High-tech metal flake

Nov. 2, 2000
Innovative coating processes & advanced materials continue to improve the performance and look of engineered components.

The unenhanced photo of the hummer's hood and headlight section helps illustrate how the ChromaLusion paint changes its appearance depending on viewing angle.


According to Hummer owner, Hobert Hedrickson, after leaving the paint shop, The vehicle immediately took a back seat to the paint job.


Depending on where you're standing, the striking purple paint job on Hobert Hedrickson's, Piney Flats, Tenn., 1996 AM General Hummer changes appearance. The innovative pigment technology creates a prism effect from the refraction or bending of light rays traveling through five layers of transparent metal-oxide flakes. The paint is said to give much brighter colors with the saturation and brilliance of a tinted clear or pearl tricoat.

The hue called Purpleen is one of 36 ChormaLusion colors now offered by DuPont Automotive Finishes, Wilmington, Del., in its ChromaPremier paint line.

The original dark green Hummer was painted by C&C Customs LLC, Bristol, Tenn., with a ChromaPremier black basecoat followed by the striking topcoat. The paint is said to be no different during application than any other automotive paint. A clearcoat can be applied to improve appearance and add additional protection.

The Hendrickson Hummer is one of 36 entries that garnered awards in DuPont's annual Top Gun competition. The contest honors the best use of DuPont color on motorized passenger vehicles. Twelve grand prize winners will be featured in the Top Gun Calendar for 2001. The grand prize champs and the 24 first prize winners respectively receive $1,000 and $500 worth of DuPont refinish products.

All 36 vehicles will be featured monthly on the DuPont Automotive Finishes Web site www.dupont.com/finishes/na/news.html. The 2001 entry forms are available on the DuPont Web site and through DuPont Automotive Finishes distributors.

Information for this article was provided by DuPont Refinisher News, Wilmington, Del. For information on ChromaLusion contact the nearest DuPont Automotive Finishes supplier or call 1-800-3DuPont.

Sponsored Recommendations

April 16, 2025
Clean. Compact. Less heat.
April 16, 2025
SEW-EURODRIVE Introduces DR2C motor, IE5 Ultra-Premium Efficiency Motor
March 31, 2025
Unlike passive products - made of simple carbon springs - the bionic prostheses developed by Revival Bionics are propulsive, equipped with a motor and an artificial Achilles tendon...
March 31, 2025
Electric drives are a key technology for the performance of machines, robots, and power tools. Download this guide for an introduction to high-quality mechatronic drive systems...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!