Natural rock flake specifications are mainly labeled by mesh size and millimeter particle diameter. The lower the mesh number, the coarser the particle; the higher the mesh number, the finer the particle. Different specifications serve completely different functions in coatings — choosing the wrong one directly ruins the final result.
Specification range: 4–8mm, 6–10 mesh, 10–20 mesh, 1–5mm (composite flakes)
These are the "skeleton layer" of stone-imitation coatings. They define the overall texture and three-dimensional feel of the film.
10–20 mesh / 4–8mm: This is the core stone-imitation specification. After spraying, coarse particles protrude from the coating surface, simulating feldspar and quartz crystals in natural granite. This is the main ingredient in premium granite coatings (an upgraded version of real stone paint), used on high-end commercial facades and residential exteriors. The result looks like real stone — or even better.
6–10 mesh / 6–8mm: Stronger texture, more rugged grain feel. Commonly used for curtain walls, culture stone, and relief modeling where a heavy stone effect is desired. Also widely used in old wall renovation projects because the large particles cover surface defects best.
1–5mm (composite flakes): Soft, flexible, plate-shaped particles about 0.3mm thick. Specifically designed for premium granite coatings. They are manufactured to mimic the size of colored grains inside natural granite and bond tightly with water-based stone paint without falling off. A single-gun single-nozzle spray delivers the full effect.
Core function: shape the stone texture, provide three-dimensional contour, and build the color backbone.
Specification range: 20–40 mesh, 40–70 mesh, 1–8mm (composite flakes)
These are the "transition layer" of the coating. They bridge coarse and fine particles, fill gaps, and improve film density.
20–40 mesh: The most commonly used mid-range specification. Serves as the main filler in real stone paint and granite coatings, filling the voids between large particles to make the surface denser and smoother while still retaining some texture. This is the go-to specification for mid-to-high-end residential exteriors and municipal projects.
40–70 mesh: Finer particles with better filling effect, producing a smoother surface. Often paired with 20–40 mesh to control the grading ratio. Also used as the main material in standard real stone paint — the most cost-effective specification range.
1–8mm (composite flakes): Medium-sized composite flakes suitable for imitating medium-grain granite such as sesame white or sesame gray. Available in 30+ colors, professionally used in granite coating production.
Core function: fill voids, improve density, and balance cost with visual effect.
Specification range: 80–100 mesh, 100–120 mesh, 1–3mm (composite flakes)
These are the "skin layer" of the coating. They determine the final surface fineness, luster, and color transition.
80–100 mesh: Fine particles that provide a smooth base color and soft color transitions. Used in art coatings and interior thick-film paints to create vintage or sparkling wall effects. Also used as a top-coat finishing layer on exterior coatings to improve stain resistance and weather resistance.
100–120 mesh and above: Ultra-fine particles for high-end interior decoration, art spaces, hotel lobbies, and brand stores. When mixed into paint, they produce a subtle pearlescent or glittering finish. Also used in nail art and cosmetics — a cross-border application that demands strict safety and fineness standards.
1–3mm (composite flakes): Ultra-thin composite flakes suitable for imitating fine-grain granite or marble textures. Available in 48 single and composite color systems, used in precision stone-imitation coatings.
Core function: deliver smooth texture, pearlescent sparkle, and enhance stain and weather resistance.
In practice, making a convincing granite imitation coating never uses just one specification. It always combines coarse + medium + fine in a three-tier system:
The finer the mesh (higher number), the more the flake fills and preserves color. The coarser the mesh (lower number), the more it creates three-dimensional texture. Proper particle size grading is the technical foundation for avoiding a flat or chaotic finish.
Coarse flakes (6–20 mesh) build the skeleton and deliver stone feel. Medium flakes (20–70 mesh) fill the body and control cost. Fine flakes (80–120 mesh) form the skin and add luster. Exterior granite imitation uses coarse plus medium. Interior art coatings use medium plus fine. All three tiers working together is what makes the final result indistinguishable from real stone.