Fine Flake KT-8213 Bright Violet Borosilicate Pearl Pigment

KT-8213 is a fine-particle borosilicate pearl pigment with a particle size range of 10–60μm. The substrate is synthetic calcium aluminum borosilicate, coated with titanium dioxide and tin oxide to produce the interference violet effect. It belongs to Kolortek's Dreamstar Series — a line based on borosilicate flakes rather than natural or synthetic mica.

The key distinction from mica-based interference pigments: borosilicate flakes are inherently smoother and more transparent. That translates to a cleaner, brighter color response and a more pronounced sparkle under direct light — characteristics that matter in both cosmetic and coating applications.

Worth noting: like all interference-series pigments, KT-8213 appears largely white or near-colorless when viewed in bulk or on a white substrate. The violet color becomes visible when the pigment is applied over or incorporated into dark backgrounds. This is standard interference behavior — not a color-shift or chameleon effect.

Product Series — Bright Violet Borosilicate Range

KT-8213 is the fine-particle entry point in a graduated series. The series spans from fine cosmetic-grade to large-flake sparkle formats:

In practice, KT-8213's 10–60μm range makes it the right choice for smooth-film applications — cosmetics, fine-dispersion inks, or coatings where surface texture needs to remain controlled. The larger grades (KT-8263, KT-8273) are better suited for nail gel, craft applications, or coatings where visual sparkle intensity outweighs surface smoothness.

Key Characteristics

• Interference violet effect: Bright violet appearance on dark or pigmented substrates; near-white or translucent on light backgrounds. This is a classic thin-film interference mechanism — angle-dependent but not a dramatic color-shift.
• High transparency: The borosilicate substrate is unusually transparent compared to natural mica, allowing deeper light penetration and a more luminous final appearance.
• Elevated reflectivity: Borosilicate flakes carry a higher refractive index response, which contributes to the diamond-like sparkle effect this series is known for.
• Smooth flake geometry: The flat, uniform flake structure supports good orientation in films and minimizes surface scatter — relevant for coating gloss and cosmetic feel.
• Synthetic substrate: No natural mineral variability. Batch-to-batch consistency is tighter than natural mica grades, which matters in production-scale formulation.

Applications

KT-8213's fine particle size and cosmetic-compatible composition make it a practical fit across several end-use categories:

• Cosmetics & Personal Care: Eye shadow, highlighter, body shimmer, pressed powder, and lip formulations. As a pearl pigment powder, it disperses cleanly in both anhydrous and emulsion systems.
• Nail Products: Gel polish and nail lacquer — the fine flake grade gives smooth application without brush drag.
• Decorative Coatings & Paints: Interior decorative paints, specialty effect coatings. Works best over tinted or dark base coats where the interference violet registers visually.
• Printing Inks: Fine-particle grades are compatible with gravure and screen printing systems where pigment size directly affects print quality.
• Soap & Craft: Melt-and-pour soap bases, resin casting, and art applications where a fine violet shimmer is desired.

Practical Formulation Considerations

Borosilicate-based interference pigments require some handling awareness to perform at their best.

Dispersion: Low-shear mixing is strongly preferred. High-shear processing (bead milling, aggressive rotor-stator) will fracture flakes, reduce particle size distribution, and diminish both brightness and interference intensity. For cosmetic batches, hand-mixing or paddle mixing at moderate speed is typically sufficient. For coatings, add late in the mix cycle after viscosity is established.

Substrate color matters: The violet interference effect is substrate-dependent. On transparent or white substrates, the color reads as pale or near-white. Over black, dark navy, or deep-tinted bases, the violet becomes fully visible. If the end formula uses a light or white base, consider layering or switching to a dyed borosilicate option (e.g., KT-68860331 Sparkle Purple, which incorporates Red 28 for a color-stable purple regardless of substrate).

Compatibility: The inorganic coating system (TiO₂ / SnO₂) is chemically stable in most organic solvent and aqueous systems. No reported compatibility issues with standard cosmetic esters, silicones, or coating resins. pH extremes (<4 or >10) over extended periods should be evaluated case by case.

Loading levels: In cosmetics, typical use is 1–10% depending on the effect intensity desired. In coatings, 1–5% by weight in the final film is a reasonable starting point. Higher loadings don't linearly increase effect — flake crowding reduces orientation quality.

KT-8213 vs. Mica-Based Violet Pearl (KT-219)

Both KT-8213 (borosilicate) and KT-219 (mica) cover the same particle size range (10–60μm) and share TiO₂/SnO₂ coating chemistry. The performance differences come from the substrate:

That said, for formulators already running mica-based systems and looking for a near drop-in with enhanced brilliance, KT-8213 is the direct upgrade path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will KT-8213 show violet color in a white or clear base coat?
No — not significantly. KT-8213 is an interference pigment. The violet effect is produced by thin-film light interference and is dependent on a dark or tinted background to be visible. In a clear or white system, it will appear as a subtle silver-white shimmer. For color-visible-on-any-substrate performance, consider a dyed borosilicate option such as KT-68860331.

Q: Is KT-8213 safe for use in cosmetics, including eye-area products?
The base composition — calcium aluminum borosilicate, titanium dioxide, tin oxide — is accepted in cosmetic formulations. Borosilicate-based pigments are used in decorative cosmetics including eye shadow. That said, regulatory compliance is region-specific. TDS, MSDS, and supporting compliance documentation are available from Kolortek to support your regulatory review.

Q: How does KT-8213 compare to larger-flake grades like KT-8243 or KT-8263?
Particle size directly affects the visual character. KT-8213 (10–60μm) produces a smooth, fine shimmer — consistent coverage with a soft glitter effect. KT-8243 (40–200μm) and KT-8263 (60–400μm) produce more visible individual flake sparkle, which reads as a stronger glitter rather than a smooth pearl. The right choice depends on the film thickness of your system and the desired visual intensity.

Q: Can KT-8213 be used in water-based coating systems?
Yes. The inorganic TiO₂/SnO₂ coating is stable in water-based systems across typical formulation pH ranges. Standard precautions apply: avoid prolonged exposure to strongly acidic or alkaline conditions, and use low-shear dispersion to protect flake integrity. For aqueous cosmetic emulsions, adding the pigment to the cool-down phase is recommended.

Request Samples or Technical Documentation

If you're evaluating KT-8213 for a specific formulation or need to compare it against other grades in the Bright Violet series, Kolortek provides samples, TDS, MSDS, and formulation support. Contact the technical team at contact@kolortek.com with your application details and target substrate for a more targeted recommendation.