Abstract: A pigment is mixed with an epoxy resin or varnish binder in a weight ratio from 5:1 to 6:1 to make a paste, which is then applied as a thin layer by screen printing on top of the counterelectrode layer previously baked onto a metal substrate. In another baking step the new layer for producing a reflective coating is heated to between 120.degree. and 180.degree. C., in which temperature range the binder produces small bubbles before hardening, so that the layer that is produced is permeable to ions when the layer becomes soaked with electrolyte in the assembled electrochromic device. The metal substrate is shaped by drawing to provide the electrolyte cavity after the application of the counterelectrode and the reflecting background layer thereon, since the deformation does not damage either of these layers.

Abstract: The counterelectrode (16) of an electrochromic indicator device is made of a paste of activated carbon and an organic binder baked on a metal plate (15). The shape of the metal plate can be dished after the layer is baked on without damage. Activated carbon in the counterelectrode, operating with the usual electrolyte and a transition metal oxide electrochromic electrode, makes possible a high-charge density from migration of ions with the application of very small voltages. The electrochromic effect can be extinguished simply by a short-circuit, especially if polyvinyl alcohol is provided as a supplementary binder by dipping the baked counterelectrode therein and baking again, and even more so if the activated carbon paste contains finely divided gold from decomposition of a gold compound during baking. The counterelectrode layer can be applied by screen printing.