide. UNIPEARL® colorants have very good lightfastness and weathering characteristics. Their performance in exterior coatings is highly dependent on the choice of coating and accompanying pigments. Coatings designed for use in exterior applications should be tested to determine if they meet the end use requirements or if they require a weather-treated grade of pearlescent pigment. UNIPEARL® colorants can be used as low as 2% by weight and as high as 15% by weight. |
