AC812 Antique bronze powder for craft and decorative projects

Product Overview

AC812 sits at the fine end of our Gold Bronze Powder range. At 1200 mesh, the metal flakes are fine enough that individual particles aren't visible to the naked eye, creating a uniform, silky metallic surface. This makes it particularly well-suited for offset and gravure printing where print quality and smoothness matter.

Unlike mica-based pearlescent pigments that produce interference colors, bronze powders are actual metal particles. They reflect light like a metal surface—giving you that unmistakable deep metallic look. In our application lab, we frequently see formulators choose bronze powders when they need authentic metallic depth that pearl pigments simply can't deliver.

Product Series & Available Grades

AC812 is part of Kolortek's Standard Gold Bronze Color group within the broader Gold Bronze Powder Series. Here's where it fits:

The 800-mesh version (KT-AC811) is the workhorse grade for general printing and coating applications. AC812 at 1200 mesh delivers finer particle distribution for applications where surface smoothness is critical. The BX variants offer alternative formulation options within the same color family.

Technical Characteristics

As a true metallic pigment, AC812 behaves differently from mica-based pearl pigments. Here's what matters in formulation:

• Opacity: Excellent hiding power at 3–8% loading—you get full metallic coverage without excessive pigment load
• Temperature resistance: Heat-stable to high temperatures with no thermal degradation—metal particles don't break down
• Chemical sensitivity: Limited resistance in acidic or alkaline environments; keep pH between 6 and 9 to avoid tarnishing
• Water reactivity: Bronze powders react with water, producing hydrogen gas and oxidation. AC812 is suitable for water-based systems when properly formulated with protective coatings (typically silica, stearate, or polymer encapsulation)
• Electrical conductivity: Electrically conductive—not suitable where electrical insulation is required
• Specific gravity: High—proper dispersion equipment is necessary

Application Guide

Printing Inks

The 1200-mesh particle size makes AC812 particularly well-suited for high-quality offset and gravure printing. We see it used in packaging, gift wrap, greeting cards, security printing, and label applications where a smooth metallic finish is required without visible particle texture.

Decorative Coatings

For decorative bronze powder applications—picture frames, furniture trim, hardware finishes—AC812 delivers a refined antique bronze effect. The extra-fine mesh produces a silky surface that works well on smooth substrates where you want uniform metallic coverage.

Plastics & Masterbatch

AC812 can be incorporated into plastics masterbatch for injection molding and extrusion of decorative items. The high specific gravity requires proper mixing, but once dispersed, the metallic effect remains stable through processing.

Craft & Art Supplies

Craft bronze powder users typically work without specialized dispersion equipment. For craft projects like scrapbooking or model making, we recommend pre-mixing the pigment with a small portion of your base medium before adding it to the full batch. This prevents clumping and ensures even distribution. Note: AC812 is not for skin-contact applications—cosmetic-grade pigments are required where skin contact occurs.

Textile Printing

Bronze powders can be used in textile printing for fabric decoration and traditional printing applications. The key consideration is formulation compatibility with textile binders and proper curing to achieve wash-fastness.

Formulation & Processing Tips

Getting the best results from AC812 comes down to proper dispersion technique:

• Use low-shear mixing. High-speed dispersers with cowles blades work well. Avoid ball mills and high-intensity mixers that flatten the metal flakes and reduce metallic effect.
• Water-based formulations: Protect the metal surface with silica, stearate, or polymer coatings. Without protection, bronze powders will react with water, generating hydrogen gas and causing discoloration.
• pH control: Keep formulations within pH 6–9. Outside this range, the copper-zinc alloy will tarnish.
• Storage: Store in dry conditions in sealed containers. Metal flakes oxidize if exposed to moisture and air over time.

Quality & Compliance

AC812 is manufactured under Kolortek's ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system. We provide full TDS and MSDS/SDS documentation with all shipments. Transport classification: non-flammable solid, not classified as hazardous for transport.

Important: AC812 is not a cosmetic-grade product and must not be used in personal care or cosmetic applications. Metal pigments are not approved for skin contact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 800-mesh and 1200-mesh antique bronze powder?

The 800-mesh version (KT-AC811) is the standard grade for general printing inks and decorative coatings. The 1200-mesh AC812 delivers finer particle distribution with a silky surface feel—individual flakes aren't visible. We typically recommend 1200 mesh for high-quality offset and gravure printing where surface smoothness is critical, and 800 mesh for broader coating and ink applications.

Can I use AC812 in water-based formulations?

Yes, but with proper formulation. Bronze powders react with water, producing hydrogen gas and oxidation. AC812 is suitable for water-based systems when the metal surface is protected with a coating—typically silica, stearate, or polymer encapsulation. Without protection, the pigment will tarnish and discolor. Keep pH between 6 and 9 for best stability.

How does decorative bronze powder compare to pearl pigments for metallic effects?

Bronze powders are actual copper-zinc alloy particles that reflect light like a metal surface—giving you genuine metallic depth. Pearl pigments (mica-based interference pigments) produce color through optical interference, creating a softer, iridescent effect. If you need unmistakable metallic appearance with high opacity, bronze powders deliver what pearl pigments can't. If you need interference color shift or softer luster, pearls are the right choice.

Is an antique bronze powder sample available for testing?

Yes. We provide complimentary evaluation samples for qualified inquiries. Contact our technical team with your application details, and we'll send a sample of AC812 along with technical data sheets and formulation guidance to help you assess compatibility with your system.

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