opacanie

Opacanie is a term used to describe the process or result of making a material or surface opaque, i.e., reducing or stopping light transmission by scattering or absorbing light. The concept covers techniques that render a surface non-transparent as well as finishes that hide underlying layers or textures. In practice, opacanie is applied in coatings, paints, ceramics, glass, plastics, and graphic production to achieve uniform color, hiding power, and controlled light interaction.

In coatings and paints, opacity is achieved by adding opacifying agents such as titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, or clay to the binder, or by applying dense, opaque layers. These additives increase hiding power, stabilize color, and influence gloss and brightness. In glass and ceramics, opacification can involve chemical additives or physical treatments (for example frosting or milky glazes) that scatter light and produce a matte or opaque appearance. In printing and packaging, opaque inks and coatings are used to ensure color integrity and legibility on multilayer substrates.

Considerations for opacanie include the impact on hue, brightness, texture, and durability, as well as environmental and health aspects of additives. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with opacity in Polish technical contexts, though in digital media opacity is often described as nieprzezroczystość.