AC220GX-AC1500GX Cyan gold bronze powder multiple mesh sizes

Product Overview: Real Metal, Real Reflection

The cyan gold GX series is a copper-zinc alloy system, not a coated mica product. That distinction matters in formulation: you get dense, opaque metallic color with excellent hiding power, but you also work with electrically conductive flakes that react with water and have limited chemical resistance compared to interference pigments. From our experience supporting coating and ink customers, this trade-off is acceptable—often preferred—in decorative applications where you prioritize visual impact and cost efficiency over extreme environmental durability.

The color itself sits in the warm metallic range: a greenish-gold tone distinct from pure copper (redder) or pale gold (more yellow). The exact visual shifts slightly with particle size—coarser flakes show more individual sparkle and texture, finer flakes produce a smoother, more uniform metallic finish.

Product Series & Mesh Size Selection

Mesh size determines both visual effect and processing compatibility. Here's the full range:

In our application lab, we see most coating formulators start with 600 or 800 mesh for a good balance of effect and processability. If you need visible sparkle—picture frames, decorative hardware, religious statuary—200 or 400 mesh delivers that textured metallic look. For inks and plastics where smoothness matters, 1000-1500 mesh avoids nozzle clogging and produces a uniform, professional finish.

Technical Characteristics & Formulation Constraints

Material Properties

These are genuine metal flakes—copper-zinc alloy—which brings specific handling requirements:

• Specific gravity: High. You'll need adequate dispersion equipment; metal flakes settle quickly in low-viscosity systems.
• Heat stability: Excellent. Metal doesn't thermally degrade like organic pigments, so this series works in high-temperature processes (powder coatings, injection molding, extrusion).
• Chemical resistance: Limited. Copper-zinc alloys tarnish in acidic or alkaline environments. Keep formulation pH between 6 and 9. Strong acids and bases will discolor the flakes.
• Water reactivity: Raw bronze powder reacts with water, producing hydrogen gas and surface oxidation. The AC series is engineered for water-based systems, but that typically means the flakes carry a protective surface coating (silica, stearate, or polymer encapsulation). Confirm with your batch's technical data sheet.
• Electrical conductivity: These flakes are conductive. Do not use in electrical insulation applications.

Recommended Loading & Dispersion

Typical loading range: 3-8% by weight. At 3%, you'll see good metallic coverage in most systems; at 8%, you get maximum color intensity and hiding. Going beyond 8% rarely improves the visual result and can create processing issues (increased viscosity, flake orientation problems).

Use low-shear mixing. High-speed dispersers with cowles blades work well. Avoid ball mills, high-intensity mixers, or anything that mechanically deforms the flakes—you'll flatten them, lose reflectivity, and turn your metallic effect into a dull gray. Add the powder slowly during the letdown phase, after you've established base viscosity. This prevents clumping and ensures even distribution.

Application Guide

Decorative Coatings

Primary use case. Picture frames, furniture trim, architectural accents, hardware finishes, religious items (temple decorations, statues), craft supplies. The cyan gold tone works particularly well in applications where you want a warm, antique-metal look without the red intensity of pure copper or the brightness of pale gold. Use 200-600 mesh for visible sparkle, 800-1200 mesh for smooth, professional coating finishes.

Printing Inks

Packaging, labels, gift wrap, greeting cards, security printing. Use 800-1500 mesh to avoid nozzle clogging and ensure smooth ink flow. The GX series functions as a cost-effective alternative to metallic foil stamping—you get similar visual impact in a single print pass. Keep viscosity within your press specifications and monitor pH if you're working in water-based ink systems.

Plastics Masterbatch

Injection molding and extrusion applications where you need metallic color in the finished part. Use 800-1200 mesh for good dispersion and uniform color. The high heat stability of metal flakes means you can process at typical thermoplastic temperatures without color degradation. One thing to note: flake orientation during molding affects the final appearance—flow direction will create subtle color shifts.

Textile Printing

Fabric decoration, especially for specialty garments and decorative textiles. Use finer mesh sizes (1000-1500) to maintain print definition and avoid a gritty hand feel. The metallic effect on fabric is less intense than on solid substrates, so expect a softer, more subtle cyan gold tone compared to coatings.

Quality Standards & Compliance

Kolortek's manufacturing operations are ISO 9001:2015 certified, covering production and sales processes for effect pigments. The AC220GX-AC1500GX series falls under industrial/decorative positioning—these are not cosmetic-grade pigments and must not be used in personal care products. REACH registration in our system covers fluorphlogopite (synthetic mica) but requires product-specific confirmation for metal alloy powders; consult our technical team if you need REACH documentation for this series.

We offer bronze powder free sample service for qualified formulation projects. Request a technical data sheet (TDS) and safety data sheet (SDS) with your sample to confirm batch-specific parameters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the GX series and mica-based gold pigments?

The GX series uses copper-zinc alloy flakes that produce true metallic reflection—opaque, high-coverage color. Mica-based golds (like interference or pearlescent pigments) create color through light interference on coated mica platelets, giving a translucent, iridescent effect. If you need full hiding power and a dense metallic look, use the GX series. If you want layered transparency and angle-dependent color shifts, use mica-based alternatives.

Can I use AC220GX-AC1500GX in water-based coatings?

Yes, the AC series is engineered for water-based systems, but the flakes require surface protection to prevent oxidation and discoloration. Most batches carry a factory-applied protective coating (silica, stearate, or polymer). Maintain formulation pH between 6 and 9, and avoid prolonged water exposure during storage. If you're working with a particularly aggressive water-based system, request a sample trial before scaling up.

Which mesh size should I choose for offset printing?

Use 1200 or 1500 mesh. Offset and gravure printing require ultra-fine particles to avoid nozzle clogging and ensure smooth ink transfer. The 1500 mesh grade gives the smoothest result with a silky appearance, while 1200 mesh offers slightly more visible metallic sparkle. Both work in typical printing ink viscosity ranges.

What loading rate gives the best cost-performance balance?

Start at 4-5% by weight. That loading gives strong metallic coverage without excessive material cost or processing complications. If you need maximum intensity—say, for a premium decorative coating—go to 6-8%. Below 3%, the effect becomes too subtle for most applications. Above 8%, you're adding cost without meaningful visual improvement.

Contact our technical team to discuss formulation requirements for your specific application.