Where do you ship to?
Didspade Pigments and Pearls
We ship Didspade Pigments and Pearls globally. Period.
Halo EFX
We only ship Halo EFX within the EU, sorry. It’s bulky and the costs and nature of the product mean that shipping outside this area is prohibitive. You’ll find you can still add it to your shopping cart but our website is set up to add a shipping charge of £999.99 to any Halo EFX shipment outside the EU. If you notice a crazy shipping charge that’s the reason why.
Why is there a box at checkout for EU VAT Number?
We supply goods to other businesses within the EU. Under tax law we give them the option to supply them with the goods ‘zero rated’ i.e. they pay no VAT. We must declare any of these transactions to Customs and Revenue (HMRC).
Why doesn’t my entered EU VAT Number work?
Our website will automatically check that the entered EU VAT number is a valid one. Please check the letters and numbers carefully. This is important as we have to declare any zero rated exports within the EU to HMRC.
Please leave NO spaces between the letters and numbers. (i.e. ENTER IT AS GB236351224 and NOT GB 236 3512 24, which won’t work. It’s a computer thing!)
I’m outside the EU, will you remove the sales tax?
Yes, we won’t charge you any UK sales tax (called VAT here.) You won’t see any added at checkout. BUT you will be responsible for any import duty, handling charges, and other taxes upon entry into your own country. Be warned though as these can all add up and can be a significant addition especially to small amounts.
We will declare the TRUE value of the products and shipping. So please don’t ask us to do otherwise.
General DIDSPADE FAQ
WHAT CAN I USE DIDSPADE’S PEARLS WITH?
Our pearls can be used with various types of clears. They can be used in Automotive Paints, Plasti Dip, Halo EFX, and Raail.
All of which produce great results.
HOW DO I USE PEARLS WITH LIQUID WRAP COATINGS OR AUTOMOTIVE PAINT?
First you will need to choose a base color. In selecting a base color, you will need to consider the color of the pearl you will be using. Choosing a base color that compliments or enhances the pearl’s final appearance is suggested. We suggest using light or bright colored pearls over a white or color-matching base. For example: use a white pearl over a white base, or brighter colors (yellows, golds, oranges) over a color-matching base, etc. For darker colored pearls and ColorShift Pearls we suggest using a black base.
Once you have the base applied, mix the suggested amount of pearls into your dip or automotive clear base. When adding pearl pigments into a solution we recommend mixing in small increments at a time. This will help reduce clumping. Let settle and mix a few times before spraying to properly disperse powder. In some cases, additional reducers/thinners may be needed to maintain sprayability.
For suggested mixing ratios please see below.
Liquid Wrap Ratios
Solid, White & Interference Pearls = 50g per gallon
ColorShift Pearls* = 50g/75g per gallon (see below)
Glow Pearls = 200g per gallon
Automotive Paint Ratios
Solid, White & Interference Pearls = 25g per litre
ColorShift Pearls* = 25g per 40oz = 1.18 litres
Glow Pearls = 50g per quart
*When using undyed ColorShift pearls (white pigments and Epic Series) 50g per gallon can help you avoid striping and “whiting out” issues (extra coats may be necessary).
Apply pearl coats over the base until you reach the desired amount of coverage. Most of our pearls reach full coverage in approximately 2-3 coats. Please note, if spraying a light colored pearl over a darker base color, additional coats will be required to achieve full coverage.
For added protection, we recommend finishing with a UV protected clear coat.
WHAT CAN I USE DIDSPADE’S METAL FLAKES WITH?
Flakes can be added to automotive clears (Intercoat clear recommended), and liquid wrap clears.
WHAT FLAKE SIZE SHOULD I USE, AND WHAT TYPE OF SPRAY GUN DO I NEED?
Choose a flake size that best suits your needs. We carry four sizes of flakes ranging from the smallest (0.004) to the largest (0.025). The smaller flake sizes (0.004 and 0.008) are commonly referred to as Micro Flakes. Micro flakes will produce a subtler sparkle effect, and larger flakes reflect more light which amplifies their sparkling effects. Smaller flake sizes will decrease knockdown and require less clear coats to smooth out.
Gravity guns and siphon guns (with filters removed) work well. Dry flake guns are another option but the application process is completely different.
