Aluminium powder gives metallic silver effects through flake orientation. Leafing flakes float to the film surface and overlap like fish scales for a mirror-chrome look; non-leafing flakes disperse evenly for uniform satin metal. Aluminium flake is a combustible dust and must be handled against dust explosion.
Aluminium powder is the workhorse of metallic silver effects. How it is made and, more importantly, how it orients in the film decides whether you get a mirror chrome look or a uniform satin metal.
Atomized powder is near-spherical and used where conductivity or filling matters; flake aluminium — produced by ball-milling foil with lubricant — is the form that gives metallic lustre because the flat flakes align parallel to the surface.
| Leafing | Non-leafing | |
|---|---|---|
| Orientation | Float to surface, overlap like fish scales | Disperse evenly through the film |
| Look | Mirror / chrome, maximum reflectivity | Uniform metallic, easy to overcoat |
| Use | Topcoats, reflective finishes | Industrial, tintable metallic bases |
Aluminium flake is a combustible dust. In powder or "wet" paste form it must be handled against dust-explosion risk — grounding, no ignition sources, and preferring pastes (already wetted) for many processes. We supply both dry and paste forms; pastes materially reduce handling risk.
Q: Why did my silver coating dull after a clear topcoat?A: You likely used a leafing grade under a solvent-strong topcoat that broke the surface leaf. For a stable metallic you can overcoat, choose non-leafing.
Q: Is aluminium powder dangerous to store?A: As a fine dust, yes — it is explosible. Stored as supplied (often wetted paste or sealed) and handled with basic dust-control, it is routine and safe.