Flash Mauve Metallic Luster Mica Pigment KT-535 Iron Oxide 10-100μm

KT-535 belongs to Kolortek's KT-500 Metal Luster Series — a line of pearlescent pigments produced by depositing ferric oxide onto natural mica flakes at controlled coating thicknesses. The color output shifts across the series depending on how thick that iron oxide layer is. Flash Mauve sits at a distinct warm-to-cool violet range with a metallic character that reads differently from standard interference pigments.

The result is a pigment that behaves optically more like a metallic than a pearl — high reflectance, strong hiding power, and a surface tone that holds under varied lighting conditions. That combination of opacity and luster is what separates this series from thin-coat titanium-based pearls.

Product Specifications

Applications

KT-535 is a practical choice across a wide range of end-use systems. The 10–100 μm particle range makes it versatile — finer cuts work in printing inks and cosmetic formulations; the broader range covers industrial and decorative coating applications without issue.

• Automotive Coatings — Stable under bake conditions, holds color consistency across spray application
• Decorative & Architectural Paints — Performs well in solvent and water-based systems
• Epoxy Floors & Countertops — Good dispersion in thick-film systems; compatible with artificial marble formulations
• Cosmetics — Suitable for eye shadow, blush, and body shimmer; verify compliance with local regulatory requirements
• Nail Products — Works in gel and lacquer systems
• Soaps & Craft Applications — Stable across typical soap pH ranges; consistent color in hand-cast work
• Printing Inks — Fine particle fraction recommended for rotogravure and screen printing

In practice, the concealing strength of this pigment is a useful formulation asset — particularly in opaque coating systems where coverage matters as much as visual effect.

Key Characteristics

A few properties worth understanding before you specify KT-535:

Metallic luster, not pearl interference. The iron oxide coating on these mica flakes produces a reflective, warm-toned metallic effect — opaque-looking at high loads. This distinguishes them from TiO₂-coated pearls, which rely on thin-film interference and transmit more light.

Strong hiding power. The metallic mica powder structure gives KT-535 measurably better opacity than conventional interference pigments at equivalent loading. Useful in systems where you want color saturation without going to a fully opaque base coat.

Chemical and physical stability. Iron oxide is inherently durable. These pigments tolerate a broad range of processing conditions and resist degradation in both solvent and aqueous systems. That said, always validate heat resistance thresholds for your specific baking or curing conditions.

Batch-to-batch consistency. Controlled oxide deposition thickness is what drives color. Tight process control at that stage directly determines color repeatability — a critical factor for production-scale coating and cosmetic operations.

Formulation Considerations

Dispersion approach matters here. Like most mica-based pigments, KT-535 responds poorly to high-shear mixing — excessive milling will fracture the flakes and reduce both particle size and visual intensity. Low-shear incorporation (let-down or slow stirring) is standard practice.

For liquid systems, pre-wetting with a small amount of solvent or carrier before adding to the bulk improves homogeneity and minimizes clumping. In powder applications — soaps, pressed cosmetics, craft use — direct blending works fine as long as loading is uniform.

Worth noting: if you're targeting a specific color depth, loading rate and base coat color both significantly affect the final appearance. Testing at your intended film thickness and substrate is the only reliable way to calibrate this.

Compatibility is generally broad. KT-535 performs in solvent-borne, water-borne, UV-cure, and epoxy systems. For cosmetic use, confirm regulatory compliance (REACH, INCI listing requirements) against your target market before full specification.

KT-500 Series — Where KT-535 Fits

The KT-500 series covers the full color range achievable through iron oxide coating thickness variation on mica — from gold and bronze tones through to reds, coppers, and into the mauve and violet range. KT-535 is positioned at the cooler end of that warm metallic spectrum.

If you're working on a multi-tone design or need adjacent colors for a product line, samples from related models in the series can be requested to compare under standardized lighting conditions before committing to a specification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is KT-535 suitable for direct skin contact in cosmetics?
The iron oxide mica construction is widely used in cosmetic applications. That said, suitability depends on the specific formulation and the regulatory framework in your target market. Request available safety documentation and verify against your compliance requirements before use.

Q: Can KT-535 be used in water-based paint systems?
Yes. Iron oxide coated mica pigments are generally compatible with aqueous systems. Verify pH compatibility with your specific formulation and ensure the dispersion process avoids mechanical damage to the flakes.

Q: How does particle size selection affect performance?
Larger particles (toward 100 μm) produce more pronounced sparkle and a coarser metallic texture — suitable for decorative coatings, epoxy floors, and art applications. Finer particles give smoother coverage with a more satin-metallic appearance, preferred for printing inks and fine cosmetic products.

Q: What is the recommended loading rate for coatings?
Typical loading in coating systems ranges from 3–15% by weight depending on the desired effect intensity and base coat opacity. Higher loads increase coverage and depth. Test at your target film build to establish the optimal rate for your system.

Request Samples or Technical Data

For sample requests, technical data sheets, or application-specific formulation guidance, contact the Kolortek technical team directly at contact@kolortek.com. Particle size fractions and custom color development within the KT-500 series are available on request.