Leafing Aluminum Paste vs Non-Leafing Aluminum Paste: Key Differences

If you are developing metallic coatings, printing inks, plastic coatings, or chrome balloon finishes, one of the most critical formulation decisions is choosing between leafing and non-leafing aluminum paste.

Although these two types may look similar in appearance, they behave very differently inside a coating system—and selecting the wrong type can directly lead to poor metallic effect, weak adhesion, coating defects, or reduced product durability.

This is why understanding the functional difference between leafing and non-leafing aluminum paste is not just theoretical knowledge, but a key step in ensuring production stability and final product performance.

Quick Answer

In general, leafing aluminum paste is preferred when maximum metallic brightness is required, while non-leafing aluminum paste is chosen for applications requiring durability, adhesion, and long-term performance.

What Is Leafing Aluminum Paste?

Leafing Aluminum Paste refers to a type of aluminum pigment system where, during the drying process of coatings or inks, aluminum sheet-like pigments undergo a specific surface treatment. Due to differences in surface energy, these pigments migrate to the surface of the coating and form a continuous or semi-continuous metal layer. Its core characteristic is not "brighter color", but rather a fundamental change in the spatial distribution of the aluminum sheets within the coating, resulting in completely different optical and physical performance.

Characteristics of Leafing Aluminum Paste

1.Optical Performance: 

Extremely metallic, with high brightness reflection, approaching the effect of mirror-like aluminum layer. It has a strong visual impact.

2.Mechanical Properties: 

Due to the concentration of aluminum sheets on the surface, the "metal reinforcement effect" in the coating interior is weak, and the interface between the coating and the resin is reduced. It is prone to adhesion issues.

3. Durability

Typical Limitations include: general weather resistance, medium chemical resistance. It is susceptible to friction or scratches, and is limited for long-term outdoor use.

4. Recoating

Due to the formation of a dense aluminum layer on the surface: Subsequent coatings have difficulty adhering, the interlayer bonding is poor, and problems such as delamination or peeling are prone to occur.

What Is Non-Leafing Aluminum Paste?

Non-leafing Aluminum Paste is a type of aluminum sheet-like metallic pigment that has undergone special surface treatment. Its key feature is that during the film formation process of coatings or inks, the aluminum sheets do not migrate to the surface but are uniformly dispersed and stably embedded throughout the coating system. Unlike Leafing Aluminum Paste, which aims for the ultimate surface metallic luster, the design goal of the Non-leafing system is: structural stability + adhesion + durability + balance of engineering performance. 

The features of Non-leafing Aluminum Paste

1.Mechanical Performance: 

Strong adhesion, stable coating bonding, excellent anti-peeling performance. Suitable for multi-layer coating systems.

2. Corrosion Resistance: 

Due to the aluminum sheet being covered by resin, the contact between water vapor and oxygen is reduced. Therefore, the rate of oxidation reaction is slowed down, and the long-term protection performance is improved.

3. Weather Resistance: 

Stronger resistance to ultraviolet aging, higher outdoor stability, and better long-term color stability.

4. Optical Performance:

Compared with Leafing, the metal effect is softer, and the reflection is more uniform. There is no strong concentrated reflection of the mirror surface, and it is more of a "metal texture" rather than a "mirror effect".

5. Recoating: 

Easy for secondary spraying, good inter-layer adhesion, and less likely to have delamination or peeling.

Comparison Table: Leafing Aluminum Paste vs Non-Leafing Aluminum Paste

Leafing Aluminum Paste: More of a "visual material", its core value is the ultimate mirror-like metallic effect, suitable for decorative and high-gloss appearance products, but with relatively weak durability and adhesion. Non-Leafing Aluminum Paste: More of an "engineering material", its core value is stability, adhesion and corrosion resistance, suitable for industrial coatings, automotive paints and long-term usage scenarios. The specific differences are as follows.

Application of Leafing Aluminum Paste and Non-Leafing Aluminum Paste

From an industrial application perspective, the choice between Leafing and Non-leafing Aluminum Paste is not a matter of "which one is better", but rather a matter of matching the material properties with the specific requirements of the end application. The demands for metal effect, adhesion, weather resistance, and processing stability vary greatly across different industries, and therefore the selection logic is completely different.

1.Coatings Industry

A.Automotive Coatings:

Non-leafing aluminum paste is more suitable: The non-leafing aluminum powder is uniformly dispersed in the resin system. It does not form a surface metal enrichment layer, and the overall structural stability of the coating is stronger, avoiding the problem of interlayer peeling. 

B. Industrial Coatings:

Non-leafing aluminum paste is more suitable. The non-leafing system can provide a more uniform barrier structure, reduce the electrolyte penetration path, and enhance the overall protective performance. 

C.Decorative Coatings:

Choose Leafing or Non-leafing Aluminum Pigment according to your own needs.

Using Leafing Aluminum Pigment:

• High-contrast mirror effect
• Strongly reflective metallic appearance
• Decorative spraying (aerosol coatings)

Using Non-leafing Aluminum Pigment:

• Requires a sense of depth or soft metallic effect
• Requires subsequent spraying or coating
• Outdoor long-term usage scenarios

2.Printing Ink Industry

Gravure Ink: It is advisable to choose Non-leafing Aluminum Pigment

Advantages of Non-leafing:

• Uniform dispersion of aluminum sheets
• Reduction of sedimentation and aggregation
• Enhancement of printing stability
• Maintenance of long-term storage performance 

Flexographic Ink: Suitable for Non-leafing Aluminum Pigment

Non-leafing is applicable to water-based flexographic inks, packaging printing, and food-grade packaging systems.