Please be sure to use an appropriate spray gun tip size, to allow for proper passage of the flake. See chart below for reference.
Flake Size
Gun Tip Size
0.025
2.5mm or greater
0.015
1.7mm or greater
0.008
1.5mm or greater
0.004
1.3mm or greater
* For best results with Liquid Wrap Applications, we suggest using 0.004 & 0.008 (also compatible with DYC Sprayer System).
HOW DO I USE FLAKES WITH AUTOMOTIVE PAINT OR LIQUID WRAP COATINGS?
Flakes can be applied over any base color. However, we suggest choosing a base color that’s complimentary to your flake. For example, choosing a base that is 4-5 shades darker than your flake can create the illusion of full coverage in 2 coats.
Mix flake into clear with stirring stick. We suggest adding small increments at a time until you have reached your desired effect. While mixing, occasionally remove the stirring stick to help you gauge flake coverage. Please see below for suggested ratios.
Application
Ratios
Automotive Clears
1-3 tablespoons per quart of ready to spray material
Liquid Wrap Clears
25g per gallon
*If using a DYC Sprayer System we suggest NOT exceeding 25g per gallon
After mixing, pour mixture into the cup of your gun, but DO NOT use a strainer. Also, please remember your gun’s filter must be removed before pouring.
Spray 1-2 coats. When spraying, try not to apply more than two coats. More coats equal more surface roughness, which can lengthen the smoothing process. Gun should not be too far from the surface, 4-5 inches is ideal. Allow for 15-30 minutes flash time between coats.
THIS STEP IS FOR AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS ONLY: After you are satisfied with flake application, allow proper flash times. You may now begin laying down or knocking off any standing flake, using a scuff pad. Apply topcoat clear to bury the flake. Various levels of sanding, and additional clear coats may be needed. Please note: sanding colored flakes will reveal flakes true color (silver).
Remember more coats equal more drying time. After allowing for proper drying time, complete your final wet sanding and polishing.
THIS STEP IS FOR LIQUID WRAP APPLICATIONS ONLY: Once you are satisfied with flake application, finish with 3 or more coats of clear. High gloss clears are recommended.
WHAT ARE CANDY CONCENTRATES?
Candy concentrates are powders that get dissolved into solvents to create intensely vibrant color tinted solutions that can be added to various types of clears while maintaining transparency.
Ratios: 5g will tint 1+ quarts, and 20g will tint 1+ gallons.
Please note: ratios can be adjusted to darken or lighten the tint.
HOW DO I USE CANDY CONCENTRATES WITH AUTOMOTIVE PAINT?
Mix powders into solvent based reducer, stir and allow time for powder to dissolve.
Once dissolved, filter the concentrated solution into clear.
For the best results, use over a silver base or a Chrome metal flake base.
We recommend spraying a test to gauge tint/number of coats.
Spray 3-4 coats. Please remember, additional coats will slightly darken tint.
After you have achieved the desired tint, finish with a UV protected clear coat.
HOW DO I USE CANDY CONCENTRATES WITH LIQUID WRAP COATINGS?
Mix 5g into approximately 2oz of Xylene. OR 20g into approximately 8oz of Xylene. Most liquid wrap gallons are pre-thinned, so following the suggested ratios will help you avoid over-thinning.
Stir concentrates in Xylene, and allow time for powder to dissolve.
Once dissolved, filter the concentrated solution into clear.
For the best results, use over a silver base. We recommend Titanium Frost Pearl
IMPORTANT: We suggest laying down extra base coats and allow for proper drying time with each coat of Candy Concentrate. This will prevent concentrates from penetrating through the base layers, which can stain factory clears. Additionally, we DO NOT recommend spraying Candy Concentrates directly over factory clear coats.
We recommend spraying a test to gauge tint/number of coats.
Spray 3-4 coats. Please remember, additional coats will slightly darken tint.
After you have achieved the desired tint, finish with a clear topcoat.
HALO EFX
Liquid Wrapping Guide
Please see our liquid wrapping guide.
How do I spray HALO EFX?
It’s all in the guide.
We have a full guide HERE including quantities and technique.
How easy is it to remove HALO EFX?
It just peels right off leaving the protected paint finish beneath.
httpv://youtu.be/pte6McEDYJY