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 back a blend of different colours. Designed to be used on to glass and acrylic surfaces, the iridescent colour change effect of Nebula is a fusion of hot deep pink and alluring azure blues that changes depending on the viewing angle and light conditions. 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 back a blend of different colours. Designed to be used on to glass and acrylic surfaces, the iridescent colour change effect of Solar resembles a morning sunrise mixing bright and subtle yellows with hints of magenta which changes depending on the viewing angle and light conditions. 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 blend of different colours. Designed to be used on to rigid smooth flat and 2D convex surfaces, the iridescent colour change effect of Aurora is a fusion of hot deep pink and alluring azure blue that changes depending on the viewing angle and light conditions. 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 blend of different colours. Designed to be used on to rigid smooth flat and 2D convex surfaces, the iridescent colour change effect of Alpha resembles a morning sunrise mixing bright but subtle yellows with tinges of magenta that changes depending on the viewing angle and light conditions. 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 different colours. Designed to be used on to glass and acrylic surfaces, the soft iridescent colour change effect of Luna is a subtle blend of delicate pink and powder blue that changes depending on the viewing angle and light conditions. 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 different colours. Designed to be used on to glass and acrylic surfaces, the soft iridescent colour change effect of Nova is a subtle blend of soft yellows with baby pink tones that change depending on the viewing angle and light conditions. Buy it by the metre at 1370mm wide.
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