Dutch company Akzo Nobel Aerospace Coatings has launched two topcoat ranges, one approved by Airbus and one by Boeing, that can change colour as a viewer's perspective changes.
As well as existing coatings using mica minerals for high surface reflectivity, the approved ranges include paints with new iridescent effects.
Iridescent coatings change colour depending on the lighting and the viewing angle. An aircraft can, for example, appear royal blue from one viewpoint and purple from another.
"Effect pigments will continue to be used in formulating coatings, and their use is expected to grow. Consumers and product designers demand the eye-catching effects that can be obtained with the use of these pigments," says ANAC's topcoat and colour product development group leader Hans Koome.
The coatings use what ANAC describes as "high solids" formulas that emit reduced amounts of harmful solvents and require fewer layers to achieve the required result. A high-solid topcoat has 420g (14.8oz) or less of solvent per litre of coating.
Source: Flight International