Bright Pearl Mica Pearlescent Pigment – KT-105

KT-105 is a bright pearl natural mica pearlescent pigment in the KT-100 Silver White Series — a rutile TiO₂-coated grade positioned at the higher-brightness end of the series, delivering a more pronounced, directional pearl luster than silk or satin sub-grades. Where silk grades (KT-104) produce a diffuse, wide-angle sheen, the bright pearl character of KT-105 generates a stronger specular component — the pearl effect is more visible at direct viewing angles, giving finished surfaces a higher-gloss, more reflective quality. For formulators developing coatings, nail lacquers, cosmetics, and decorative products where visible pearl intensity is a key specification, KT-105 offers a practical mid-to-upper brightness option within the natural mica cost range.

Key Technical Characteristics

Higher-brightness pearl effect within the KT-100 range: The "bright pearl" designation indicates a stronger specular luster than satin or silk grades at comparable loading levels. The effect is driven by the combination of particle size distribution and rutile TiO₂ coating parameters — larger, well-oriented platelets reflect light more directionally, producing the characteristic bright, lustrous sheen. Compared to flash-pearl grades (40–200μm+), KT-105 still produces a smooth film with good coverage, but with noticeably more luminosity than fine silk grades.

Rutile TiO₂ coating — stability and refractive efficiency: Rutile phase TiO₂ provides a refractive index of approximately 2.70 — higher than anatase — and significantly lower photocatalytic activity. For coatings with outdoor exposure and cosmetic formulations containing organic oils, this reduces ingredient degradation risk under UV. The rutile coating also contributes to the characteristic bright-white silver tone of KT-105 rather than the warmer or yellower tones produced by some alternative coating chemistries.

Blending to create colored pearl and metallic effects: Mixed with transparent colorants, KT-105 delivers both the pigment hue and the bright silver-white pearl luster simultaneously — the combined effect reads as a luminous colored pearl. Adding a small amount of carbon black (typically 0.1–0.5%) shifts the result toward a silver-grey metallic finish with higher luster contrast. Used alongside aluminum paste, KT-105 contributes pearlescent depth to an otherwise flat metallic effect.

Broad binder system compatibility: KT-105 disperses in water-based, solvent-based, UV-curable, and resin systems without requiring surface modification for most standard applications. The same grade covers waterborne wall paints, solvent alkyd coatings, nitrocellulose nail lacquers, and two-component epoxy systems — a practical advantage for formulators running multiple product lines from a single pigment inventory.

Technical Specifications

Where KT-105 Sits in the KT-100 Series

Application Range

Formulation Notes

Mixing protocol — protecting platelet integrity: Add KT-105 during the letdown stage after all high-shear steps are complete. Use low-shear paddle or anchor agitation. Mechanical fracture of the mica platelets during mixing reduces the effective D50, which directly reduces pearl intensity — the bright pearl character is particularly sensitive to this because brightness depends on platelet size and orientation. Do not recirculate through tight-clearance pumps or inline homogenizers after KT-105 has been added.

Platelet orientation and film formation: Pearl intensity in the finished application depends on how well the mica platelets align parallel to the substrate surface during film formation. Spray application generally produces better platelet orientation than brush application in coatings. In nail lacquer, formulation viscosity and leveling additives affect orientation. Testing the finished product at your specific application conditions before finalizing loading levels is recommended — visual assessment under directional and diffuse light reveals orientation quality.

Typical loading levels: General starting ranges — decorative coatings: 3–10%; cosmetic pressed powder: 5–20%; nail lacquer: 2–8%; epoxy resin and craft applications: 3–10%. These are reference ranges only; optimal loading depends on your base formulation, binder system, and target visual effect. Bench trials are necessary to confirm the working range for your specific application.

Kolortek has manufactured the KT-100 Silver White Series for over 20 years with consistent rutile TiO₂ coating uniformity and controlled D50 particle size distribution across production batches — the manufacturing variables that most directly affect pearl brightness and batch-to-batch visual consistency. TDS and SDS are available for KT-105; INCI documentation is available for cosmetic applications. Custom particle size grades within the bright pearl character range are available for volume buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What distinguishes a "bright pearl" grade from a standard silver white grade in the KT-100 series?
A: The difference is primarily in pearl intensity and directionality. Standard silver white grades at 10–60μm produce a balanced pearl with visible shimmer and good coverage uniformity. Bright pearl grades have a particle size and coating combination tuned for higher specular reflectivity — the pearl effect is more pronounced and more visible at direct viewing angles. In practical terms, a bright pearl finish reads as more luminous and reflective compared to a standard or satin grade at the same loading level. Flash pearl grades (40–200μm+) go further still — producing visible individual platelet sparkle at the cost of film smoothness.

Q: Can KT-105 be used in cosmetic formulations?
A: Yes. KT-100 series natural mica pearlescent pigments are used in eye shadow, highlighter, body shimmer, and face powder applications. For cosmetic use, buyers typically require INCI declaration and may need additional documentation for regulatory submissions depending on the target market. Contact Kolortek to confirm what documentation is available for KT-105 for your specific application and market.

Q: Should I choose KT-105 or a KT-7100 synthetic mica grade for my application?
A: The decision depends on purity requirements and processing conditions. Natural mica (KT-105) contains trace mineral inclusions that can appear as small dark spots in finished products — more apparent in fine cosmetics and high-gloss coatings examined at close range. Synthetic Fluorphlogopite (KT-7100 series) has higher substrate purity, fewer visible inclusions, better weatherfastness, and thermal stability above approximately 500°C. For standard decorative coatings, general cosmetics, nail, and craft applications, natural mica is adequate. For prestige cosmetics, outdoor weathering requirements, or plastics processed at high temperatures, specify the KT-7100 series.

Q: How do I achieve a silver-grey metallic effect using KT-105?
A: Add a small amount of carbon black to the KT-105-containing formulation — typically 0.1–0.5% depending on the desired depth of grey and the effect intensity. The dark background increases the reflective contrast of the mica platelets, producing a metallic silver-grey appearance with higher luster impact than KT-105 alone. Start at 0.1% carbon black and increase in increments — small additions shift the tone noticeably, and overaddition quickly dominates the visual result.

Request Samples or Technical Data

Pearl brightness is best evaluated in your own formulation and application system — bench samples let you confirm effect intensity, platelet orientation in your specific base, and loading level before committing to production quantities. Contact Kolortek to request a grade sample of KT-105, download the TDS with particle size distribution data, or discuss selection across the KT-100 Silver White Series for your application.