Exposed lens retroreflective article

An exposed lens retroreflective article comprising:

• a binder layer;
• a layer of spaced apart optical elements that is partially embedded in the binder layer;
• a colored layer that is located between the spaced apart optical elements, wherein the colored layer comprises nanopigment, and wherein the colored layer is penetrated by the optical elements, such that the colored layer has a non-uniform thickness, and wherein the colored layer has an average thickness between the spaced apart optical elements ranging from greater than 0.1 times the average diameter of the optical elements to 0.75 times the average diameter of the optical elements;
• and
• a reflective layer that is located functionally behind the layer of optical elements and the colored layer.

A method of making an exposed lens retroreflective article comprising the steps:

• partially embedding a plurality of optical elements in a carrier web;
• applying a color composition to the exposed surfaces of the optical elements, wherein the color composition comprises:
• pigment having an average size from about 1 nm to about 1000 nm,
• at least one polymer,
• a low flash point solvent, and
• a high flash point solvent, wherein there is a difference of at least about 10° C. in the flash point of the low flash point solvent and the high flash point solvent;
• applying a reflective material to the exposed surfaces of the optical elements and the applied color composition;
• and
• applying a binder composition to form a binder layer.