1. The effect of the base color on the pearlescent effect

From the principle of color presentation of pearlescent pigments, we know that the color of pearlescent pigments comes from the reflection, refraction, and interference of light. When incident light reaches the surface of the pearlescent pigment, part of the light is reflected, while another part is transmitted into the pigment. After reaching the other interface of the pearlescent pigment, part of the light is emitted, resulting in two reflected light rays. These two reflected light rays interfere with each other, creating interference colors.

At the same time, the incident light is divided into two parts after passing through the pearlescent pigment: reflected light and transmitted light, where the color of the transmitted light is the complementary color of the interference color.

The unique color presentation principle of pearlescent pigments allows the base color to interact with the pearlescent pigment, producing unique color effects. A white base will reflect the transmitted light, allowing the complementary color to participate in the interference color's superposition, thus reducing the chroma of the pearlescent pigment; however, a black base will absorb the transmitted light, resulting in a pure interference color effect with higher chroma.

2. The mixing principle of pearlescent pigments

In practical applications, it is common to mix and match several different pigments to achieve the best effect. It is well known that the mixing of absorbent pigments follows the principle of subtraction, meaning that when the three primary colors of pigments—magenta, yellow, and cyan—are combined, black is obtained. But how does the mixing principle of pearlescent effect pigments differ? Simply put: pearlescent pigments follow the principle of addition.

The three primary colors of light are red, green, and blue. When mixed in equal proportions, they produce white light. Interference-type pearlescent powder follows this principle.

Taking the example of overlapping interference green and interference red pearlescent pigments, from the reflection diagram of the pearlescent pigment on light waves below: interference green pearlescent + interference red pearlescent = interference yellow pearlescent, which follows the addition principle. From this, it can be seen that understanding the color addition principle followed by pearlescent pigments during mixing is crucial for predicting the final color.