3. Plastic Industry

ABS / PP / PVC: Suitable for Non-leafing Aluminum Pigment

Advantages of Non-leafing:

Aluminum sheets are embedded inside the plastic system

Reduces the risk of migration and shedding

Improves adhesion stability

Adapts to high-temperature processing procedures 

4. Balloon Industry

Chrome Balloon: Suitable for High-leafing Aluminum Pigment

The balloon coating falls under the category of highly demanding visual applications. It requires a mirror effect, high brightness (metallic appearance), and strong visual impact.

Advantages of High-leafing Aluminum Pigment:

The leafing aluminum sheet migrates to the surface, forming a continuous metallic reflective layer, maximizing the light reflection efficiency and achieving the "chrome mirror" effect.

How to Choose Leafing Aluminum Paste and Non-Leafing Aluminum Paste

From an industrial application perspective, the choice between Leafing and Non-leafing Aluminum Paste is not a comparison of performance superiority or inferiority. It is a typical problem of matching materials with applications.

Selection Guidance Form

Methods for Distinguish Between Leafing and Non Leafing Aluminium Paste

Leafing and Non-Leafing Aluminum Paste differ mainly in how the aluminum flakes are distributed within the coating film, resulting in different appearance and performance.

• Visual Appearance: Leafing products appear brighter and more reflective, while Non-Leafing products have a softer metallic effect. 
• Water Drop Test: Water tends to bead on Leafing coatings, whereas it spreads more easily on Non-Leafing coatings. 
• Cross-Section Analysis: Under a microscope, Leafing flakes concentrate near the coating surface, while Non-Leafing flakes are evenly distributed throughout the film. 
• Performance Testing: Non-Leafing generally offers better weather resistance and durability, while Leafing provides superior metallic brilliance.

Why Choose Manterbo Aluminum Paste

Manterbo focuses on water-based aluminum paste technology designed for stable industrial performance, not just visual effect.

Compared with general water-bsed aluminum paste suppliers, Manterbo offers:

• Stable batch-to-batch quality for consistent metallic effect 
• Strong compatibility with water-based coatings, inks, and plastics 
• Better dispersion and reduced application issues 
• Application-oriented technical support for correct product selection (leafing vs non-leafing) 
• Reliable performance for chrome balloon, coatings, and printing ink systems 

Manterbo aluminum paste is designed to help customers achieve stable production, consistent metallic appearance, and fewer formulation risks, making it a reliable choice for industrial applications.

FAQs about Leafing Aluminum Paste vs Non-Leafing Aluminum Paste

1.What are the main differences between Leafing Aluminum Paste and Non-leafing Aluminum Paste?

The Leafing Aluminum Paste will float on the surface of the coating, creating a stronger mirror-like metallic effect; while the Non-leafing Aluminum Paste is evenly dispersed in the system, featuring better adhesion and durability. 

2. Which type of Aluminum Paste has a stronger metallic effect?

The Leafing Aluminum Paste has a brighter metallic luster and a mirror-like finish, making it suitable for decorative applications with extremely high requirements for appearance. 

3. Which one is more suitable for industrial coatings?

The non-weeping aluminum paste is more suitable for industrial coatings as it has better corrosion resistance, adhesion and long-term stability. 

4. Can Leafing aluminum paste be used in water-based systems?

Yes, but special surface treatment and stabilization techniques are required. Generally, water-based systems are more suitable for using Non-leafing or modified products. 

5. Why does my Aluminum Paste coating become dark or lose its luster?

The common reasons are incorrect selection, poor dispersion, or mismatch of the formulation. The non-leafing formulation usually performs better in terms of stability. 

6. Which type of Aluminum Paste is more suitable for automotive coatings?

Automotive coatings typically use Non-leafing aluminum paste, as it offers better weather resistance, adhesion, and long-term stability. 

7. Why are Chrome balloons usually made with Leafing Aluminum Paste?

Because the structure of Leafing Aluminum Paste forms a continuous reflective layer on the surface, thereby achieving a stronger mirror-like chrome effect. 

8. Can Non-leafing Aluminum Paste enhance the lifespan of the coating? 

OK. Because the aluminum sheets are evenly distributed within the coating, it can effectively enhance the corrosion resistance and anti-aging performance. 

9. How to select the appropriate type of Aluminum Paste for your product?

For achieving mirror-like brightness, choose the Leafing Aluminum Pigment.

For ensuring durability and adhesion, choose the Non-leafing Aluminum Pigment. 

10. Can Manterbo provide selection support or samples of Aluminum Paste?

Yes. Manterbo offers application selection advice, sample testing, as well as technical support services for the water-based systems, coatings, inks and plastics industries.

Conclusion - Leafing vs Non-leafing aluminum paste 

The core difference between Leafing and Non-leafing Aluminum Pastes lies in their application targets: Leafing is more suitable for decorative applications that aim for high brightness and mirror-like metal effects, while Non-leafing is better suited for industrial applications that require adhesion, corrosion resistance, and long-term stability.

In actual selection, the key is not to compare "which one is better", but to make a matching choice based on your specific system and performance requirements.

If you are choosing the appropriate aluminum paste for a project but are unsure which of Leafing or Non-leafing is more suitable for your formulation system. 

Welcome to contact Manterbo. We can provide professional selection suggestions based on your application needs and offer sample testing and technical support to help you achieve a stable metal effect more quickly.