Process Interference colouring
The colours results from the interference phenomena. In very thin semi-transparent layers on top of the material the white light is partly reflected. The layers filter and amplify certain colors (wavelengths) and the surface appears to have a colour.

The thin layers are normally oxide layers, for example cromiumoxide on stainless steel.

Patterns of different colours can be achieved by etching selected areas on the surface.
Danish Name Interferensfarvning
Category Surface processes
Typical products Beetle, coloured
Pastry server
Spoon, coloured
Tiile, coloured metal
Photo Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
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