Leafing Aluminium Paste Explained: Structure, Uses, And Advantages

Metallic coatings demand brilliance, protection, and durability. Among metallic pigments, leafing aluminium paste stands out for its ability to deliver superior brightness and surface protection. This article explains how leafing aluminium paste works, how it differs from non-leafing types, and why it remains essential in inks, anti-corrosion coatings, and decorative finishes.

Core Concept of Leafing Aluminium Paste

Leafing aluminium paste consists of ultra-thin aluminium flakes treated with hydrophobic agents such as stearic acid.
These flakes orient parallel to the coating surface during drying, forming a reflective metallic layer.

This “floating” structure explains why leafing aluminium paste offers higher gloss and improved barrier performance compared with conventional aluminium pigments.

Floating Mechanism and Leafing Principle

 How the Leafing Effect Forms

• Aluminium flakes migrate upward during solvent evaporation

• Hydrophobic surface treatment promotes surface alignment

• A continuous metallic film is created

According to industry studies, leafing pigments can reflect up to 85–90% of visible light, significantly higher than random-orientation metallic pigments.

Leafing vs Non-Leafing Aluminium Paste

This comparison explains why leafing aluminium paste uses remain concentrated in surface-focused applications.

Typical Applications

• Inks: High metallic brilliance for packaging and labels

• Anti-corrosion coatings: Barrier protection for steel structures

• Decorative finishes: Metallic effects in architectural and consumer products

FAQ

Q: Can leafing aluminium paste be used in water-based systems?
A: With proper surface treatment and stabilizers, modified grades can be adapted, though solvent-based systems remain dominant.

Q: Is leafing aluminium paste suitable for automotive coatings?
A: Limited, due to recoat sensitivity. Non-leafing types are more common in multilayer systems.

Conclusion

Leafing aluminium paste remains irreplaceable where brightness, surface reflectivity, and corrosion resistance are critical. Understanding its structure helps formulators choose the right pigment for demanding applications.