Liquid Metal, a new paint developed through a joint effort by DaimlerChrysler and BASF Coatings, is designed to gleam like liquid metal. The paint is based on the successful integration of a special-effect pigment into a waterborne paint system, which makes the technology environmentally friendly and compliant with all environmental regulations.

Liquid Metal, a new paint developed through a joint effort by DaimlerChrysler and BASF Coatings, is designed to gleam like liquid metal. The coating is based on the successful integration of a special-effect pigment into a waterborne paint system, which makes the technology environmentally friendly and compliant with all environmental regulations.

The project teams from DaimlerChrysler and BASF Coatings began working together on the new technology in 2004. A great deal of research work and tests was required before the new effect class could be launched.

According to BASF, Liquid Metal stretches around metal parts like a metallic skin, emphasizing the design lines and vehicle contours more strongly than other finishes and making them even livelier through targeted light reflection. The special-effect particles are thinner and flatter than the particles in regular metallic paints. This makes the light reflect more intensively and intensifies the gloss, producing an extremely metallic look that cannot be achieved with conventional metallic colors.

Liquid Metal calls for an elaborate preparatory process prior to painting, beginning with the substrate of the vehicle body. It needs to be extremely smooth and even to prevent any unevenness from showing through.

Mercedes is the world’s first car manufacturer to use the process. The new paint is offered by Mercedes as part of its designo program.

For more information, visitwww.basf-coatings.com.