All About Chameleon Pigments

Among the MICA-based pigments, chameleon pigments, also known as colour change pigments or interference pigments, are the most fascinating effect pigments, which are able to change their colour depending on the viewing angle due to the overlap of light waves by means of the phenomenon of "light interference".

Their main application is found in the automotive industry for different coating to create eze-catching finishings but they are also popular in fashion, cosmetics and craft projects such as resin, jewellery and more.

Types of Chameleon Pigments

Super (sometimes Ultrashift or Hypershift) Chameleon Pigments

These kind of pigments offer the maximum grade of colour-changing effect and are the most expensive on the market. They are usually made of metallic pigments instead of MICA powders in order to increase the colour-changing effect.

Colour-Shift Pearl Pigments:

These are the cheap and usual MICA pigments used in daily craft projects or cosmetics. Their colourshift can range from two colours to more. Their glossy, iridescent effect can vary from pearl to metallic or a combination of both.

Duochrome Chameleon Pigments:

These MICA-based pigments have a pearlescent effect and can show only two distinct colors depending on the viewing angle. They are popular in fashion and cosmetics.

What is the difference between Ultrashift (or Supershift, Hypershift) vs Colorshift chameleon pigments? A Comparison.

Colour-Shift Pigments

• a smoother and more delicate colour transition

• MICA and iron oxide based

• more pearlescent or iridescent effect

• a more delicate colour transition

• cheaper alternative

Ultrashift (or Hypershift) Pigments

• a sharper, more vibrant and intense colour transition

• instead of MICA, they contain aluminium and iron

• brighter and more saturated colour

• a stronger colour transition

• expensive alternative due highly pigmentation (very little amount of pigment is needed to get a bright and vivid result)

In summary, while both types of pigments create stunning color-shifting effects, the latter, due to the aluminium, are more suitable to achieve a bold visual impact.

How to use them in an acrylic pouring projects

As normal MICA powders, you can solve them into a glossy polyurethan varnish at first, mix that compound to a colourless base and then mix them with your pouring medium according to the technique you choose.

I hope I could inspire you for you next colour-shifting projects.

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Have a creative and colourful day.

Laura