Thermochromic

Thermochromic Materials

Thermochromic materials change colour with temperature. SFXC supplies them as pigments, inks, a sprayable coating and film, so you can add a temperature-triggered colour change to almost any project.

How they change

• Colour to clear — the colour disappears as the material warms, revealing the colour or design underneath. Ideal for hidden messages and touch-to-reveal printing.
• Colour to colour — the material switches from one colour to another, such as deep purple to neon pink.
• Reversible or irreversible — most return to their original colour as they cool. Our High-Temperature Warning Pigment is irreversible, keeping a permanent record that a temperature was reached.

Choose your activation temperature

• Chill to reveal — around 15°C, changes when cooled
• Touch to reveal — around 27–31°C, activated by a warm hand
• Heat to reveal — around 47–50°C, activated by hot drinks, hot water or a heat source

Choose your form

• Pigment powders to mix into your own paints, inks, resins and plastics
• Screen-printing inks for paper, board and textiles
• Sprayable coating for larger surfaces
• Thermochromic vinyl film, ready to cut and apply
• Trial and tester packs to compare colours and temperatures before ordering in volume

Where they're used

Packaging and labels, promotional printing, textiles and fashion, product design, decorative designs on the outside of mugs and drinkware (not for surfaces that come into contact with food or drink), security printing, education and research.

Looking for colour-changing materials that indicate temperature across a defined range? Explore our Liquid Crystal range.

Custom and bulk orders

Need a different colour, activation temperature or larger volume? Our team has over 20 years' experience with colour-changing materials, backed by technical support from our manufacturing partners. Many SFXC products are mixed and blended in-house. Contact us to discuss a custom order.