Fine Particle KT-309 Fine Satin Gold Pigment — Iriodin 309 Match

KT-309 belongs to Kolortek's KT-300 Gold Series — natural mica-based pearlescent pigments with iron oxide interference coatings. The satin gold effect comes from the specific Fe₂O₃ layer thickness over rutile TiO₂, giving the pigment its characteristic warm undertone without the opacity or color shift typical of copper gold powder.

In practice, the transparency of the mica base lets the underlying substrate read through, which is why KT-309 behaves differently in white versus dark carriers. On light substrates, the gold luster strengthens. On dark backgrounds, depth and richness become more visible. Both responses are predictable and reproducible batch-to-batch.

The fine particle size — median distribution kept well below 15μm — means KT-309 disperses cleanly in low-viscosity systems. No pre-grinding required under standard ink and coating conditions. It passes through fine mesh screens without significant retention losses, which matters in gravure printing and flexo workflows.

KT-309 Composition at a Glance

KT-300 Gold Series — Available Variants

KT-309 is part of a broader gold family. Each variant uses the same natural mica base but differs in Fe₂O₃ layer thickness, producing a range of interference tones from pale gold through bronze and into deep wine red.

Worth noting: these grades can be blended with each other. Controlled ratio mixing allows formulators to dial in intermediate gold tones not available as discrete products — useful when matching a target color from an existing formulation.

Applications

The fine particle size drives most of the application logic here. KT-309 is used across:

• Printing inks — gravure, flexo, and screen printing where fine, consistent gold is needed without clogging
• Cosmetics — eyeshadows, highlighters, and face powders; compatible with standard cosmetic-grade binders and oils
• Nail art — fine grind allows smooth application through gel systems
• Soaps and personal care — disperses cleanly in both melt-and-pour and cold process soap bases
• Paints and coatings — decorative architectural and industrial coatings requiring a refined gold appearance
• Epoxy flooring — used in feature areas or blended into colored base coats
• Artificial marble and countertops — mixed into casting resin to replicate stone vein effects
• Crafts — compatible with a wide range of hobby and craft resins, varnishes, and adhesives

Formulation Considerations

KT-309 is chemically inert and compatible with most organic and water-based carrier systems. That said, a few practical points are worth keeping in mind:

Dispersion: Gentle low-shear mixing is sufficient. High-shear mixing (e.g., ball milling) risks breaking the platelet structure, reducing the luster and satin effect. For ink systems, a simple cowles blade or paddle mixer at moderate speed works well.

Loading levels: Typical use range is 2–8% depending on application and desired intensity. In transparent coatings, lower loadings (2–4%) deliver a subtle shimmer. Higher concentrations increase the saturation of the gold tone but can reduce gloss in film-forming systems.

Substrate interaction: Because the mica platelets orient parallel to the substrate surface during application, brush-applied coatings will show slightly different luster uniformity than spray or roll-applied films. Spray application gives the most even flake orientation and typically the strongest visual effect.

pH sensitivity: KT-309 is stable across typical formulation pH ranges. No special buffering is needed in most water-based systems.

KT-309 vs. Copper Gold Powder — Quick Comparison

Formulators switching from copper gold powder sometimes ask whether the visual result is comparable. It isn't — and that's the point. The differences are structural:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is KT-309 a direct match to Iriodin 309 Fine Satin Gold?
KT-309 is formulated as an iriodin 309 equivalent — same natural mica base, rutile TiO₂ coating, and iron oxide interference layer. Colorimetric and visual parity with Merck Iriodin 309 is the design target. As with any cross-supplier match, we recommend running a side-by-side application test in your specific system before full qualification.

Q: Is KT-309 safe for use in cosmetics and leave-on skin products?
Yes. The mica, TiO₂, Fe₂O₃, and SnO₂ composition aligns with cosmetic-grade ingredient requirements. REACH compliance and available safety documentation (MSDS, TDS, COA) support formulation and regulatory review. For specific market approvals, verify against applicable regional regulations (EU, US FDA, etc.) using the supplied documentation.

Q: Can KT-309 be blended with other grades in the KT-300 series?
Yes. The full KT-300 Gold Series is designed for blending. Because all grades share the same mica substrate and oxide coating chemistry, inter-grade compatibility is straightforward. Blending KT-309 with a deeper bronze or wine red grade produces intermediate gold tones that can be useful for custom color matching without requesting a bespoke production run.

Q: What documentation is available for supplier qualification?
Standard documentation includes MSDS, TDS, and COA per batch. ISO 9001 certification, REACH compliance data, and third-party test reports (SGS, TÜV SÜD) are available on request. Kosher certification is also held for applicable grades.

Request Samples or Technical Data

If you're qualifying KT-309 as an alternative to merck iriodin pigments or building it into a new formulation, sample requests and technical documentation are available directly. Reach out with your application details — substrate, carrier system, and target loading — and the technical team can advise on dispersion method and expected performance.

Contact: contact@kolortek.com