Understanding Dry and Wet Aluminum Powder

As a key metallic pigment, aluminum powder brings brightness, shielding ability, and decorative metallic effects.
Today, two major production routes exist:

• Dry-process aluminum powder

• Wet-process aluminum paste

Each method creates different particle properties, dispersion behavior, and application advantages.

Dry-Process Aluminum Powder (Dry Aluminum Pigment)

Dry aluminum powder is produced through traditional dry ball-milling, where aluminum particles are ground without a solvent.

Core Features

• Stable and simple manufacturing route

• More uniform particle size distribution

• Powder-like form for easier storage and transportation

Advantages

• Lower cost

• Good compatibility with solvent-based systems

• Suitable brightness for general industrial coatings

Typical Applications

• Paints and industrial coatings

• Printing inks

• Resins and plastics requiring powder addition

• Automotive accessories & DIY metallic finishes

Wet-Process Aluminum Powder / Aluminum Paste

Wet-process aluminum powder—also known as aluminum paste—is produced by ball-milling aluminum flakes in a solvent (commonly mineral spirits). This reduces friction and prevents oxidation during production.

Core Features

• Contains aluminum flakes dispersed in solvent

• Excellent dispersion and stability

• Smoother metallic appearance

Advantages

• Higher brightness than dry aluminum powder

• Better flake alignment in coatings

• Reduced dust and improved safety

• Widely used in premium metallic effects

Typical Applications

• High-gloss paints

• Automotive coatings

• Plastics and masterbatches

• High-end printing inks

Key Differences: Dry vs Wet Aluminum Powder

Side-by-side Comparison

Performance Insights

• Wet-process aluminum flakes have smoother surfaces, giving more reflective, brighter metallic effects.

• Dry-process powder is economical and ideal for industrial and functional coatings where ultra-high gloss is not required.

Applications and Industry Use Cases

Dry Aluminum Powder Applications

• Powder coatings

• Industrial machinery coatings

• Metallic inks (economy grade)

• Construction materials

Wet Aluminum Paste Applications

• Automotive coatings and refinishing

• 3C product metallic finishes

• Decorative plastics

• High-end printing inks

• Coil and industrial top coatings

Which Should You Choose?

• Choose dry aluminum powder when cost efficiency and general metallic effect are enough.

• Choose wet aluminum paste when your product requires high brightness, smoothness, and good dispersion.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why is wet aluminum powder brighter?

The solvent grinding process reduces particle damage, producing smoother flakes with stronger reflectivity.

Q2: Is aluminum paste safer than dry powder?

Yes. Wet aluminum paste has lower dust release and reduced oxidation risk.

Q3: Can dry aluminum powder be used directly in water-based coatings?

Not safely. Surface treatments or waterborne grades are required to prevent reaction with water.

Q4: Do both materials have the same metallic effect?

No. Wet-process pigments generally provide a more premium metallic appearance.

Q5: Which one is better for automotive paint?

Wet-process aluminum paste delivers higher gloss and more uniform flake alignment.

Call to Action

Understanding the production differences between dry aluminum powder and wet aluminum paste is essential for selecting the right pigment for your coating, ink, or plastic application.

Silver Rocket Metallic Pigment Co.,Ltd. offers:

• Dry-process aluminum powder

• High-brightness wet aluminum paste

• Customized metallic pigment solutions for coatings, inks, plastics, and chemicals

Email: info@silverocket.com
Website: https://www.silverocket.com/

Need expert advice or a product recommendation? Contact Silver Rocket today for a tailored solution.