Manchester Arndale - Recreating the mesmerising dichroic effect
Manchester Arndale - Recreating the mesmerising dichroic effect
Have you ever been captivated by the stunning colour-shifting properties of dichroic materials? The way they transform light into a spectrum of colours that change based on your viewing angle is truly magical. If you're interested in recreating this eye-catching effect in your own space, here's how to get started.
Getting started with dichroic film.
The first step is simple: request a sample of dichroic film to experiment with. You can e-mail Paul, who will be happy to help. Once you have it in hand, you can begin exploring the various applications that would work best in your space.
Understanding dichroic properties.
Dichroic materials, particularly the Transparent and new Translucent versions, rely on light interaction to showcase their full potential. These films don't just reflect light—they transform it.
Our Nebula and Solar films create stunning effects when applied to clear glass or acrylic surfaces. What makes them truly special is their remarkable colour-shifting ability. View the material from one angle, then shift your position, and you'll witness an entirely different colour emerge—creating a dynamic, ever-changing visual experience.
Real world application.
The Arndale Christmas decorations demonstrate this principle beautifully. Their effectiveness comes from the strategic placement at various angles relative to light sources. As light passes through the dichroic material, it creates spectacular colour patterns that perfectly complement the festive holiday theme.
In this installation, the decorations are made up of triangles which, combined with the colour-changing material, create a striking visual impact.
Choosing the right material.
To achieve a similar effect, you have several options:
- For maximum impact on transparent surfaces, our transparent Nebula or Solar film is ideal as they offer deep vivid colours without hotspot blemishes
- For a more subtle, diffused effect, try the new Luna or Nova translucent film offering a softer silvery shimmer of different colours
- If you're working with non-transparent backgrounds, Aurora or one of the other four opaque versions of the material offers similar colour-shifting properties
Many designers create depth and visual interest by combining different versions of these materials in a single project, layering them to create fascinating dimensional effects.
Request your free sample.
Ready to transform your space with the magic of dichroic film? Just Click here to view the range. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination!
If you'd like to get a feel for these films first, you can order your free samples here
And before you go.
We hope that you found this blog relevant and informative and that you'd be interested in reading some of our other blogs
Article Posted: 24/04/2025 13:18:28
Products Featured in this Blog
ASLAN SE70 13140S Nebula is a striking self-adhesive transparent dichroic film that displays one colour while reflecting a blend of others, creating an iridescent effect that fuses hot deep pink with alluring azure blues, shifting with viewing angle and light conditions. Designed for application on to glass and acrylic surfaces, our transparent dichroic films are ideal for producing spectacular window graphics and infusing vibrant colour for stunning, transformative displays. Perfect for giving a powerful visual statement in hotels, retail windows, offices and other commercial spaces. Buy it by the metre at 1370mm wide.
ASLAN SE70 13141S Solar is a striking self-adhesive transparent dichroic film that displays one colour while reflecting a blend of others, creating an iridescent effect reminiscent of a morning sunrise with bright and subtle yellows and hints of magenta that shift with viewing angle and light conditions. Designed for application on to glass and acrylic surfaces, our transparent dichroic films are ideal for producing spectacular window graphics and infusing vibrant colour for stunning, transformative displays. Perfect for giving a powerful visual statement in hotels, retail windows, offices and other commercial spaces. Buy it by the metre at 1370mm wide.
ASLAN SE71 13142SPET Aurora is an eye-catching, PVC-free self-adhesive opaque dichroic film that displays a dynamic blend of colours. Designed for application on rigid, smooth, flat, and 2D convex surfaces, its iridescent effect fuses hot deep pink with alluring azure blue, shifting with the viewing angle and light conditions. Our opaque dichroic films bring vibrant, eye-catching colour that creates a striking visual impact, perfect for crafting standout graphics in exhibitions, hotels, restaurants, retail environments, offices, and other commercial or corporate spaces. Buy it by the metre at 1350mm wide.
ASLAN SE71 13143S Alpha is an eye-catching, PVC-free self-adhesive opaque dichroic film that displays a captivating blend of colours. Designed for use on rigid, smooth, flat, and 2D convex surfaces, its iridescent effect resembles a morning sunrise, mixing bright yet subtle yellows with tinges of magenta that shift with the viewing angle and light conditions. Our opaque dichroic films bring vibrant, eye-catching colour that creates a striking visual impact, perfect for crafting standout graphics in exhibitions, hotels, restaurants, retail environments, offices, and other commercial or corporate spaces. Buy it by the metre at 1350mm wide.
ASLAN SE77 13155S Luna is a stunning self-adhesive translucent dichroic film that displays a silvery shimmer of colours. Designed for use on glass and acrylic surfaces, its soft iridescent effect blends delicate pink and powder blue, shifting with the viewing angle and light conditions. Transform windows and other surfaces with vibrant eye catching colour using this versatile material, that delivers a striking and unforgettable visual impact. Ideal for printed designs, colour-shifting etched effects on acrylic as well as window displays in offices, commercial spaces, retail stores, hotels and hospitality environments. Buy it by the metre at 1370mm wide.
ASLAN SE77 13156S Nova is a stunning self-adhesive translucent dichroic film that displays a silvery shimmer of colours. Designed for use on glass and acrylic surfaces, its soft iridescent effect blends gentle yellows with baby pink tones, shifting with the viewing angle and light conditions. Transform windows and other surfaces with vibrant eye catching colour using this versatile material, that delivers a striking and unforgettable visual impact. Ideal for printed designs, colour-shifting etched effects on acrylic as well as window displays in offices, commercial spaces, retail stores, hotels and hospitality environments. Buy it by the metre at 1370mm wide.
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