Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-11-25 Origin: Site
Leafing aluminum powder plays a key role in automotive coatings, industrial paints, protective finishes, and printing inks. Its unique “floating” behavior creates strong metallic brilliance and exceptional shielding properties.
This article explains what leafing aluminum powder is, how it works, and where it is used — in simple, expert-backed language.
Leafing aluminum powder is a type of aluminum pigment in which the aluminum flakes float and align on the surface of a coating film.
This floating effect is achieved by applying stearic acid or other fatty acids onto the aluminum flakes during manufacturing.
Flakes migrate to the coating surface
Create a highly reflective metallic effect
Provide excellent barrier and shielding properties
Often used in solvent-based coating systems
Thanks to this unique behavior, leafing grades are widely used in automotive repair paints, wheel coatings, outdoor metal protection, and decorative paints.
Leafing aluminum pigments rely on controlled surface treatment:
A layer of fatty acid is applied on the aluminum flakes.
This reduces surface tension between the flakes and the coating resin.
After the coating is applied, the treated flakes move upward toward the surface.
The flakes align horizontally, forming a highly reflective metallic layer.
This creates a “mirror-like” sparkle that non-leafing grades cannot achieve.
Creates bright metallic appearance suitable for automotive refinishing and wheel paints.
Due to the shielding effect on the coating surface.
Fewer coats needed to achieve the desired metallic effect.
Automotive repair paints
Wheel coatings
Anti-corrosion coatings
Protective industrial paints
Decorative metallic finishes
| Feature | Leafing Aluminum Powder | Non-Leafing Aluminum Powder |
|---|---|---|
| Flake Position | Floats on coating surface | Disperses inside the coating |
| Gloss | Very bright | Softer metallic effect |
| Barrier Effect | Strong | Medium |
| Best For | Automotive refinish, outdoor coatings | Plastics, inks, interior coatings |
| Resin Compatibility | Mostly solvent-based | Water-based & solvent-based |
Leafing grades deliver superior brilliance, while non-leafing grades offer smoother dispersion and stronger adhesion.
Generally no. It works best in solvent-based systems due to surface treatment with fatty acids.
Automotive, industrial metal protection, and decorative finishing industries.
Aluminum paste contains solvent and is easier to use in coatings. Leafing powder is dry and requires careful dispersion.
Yes. Its surface-floating layer acts as a reflective metallic barrier.
Leafing aluminum powder is an essential metallic pigment for high-gloss coatings, automotive refinishing, wheel paints, and outdoor protective paints. Its surface-floating behavior offers unmatched brilliance and shielding performance.
If you need high-quality leafing aluminium powder, aluminium paste, resin-coated pigments, or customized metallic solutions, Silver Rocket Metallic Pigment Co., Ltd. is your trusted partner.
Email: info@silverocket.com
Website: https://www.silverocket.com/