värikerros

Värikerros is a layer in a multilayer system whose primary purpose is to impart color to a substrate. In painting and decorative arts, a värikerros can be opaque or translucent and is formulated from pigments dispersed in a binder such as oil, acrylic, or alkyd. The thickness and pigment choice determine coverage, hue, and saturation; layering color allows effects such as glazing, tinting, and color modulation.

In industrial and automotive coatings, the color layer is applied over a primer or basecoat and is often protected by a clear topcoat. In printing and coloration processes, individual color layers correspond to pigment separations used to build the final image.

In art conservation, understanding värikerros helps determine an artwork’s technique and informs restoration decisions, since pigment stability and binder aging affect color fidelity.

Key considerations include pigment selection for lightfastness and opacity, binder compatibility, and application method (brushing, spraying, rolling, or dipping). Longevity depends on UV protection, proper sealing, and environmental controls to prevent cracking or fading.

Värikerros is one element of a typical multilayer system that may also include a primer, basecoat, glaze, and varnish, each contributing to adhesion, color, and protection.