“With XSpark, we have achieved a level of exclusive effect previously unknown ,” explained Stephan Schwarte, head of Basecoat Pigments/Dispersions & Color Design Lab. The special feature is that the distinctive sparkle is particularly effective only in light and therefore looks exceptionally luxurious and elegant without being intrusive. Mark Gutjahr, head of Design Europe at BASF, added, “Depending on the intensity and coloring used, the effect creates a very sporty and elegant impression. Dark color ranges achieve an almost mystical appearance, but shades of white can also be refined with the special effect. The intensity, and thus the effect, can be varied – from subdued yet elegant to intensive and crystal-like.”
While developing the special-effect coating specifically for the automotive sector, the designers collaborated closely with the lab experts. “The glass particles integrated in the coating flash clearly in the light. The resulting pure, single-colored reflection conveys an exceptional depth to the coating,” said Schwarte.
XSpark is targeted especially at premium car manufacturers and their customers. “We see great potential of the special-effect coating for carmakers, because end consumers will perceive it as something special and it will generate enthusiasm,” said Meike Flöck, Marketing for Automotive OEM Coatings, describing the results of a market research study among new vehicle buyers.
With XSpark, BASF is putting another special-effect innovation in the “XColors – designed by BASF” product family on the market. XColors are innovative colors that feature remarkable special effects or exceptional color depth while being highly suitable for series production. They include the XFine® coatings, which emphasize the shape of the body particularly strikingly thanks to its intensive metallic effect. For these color innovations, BASF won an award in the 2011 Automotive Brand Contest and the Materialica Design & Technology Silver Award in the surface and technology category.
