AC220RX-AC1500RX Red copper metallic powder for decorative coating

What the AC****X Red Copper Series Delivers

The AC****X series is Kolortek's metallic gloss pigment line built around traditional metallic flake pigments. Within that family, the RX grades carry a distinct red copper character — a warm, high-chroma tone that sits between classic gold and deep bronze, with a strong specular metallic sheen. This is a different visual mechanism from pearlescent pigments: the effect is direct metallic reflectance, not an interference-based luster, so the copper tone reads consistently across viewing angles.

In our application work, we find the RX grades well-suited for formulations where a strong copper aesthetic drives the design brief — furniture lacquers, architectural metallic finishes, and industrial decorative paints. Particle size directly shapes the finished result: coarser grades (220–400 mesh) produce a sparkly, textured metallic surface with visible flake character, while finer grades (1000–1500 mesh) yield a smoother, more uniform copper sheen.

One constraint to address upfront: these are traditional metallic flake pigments that oxidize in aqueous environments. The AC****X series is formulated for solvent-based and oil-based systems only. If your formulation is water-based, a surface-treated grade from a separate product family is the correct path — reach out to our technical team for that conversation.

Product Grades and Particle Sizes

The RX sub-series runs from 220 to 1500 mesh across seven grades. Selecting the right mesh for your process matters: finer grades pass through spray equipment without clogging, while coarser grades are better suited to roller, trowel, or cast methods — where the larger flake size contributes to a deliberate high-texture metallic surface character.

The broader AC****X series also includes related color variants for formulators who need color family flexibility: KT-AC220CX–AC1500CX in Cyan Red Gold, KT-AC220GX–AC1500GX in Cyan Gold, and KT-AC800BX/KT-AC1200BX in Antique Bronze — all structured across the same mesh range and sharing the same solvent-only formulation approach. Standard non-AC equivalents in the red copper shade (KT-RC800 and KT-RC1000) are available for applications where 800 or 1000 mesh is the target and a non-AC formulation is preferred.

Decorative Copper Powder in Solvent-Based Coating Systems

The RX grades fit a well-defined set of application categories. From our experience supporting coating customers, we see the most consistent results across these end uses:

• Decorative architectural and furniture coatings — solvent-based lacquers, metallic paints, and decorative finishes where a warm copper tone is specified
• Oil-based printing inks — metallic copper tones for packaging print and decorative overprint applications
• Industrial paints — wherever a copper or bronze metallic aesthetic is part of the product specification
• Bronze and gold effect finishes — the red copper tone pairs well with antique bronze aesthetics in combination with appropriate topcoats

For spray application, select grades in the 800–1500 mesh range to reduce nozzle blockage risk. Coarser grades (220–400 mesh) are suited to roller, trowel, or cast methods, where the visible flake size is part of the intended surface character rather than a processing liability.

Applying over a light base coat strengthens both visual depth and metallic intensity. Like other effect pigments, metallic flake pigments are semi-transparent — the base coat color contributes to the final appearance, so base coat selection is worth accounting for at the formulation stage.

Formulation and Processing Notes

Metallic flake pigments are more sensitive to mechanical shear than standard pigments. High-speed dispersers will damage the platelet structure and reduce metallic luster — slow paddle mixing is the correct approach throughout. Pre-disperse the pigment in a portion of solvent or resin before incorporating into the full batch; this prevents agglomeration and keeps the dispersion process controllable.

Settlement is a practical handling issue. Metallic flakes are relatively dense and will settle in low-viscosity systems if no counter-measures are in place. Fumed silica and bentone are the standard anti-settling additive options. For production environments where batch handling consistency matters, pre-dispersed paste forms of the pigment offer a workable alternative to dry powder addition.

Target loading range is 1–20% by weight. Start at the low end and increase incrementally toward the target visual result; the metallic effect builds quickly, and over-addition makes final film properties harder to control.

Standard packaging is 25 kg per drum or carton, with pallet quantities at 300 kg. SDS is supplied with all shipments; TDS is available on request prior to ordering.

Quality and Compliance

Production and sales operations at Kolortek are certified under ISO 9001:2015, covering glitters, pigments, and fillers. Batch-to-batch color consistency is a core objective in our quality system — directly relevant for decorative coating formulators who depend on predictable metallic tone across repeat production orders.

REACH documentation is available; the current company-level certificate covers fluorphlogopite (synthetic mica) grades. For the AC****X metallic series, REACH compliance status for your specific application should be confirmed directly with our team. Heavy metal content is controlled across all product lines to levels well within international regulatory thresholds. TDS and SDS are standard documents provided with every order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the KT-AC220RX–AC1500RX grades compatible with water-based coating systems?

No. The AC****X red copper series uses traditional metallic flake pigments that oxidize in aqueous environments. These grades are formulated for solvent-based and oil-based systems only. Using them in water-based formulations leads to oxidation and color degradation. If your system is water-based, contact our technical team — a surface-treated grade from a separate product family would be the correct direction for that application.

How do I choose the right mesh grade for my coating application?

Particle size determines both the surface texture and the viable application method. Coarser grades (220–400 mesh) produce a sparkly, high-texture metallic surface suited to roller, trowel, or cast application. Finer grades (1000–1500 mesh) deliver a smoother, more uniform copper sheen and pass through spray equipment reliably. Mid-range grades (600–800 mesh) offer a balance between visible metallic sparkle and spray compatibility.

Can we request a copper powder free sample before placing a bulk order?

Yes. Kolortek offers a copper powder free sample service for qualified inquiries — this covers the AC****X red copper grades as well as other metallic and effect pigment series. Provide your application type and target formulation details, and we'll send a representative sample of the appropriate mesh grade. Small batch orders are also available for lab-scale evaluation before committing to full production volumes.

What anti-settling measures are recommended for red copper metallic powder in solvent-based coatings?

Settlement is a consistent challenge with metallic flake pigments due to their relatively high density. Incorporating anti-settling additives — fumed silica and bentone are the most commonly used — into the formulation is standard practice. For production environments where handling ease and batch consistency are priorities, pre-dispersed paste forms of the pigment reduce the risk of settlement-related variation between batches.

Contact our technical team to discuss grade selection and formulation requirements for your specific coating application.