<p>There are "optically variable inks" that change color depending of the direction of the light.  They're used on currency as an anti-counterfeiting measure and have found their way into art.  I know they're sold in bulk quantities (1-2 kg minimum); you can check out <a href="https://www.alibaba.com/showroom/optical-variable-ink.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://www.alibaba.com/showroom/optical-variable-ink.html</a>.  There may be resellers offering smaller quantities but I haven't researched it.  </p>

<p>My understanding is that the chameleon paints (which are based on ChromaFlair pigments) described in Nothingismagick's answer are a different technology.  However, counterfeiters sometimes use the paint to approximate the ink since the color combination used on US currency can't be purchased.</p>

<p>You can read about optically variable ink <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optically_variable_ink" rel="nofollow noreferrer">here</a>, and ChromaFlair paint pigment <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChromaFlair" rel="nofollow noreferrer">here</a></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-09-10T01:20:51.997Z
2019-09-10T01:20:51.997Z
fixer1234
<p>I think what you are looking for are called “chameleon paints”, but I cannot recommend you use cardboard. It is better to suited to non-flexible surfaces.</p>

<p>Check out <a href="http://www.urekem-paints.com/chameleon-car-paint-colors" rel="noreferrer">chameleon car paint</a> or search on amazon for it. Most automotive shops should stock it.</p>

<p>Another option might be to look for iridescent paints, but they just get a bit shinier depending on the angle that light bounces off the surface into your eye.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-09-09T14:12:21.193Z
You can also buy just the chameleon pigments and mix them into a transparent base, for even more variety.
Allison C
CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-03-30T21:37:32.657Z
2018-03-30T21:37:32.657Z
Nothingismagick
<p>What materials can be used to make pictures / paintings, where the colors change as the direction of the sun and hence the angle of incidence of the sun rays hitting the art structure changes? I'm interested in both indoor and outdoor structures and materials.
I was thinking of cardboard-or-similar material placed as vertically running painted wedges, but I'm not sure if that would work.</p>

<material-selection><material-identification>
Materials for pictures that change with the direction of sunlight
Joselin Jocklingson
# Materials for pictures that change with the direction of sunlight

(Asked by: username_0 on 2018-03-30)

What materials can be used to make pictures / paintings, where the colors change as the direction of the sun and hence the angle of incidence of the sun rays hitting the art structure changes? I'm interested in both indoor and outdoor structures and materials.
I was thinking of cardboard-or-similar material placed as vertically running painted wedges, but I'm not sure if that would work.

**Tags:** material-selection, material-identification


---

## 2 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2018-03-30. Score: 6 | Accepted answer

I think what you are looking for are called “chameleon paints”, but I cannot recommend you use cardboard. It is better to suited to non-flexible surfaces.

Check out [chameleon car paint](http://www.urekem-paints.com/chameleon-car-paint-colors) or search on amazon for it. Most automotive shops should stock it.

Another option might be to look for iridescent paints, but they just get a bit shinier depending on the angle that light bounces off the surface into your eye.

> **Comments:**
> **username_3**: You can also buy just the chameleon pigments and mix them into a transparent base, for even more variety.  

---

### Answer by username_1 on 2019-09-10. Score: 3

There are "optically variable inks" that change color depending of the direction of the light. They're used on currency as an anti-counterfeiting measure and have found their way into art. I know they're sold in bulk quantities (1-2 kg minimum); you can check out <https://www.alibaba.com/showroom/optical-variable-ink.html>. There may be resellers offering smaller quantities but I haven't researched it.

My understanding is that the chameleon paints (which are based on ChromaFlair pigments) described in username_2's answer are a different technology. However, counterfeiters sometimes use the paint to approximate the ink since the color combination used on US currency can't be purchased.

You can read about optically variable ink [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optically_variable_ink), and ChromaFlair paint pigment [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChromaFlair)


---

