| Chromatic secondary pigments are utilized in achromatic automotive paints to create unique paint systems. Achromatic paints are considered to lack color and include white, black, and shades of gray. The chromatic pigments that add an intended color effect may not be observable in reflected light; however, utilizing visible microspectrophotometry (MSP) discriminating data may be gathered. This study analyzed 160 apparently achromatic automotive paints via this technique for spectral evidence of chromatic secondary pigmentation. Positive spectral results were attained in the black and gray/silver topcoat sample set while the white topcoat and gray undercoat set yielded no spectral data. The data suggests that paint analysis schemes should incorporate visible microspectrophotometry for black and gray/silver samples. |
