KT-7324 Flash Yellow Gold Synthetic Mica Pearlescent Pigment 20-100μm

KT-7324 sits in the KT-7300 Gold Series — Kolortek's synthetic mica-based gold pigment line. The base is synthetic fluorphlogopite, coated with titanium dioxide, iron oxide, and tin oxide to produce the characteristic warm yellow-gold interference color.

The "Flash" designation is specific: it reflects a 20-100μm particle distribution optimized for strong, wide-angle light reflection — not the fine satin finish you'd get from a 5-25μm grade. At this size range, individual platelets are large enough to catch and redirect light at high intensity, which is exactly what high-impact decorative applications need.

Compared to copper gold powder, the synthetic mica gold series reads as more transparent and three-dimensional. There's no metal substrate — the gold tone comes from interference optics, not metallic reflection — so the color behaves differently under directional light. Worth noting: this also means the pigment is significantly more stable under UV exposure and elevated temperatures than copper-based alternatives.

KT-7300 Series — Gold Pigment Range

KT-7324 is one model within a broader synthetic mica gold series. The table below shows how it fits relative to adjacent grades by particle size and effect type.

If you need a warmer or deeper gold hue, KT-7325 (Flash Deep Yellow Gold) is the logical next step. For a cooler or lighter tone at the same particle range, KT-7321 (Flash Light Gold) fits. The platinum-effect variants (KT-7391–7393) are a separate direction — worth specifying if the end-use calls for a more neutral, near-silver gold.

Applications

The 20-100μm particle size makes KT-7324 appropriate for applications where visual impact is the priority and fine-particle smoothness is secondary.

• Decorative coatings and paints: Interior/exterior architectural paints, automotive touch-up, furniture lacquers. The flash effect reads clearly even in thin film builds.
• Epoxy flooring: Broadcast or blend-in application. The particle size holds up well through roller or squeegee application without excessive shear.
• Cosmetics and nail: Eye shadow compacts, highlighter powders, nail gel and lacquer. Synthetic mica base is well-suited where purity and reduced black-spot contamination matter for cosmetic-grade compliance.
• Craft and art resins: Resin casting, soap making, handmade candles. Dispersion is straightforward with most resin systems.
• Countertop and artificial marble: Cast polymer applications where a high-sparkle gold vein or fleck is specified.

In practice, this grade is generally not the first pick for gravure or flexo printing — those processes favor sub-25μm grades to avoid plate wear and maintain ink film uniformity. For screen printing with a coarser mesh, KT-7324 can work depending on mesh count.

Key Characteristics

Practical Formulation Considerations

Dispersion with KT-7324 is generally low-effort — the platelet morphology doesn't require high-shear mixing, and in most cases, gentle stirring or paddle mixing is sufficient. High-speed dispersers can fracture the larger platelets and reduce the flash intensity, which defeats the purpose of choosing this grade over a finer one.

Loading levels typically run between 1–5% in coatings and 2–10% in resin casting, depending on the desired opacity and effect intensity. In highly transparent systems, lower loadings can produce a more open, sparkling look; higher loadings will read as a more solid gold. Test at application-specific viscosity — the pigment's orientation is strongly affected by film thickness and application method.

That said, compatibility across binder systems is broad. Solvent-borne alkyds, water-borne acrylics, UV-cure oligomers, epoxy resins — KT-7324 handles well across all of these without surface treatment or wetting agent additions in most cases. Cosmetic applications should confirm against relevant regulatory requirements for the target market.

The synthetic mica substrate is stable at temperatures well above what natural mica grades tolerate, which matters if you're compounding into polypropylene, nylon, or powder coating systems where processing temperatures exceed 200°C.

Flash vs. Shimmer vs. Sparkle — Selecting the Right Effect

These descriptors aren't arbitrary — they reflect real differences in how the effect reads at different viewing angles and distances.

• Flash (20–100μm, e.g., KT-7324): Concentrated, high-intensity reflection. Individual light points are visible. Strong at mid-range viewing distance. Good choice for coatings, flooring, nails.
• Shimmer (20–200μm, e.g., KT-7331): Softer, more continuous glow. The effect blends across the surface rather than producing discrete flashes. Works well where a richer, more textile-like gold is needed.
• Sparkle (60–300μm, e.g., KT-7361): Maximum particle size, maximum point-source intensity. Visible individual sparkle at normal viewing distance. Typically used in craft resin, flooring, and specialty coatings where a glitter-like gold effect is explicitly specified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is KT-7324 suitable for cosmetic use?
Yes. The synthetic fluorphlogopite base is used in cosmetic-grade pigments, and the KT-7300 series is applied in eye shadow, highlighter, and nail formulations. That said, confirm compliance with the regulatory requirements of your target market (EU, US FDA, etc.) before finalizing a cosmetic formulation. Documentation including MSDS, TDS, and COA is available on request.

Q: How does KT-7324 compare to natural mica gold pigments at the same particle size?
The synthetic mica substrate delivers higher purity, fewer dark inclusions (black spots), better luster and chroma, and improved stability at elevated temperatures. In applications where appearance consistency across batches matters — or where processing temperatures are high — the synthetic base is the more reliable choice.

Q: Can KT-7324 be blended with other gold grades to adjust the hue?
Yes. Blending within the KT-7300 series is a practical approach for dialing in a specific gold tone. For example, mixing KT-7324 with KT-7323 (Flash Red Gold) shifts the overall hue warmer. Blending with KT-7321 (Flash Light Gold) cools and lightens the tone. Test ratios in your specific binder system, as interference effects can shift slightly depending on the refractive index of the medium.

Q: What is the recommended mixing method to preserve the flash effect during production?
Low-shear mixing is recommended. Add KT-7324 to the base after grinding stages are complete — the pigment should never pass through a bead mill or roller mill. Gentle paddle or anchor stirring at the let-down stage maintains platelet integrity and preserves the flash intensity that makes this grade distinctive from finer satin alternatives.

Request Samples or Technical Information

For samples of KT-7324 or any grade in the KT-7300 Gold Series, technical data sheets, or formulation support, contact the Kolortek technical team directly at contact@kolortek.com. Batch-to-batch consistency data and COA documentation are available on request