Flash Silver Mica Pigment Powder, 10–100μm – KT-152

At 10–100μm, KT-152 spans the particle size range where silver mica pigment transitions from a smooth pearl coverage into a flash silver effect — individual platelet reflections become visible to the eye, giving coatings, epoxy floors, and decorative surfaces a pronounced sparkle that finer grades cannot produce. The wider distribution makes it a practical single-grade specification for applications where both coverage continuity and visible flash are required simultaneously, without the surface texture limitations of coarser 40–200μm grades.

What the 10–100μm Range Delivers — and Why It Matters

Pearlescent luster in mica pigments is generated by thin-film interference at the rutile TiO₂ coating on each mica platelet. Particle size controls whether that reflection reads as a smooth, diffuse sheen or a distinct directional flash. Below approximately 25μm, individual platelets are invisible to the naked eye — the effect reads as continuous satin or pearl. Above 40μm, individual flake reflections become perceptible. KT-152 at 10–100μm covers both zones in a single grade.

The practical result: at standard loading levels, KT-152 produces a silver-white pearl background from the finer fraction, with visible flash points contributed by the coarser fraction. Formulators who want sparkle without committing to a purely coarse flash grade — and who need the formulation to remain workable in spray or roller application — find this distribution useful.

Common selection error: specifying KT-152 for printing ink applications. The upper end of the 10–100μm distribution will block gravure and flexo nozzles and damage screens. For printing, confirm a grade with D90 below 25μm — within the KT-100 series, fine-grade variants are the correct specification. KT-152 is optimized for coatings, epoxy systems, and decorative applications where particle size at the upper end of this range is not a processing constraint.

KT-100 Series: Grade Selection by Particle Size

Technical Specifications

Grade Selection Decision Guide

If you need visible sparkle but the application surface must remain relatively smooth → KT-152 at 10–100μm is the appropriate specification. The finer fraction fills coverage gaps; the coarser fraction contributes the flash. A purely coarse grade (40–200μm) produces more prominent individual-flake texture on the surface — suitable for countertops and display work, but potentially too rough for decorative wall coatings or smooth-finish applications.

If your application involves printing → do not specify KT-152. The 100μm upper limit exceeds printability thresholds for all standard gravure, flexo, and digital press configurations. Select a fine-grade KT-100 variant with confirmed D90 below 25μm.

If surface purity is critical — prestige cosmetics, high-gloss coatings examined at close range → consider the KT-7100 synthetic mica series instead. Natural mica contains trace mineral inclusions that appear as dark specks, which become more visible as particle size increases. At the 10–100μm range, these inclusions are more apparent than in fine silk grades.

Application Range

Formulation Notes

Mixing protocol: Add KT-152 at the letdown stage, after all high-shear dispersion is complete. Use low-shear paddle or anchor mixing for incorporation. At the 10–100μm distribution, the larger platelets are particularly susceptible to fracture from tight-clearance pumps or high-speed dispersers — mechanical damage reduces the D50 and eliminates the flash character, leaving a lower-intensity general pearl.

Blending for metallic silver-grey effects: Adding 0.1–0.5% carbon black to a KT-152 formulation shifts the visual result toward a silver-grey metallic appearance with higher luster contrast — the dark background amplifies the reflective impact of the flash silver platelets. Combined with aluminum paste, KT-152 adds pearlescent depth to an otherwise flat metallic system.

Kolortek has produced the KT-100 Silver White Series for over 20 years, with controlled rutile TiO₂ coating uniformity and consistent D50/D90 particle size distribution across production batches. TDS and SDS are available for KT-152 on request. Custom particle size ranges within the flash silver character range are available for volume buyers with specific application requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does a 10–100μm range produce both pearl coverage and visible flash — when does each character dominate?
A: The fine fraction (10–40μm) contributes to overall pearl coverage and background luminosity — platelets at this size are too small for the eye to resolve individually under normal viewing conditions, so they read as a continuous sheen. The coarser fraction (40–100μm) produces the visible flash points — platelets large enough to reflect light as discrete specular events. At standard loading levels (3–8% in coatings), both effects are present simultaneously. Increasing the loading level increases coverage density and slightly reduces the prominence of individual flash points relative to the background; decreasing loading brings out more individual sparkle character.

Q: Can KT-152 be used in spray-applied coatings?
A: Yes, with appropriate spray equipment selection. Airless spray systems with wider nozzle openings (typically 0.021" / 0.53mm or larger tip) handle 10–100μm particle distributions without excessive blockage. Standard HVLP airbrush nozzles (0.3–0.5mm) are not suitable — they will partially block on the coarser fraction. For spray application, confirm nozzle diameter against the confirmed D90 from the TDS before specifying for production coating lines.

Q: When should I choose KT-152 over a purely coarse flash-pearl grade (40–200μm)?
A: Choose KT-152 when you need visible sparkle but also want the surface to retain coverage continuity — the fine fraction in 10–100μm fills the gaps between flash points, producing a silver-white pearl background. A purely coarse 40–200μm grade produces more prominent, larger individual flake sparkle but less background pearl coverage — the surface can appear more sparsely populated between sparkle points. For epoxy countertops and display surfaces where bold individual-flake sparkle is the primary aesthetic, a coarser grade may be more appropriate.

Request Samples or Get the Full Particle Size Distribution

Flash silver effects are best evaluated in your specific application system — the interaction between particle size distribution, film thickness, and application method significantly affects how the final sparkle reads. Contact Kolortek to request a sample of KT-152, download the TDS with D50/D90 data, or discuss grade selection across the KT-100 Silver White Series for your formulation.