Flash Gold Mica Pearlescent Pigment, 10–100μm – KT-351

KT-351 is a Flash Gold natural mica pearlescent pigment in the 10–100μm particle size range — the coarser-format gold grade in the KT-300 series, designed for applications where visible individual-platelet gold sparkle is the target effect rather than smooth pearl coverage. The iron oxide and TiO₂ coating on each mica platelet produces a warm gold body color visible on any substrate, while the 10–100μm distribution delivers a flash-sparkle character that distinguishes it from the standard 10–60μm gold pearl grades. For epoxy flooring, decorative resin, craft applications, and nail lacquer where bold gold shimmer intensity matters, KT-351 is the appropriate specification within the KT-300 series.

Product Positioning — Flash vs. Standard Gold Pearl

Within the KT-300 Gold Series, particle size controls the visual character of the gold effect as much as iron oxide loading controls the tone. KT-351 Flash Gold uses the same gold tone as the standard KT-300 Gold Pearl but with a wider, coarser particle distribution — starting at 10μm (which contributes background coverage) and extending to 100μm (which contributes visible individual flash points). The result is a gold surface that shows both a continuous pearl base and bright individual sparkle reflections simultaneously.

KT-300 Gold Series: Particle Size and Visual Effect

All KT-300 natural mica gold grades share the same composition (Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide, Tin Oxide) and are blend-compatible for custom tone and effect development.

Technical Specifications

Key Technical Characteristics

Why 10–100μm produces a dual pearl-plus-flash effect: The fine fraction (10–40μm) in the KT-351 distribution contributes a continuous gold pearl background — these platelets are too small to resolve individually under normal viewing conditions and read as a diffuse gold sheen. The coarser fraction (40–100μm) contributes visible individual flash points. At standard loading levels, both effects are present simultaneously: a gold-toned surface with bright sparkle superimposed. Increasing loading density increases the coverage of both effects; the ratio between them remains consistent because both come from the same particle size distribution.

Iron oxide gold — visible on all substrates: The iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) coating absorbs blue-violet wavelengths and reflects warm gold, producing body color independent of what is underneath. KT-351 delivers its flash gold effect over white, cream, tan, and dark substrates without requiring a dark undercoat. This makes it substantially more versatile than interference gold grades for formulators who cannot specify or guarantee the base color.

Depth advantage over copper-bronze metallic powder: Copper-bronze metallic powders produce a flat, single-plane reflective layer. KT-351 mica platelets allow partial light transmission through the iron oxide and TiO₂ coating — creating multi-interface reflections that produce three-dimensional depth. In epoxy flooring and resin art, this depth effect is particularly visible because the resin matrix suspends the platelets throughout the film thickness rather than at a single surface plane.

Mixing protocol: Add KT-351 at the letdown stage after all high-shear dispersion steps are complete. Low-shear paddle or anchor mixing only — tight-clearance pumps and high-speed dispersers fracture the larger platelets in the 40–100μm range, eliminating the flash sparkle character and shifting the visual output toward a flat, lower-intensity gold. For epoxy systems, stir into the resin component before adding the hardener.

Application Range

Formulation Notes

Settling in low-viscosity systems: At 10–100μm, the larger platelets settle more rapidly than fine-grade equivalents in low-viscosity liquid systems. In epoxy flooring, incorporate KT-351 into the mixed resin shortly before application — extended hold time after mixing increases settling risk. In waterborne decorative coatings, rheology modifiers that suspend coarse particles (associative thickeners, fumed silica) improve distribution uniformity in the can and during application.

Blending for custom gold tones with flash character: KT-351 Flash Gold blends predictably with other KT-300 series grades. Mixing KT-351 with KT-353 Flash Red Gold shifts the flash sparkle toward a warm red-gold tone. Mixing with standard KT-300 Gold Pearl at 10–60μm adds pearl background coverage relative to flash intensity. All KT-300 grades share the same coating chemistry — blend ratios developed at bench scale transfer reliably to production.

Kolortek has supplied the KT-300 Gold Series for over 20 years with consistent iron oxide loading and particle size distribution across production batches. TDS, SDS, and INCI documentation are available for KT-351 on request. For applications requiring higher purity, fewer dark mineral inclusions, or processing temperatures above approximately 500°C, the KT-7300 synthetic Fluorphlogopite series offers equivalent flash gold grades including KT-7321 Flash Light Gold and KT-7323 Flash Red Gold at 20–100μm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between KT-351 Flash Gold and KT-300 Gold Pearl?
A: Both grades use identical composition (Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide, Tin Oxide) and the same warm gold tone. The difference is particle size: KT-300 Gold Pearl is 10–60μm and produces a balanced smooth pearl with soft shimmer; KT-351 Flash Gold is 10–100μm and produces a gold pearl base with additional visible individual-platelet flash sparkle contributed by the larger fraction. Choose KT-300 when smooth pearl coverage is the priority; choose KT-351 when visible flash intensity alongside coverage is required.

Q: Can KT-351 be used in airbrush applications?
A: The 10–100μm range is above the typical nozzle tolerance for standard airbrush equipment (0.3–0.5mm nozzles). The coarser fraction of KT-351 will partially block standard airbrush nozzles and produce uneven spray patterns. For airbrush applications requiring a flash gold effect, evaluate KT-353 Flash Red Gold or KT-351 at reduced loading with a wider nozzle (0.8mm+), and confirm nozzle specification against the D90 from the TDS. For smooth airbrush gold application, KT-300 Gold Pearl at 10–60μm is the more practical specification.

Q: Is a synthetic mica version of Flash Gold available?
A: Yes. The KT-7300 series includes KT-7321 Flash Light Gold and KT-7323 Flash Red Gold at 20–100μm on Fluorphlogopite substrate — offering higher substrate purity, fewer visible mineral inclusions, better weatherfastness, and thermal stability above approximately 500°C compared to natural mica KT-351. Contact Kolortek to compare the specific tone and particle size options across both series.

Q: How do I choose between KT-351 (10–100μm) and KT-355 Glitter Gold (20–120μm)?
A: The key difference is the lower cut. KT-351 includes finer particles starting at 10μm, which contribute background pearl coverage alongside the sparkle. KT-355 starts at 20μm, removing more of the fine fraction — resulting in a more glitter-dominant effect with less diffuse pearl background. Choose KT-351 when you want both gold coverage and sparkle from a single grade; choose KT-355 when the glitter effect is the dominant visual priority.

Request Samples or Technical Data

Flash gold sparkle intensity is best evaluated in your specific application system — epoxy film thickness, resin type, and application method all affect how the 10–100μm distribution reads in the finished surface. Contact Kolortek to request a sample of KT-351, download the TDS with particle size distribution data, or discuss flash grade selection across the KT-300 Gold Series.