Metallic effects play an important role in modern packaging and decorative printing. In the gravure printing industry, aluminium paste is widely used to produce bright metallic inks for labels, flexible packaging, and decorative prints.

Two main types of aluminium paste are commonly used in gravure inks: leafing aluminium paste and non-leafing aluminium paste. Each type provides different performance characteristics and is suitable for different printing requirements.

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Understanding Leafing and Non-Leafing Aluminium Paste

Aluminium paste consists of fine aluminium flakes dispersed in a solvent carrier. Depending on the surface treatment of the aluminium particles, aluminium paste can be divided into leafing type and non-leafing type.

Leafing Aluminium Paste

Leafing aluminium paste contains aluminium flakes that float toward the surface of the ink film during drying. This creates a continuous metallic layer on the surface, resulting in a very bright and reflective metallic finish.

Because of this structure, leafing aluminium paste is widely used when strong metallic appearance is required.

Key features include:

• very high metallic brightness
• strong reflective effect
• excellent covering power

Leafing aluminium paste is commonly used in decorative packaging printing and label printing where visual impact is important.

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Non-Leafing Aluminium Paste

Non-leafing aluminium paste is designed so that aluminium flakes distribute evenly throughout the ink film rather than floating to the surface.

This structure provides better adhesion and compatibility with coating systems, making non-leafing aluminium paste suitable for applications where further processing or overprinting is required.

Key features include:

• good adhesion with binders
• stable metallic appearance
• better compatibility with varnishes and top coatings

Non-leafing aluminium paste is widely used in high-quality packaging printing and industrial printing applications.

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Applications in Gravure Printing Industry

Gravure printing requires inks with excellent dispersion, stability, and printing performance. Aluminium paste plays a key role in creating metallic gravure inks that deliver consistent printing results.

Typical applications include:

• flexible packaging printing
• cigarette packaging
• decorative film printing
• label and packaging materials

Leafing aluminium paste is typically used to create high-gloss metallic surfaces, while non-leafing aluminium paste is preferred for applications requiring better adhesion and durability.

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Advantages of Aluminium Paste in Gravure Printing

Aluminium paste offers several advantages for gravure printing ink formulations:

• strong metallic visual effect
• good dispersion in ink systems
• excellent hiding power
• compatibility with various printing processes

These properties allow manufacturers to produce high-quality metallic printing effects while maintaining stable production performance.

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Silver Rocket Aluminium Paste for Printing Inks

Silver Rocket is a professional manufacturer specialising in aluminium paste, aluminium powder, and bronze powder. With more than 39 years of experience in metallic pigment production, the company supplies reliable aluminium paste solutions for the printing ink industry.

Silver Rocket aluminium paste products provide:

• stable particle size distribution
• excellent dispersion performance
• strong metallic brightness
• compatibility with various ink systems

These products are widely used in gravure printing inks, packaging printing, and decorative printing applications.

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Conclusion

Both leafing aluminium paste and non-leafing aluminium paste play important roles in the gravure printing industry. By selecting the appropriate type of aluminium paste, ink manufacturers can achieve the desired balance between metallic appearance, adhesion, and durability.

For companies seeking high-quality aluminium paste for gravure printing inks, Silver Rocket offers reliable products and professional technical support.

Contact us to learn more about our aluminium paste solutions for printing inks.