KT 9000 color travel pigment wholesale

Product Series & Model Codes

The KT-9000 series divides into three distinct sub-families, each optimized for different color-travel characteristics and formulation constraints:

Clear Chameleon (Duochrome to Multi-Hue)

These grades deliver clean, predictable shifts ideal for automotive and high-transparency applications:

Example complete model numbers: KT-92106 (Clear Cyan-Blue-Purple-Red, 10–60μm), KT-92530 (Clear Red-Orange-Yellow-Kelly, 25–130μm)

TiO₂-Free Chameleon

For cosmetic formulators working under EU or US color-additive regulations that restrict certain TiO₂ forms, we developed TiO₂-Free grades using Fe₂O₃ + Silica coatings. Representative models include:

• KT-95102 through KT-95706 (Blue-green through Yellow/Green/Blue/Violet Red; 5–25μm to 10–70μm)
• KT-90507 (Orange/Cyan; 20–80μm)
• KT-95175 through KT-95975 (Full color range; 75–175μm)
• KT-95125 through KT-95625 (Full color range; 100–250μm)
• KT-98525 (Red/Green; 30–150μm)

Multicolor (Triple+ Color Shift)

The most dramatic chameleon pigment effects come from our Multicolor sub-series (96000, 97000, 98000 families), which travel through three or more distinct hues as viewing angle changes. Popular grades:

• KT-972106 (Golden Green; 10–60μm)
• KT-972206 (Red Golden; 10–60μm)
• KT-973206 (Violet Red; 10–60μm)
• KT-974206 (Blue Violet; 10–60μm)

Over 100 additional variants exist across sub-series 96000, 96200, 96300, 96500, 97000, 98000, and 98500 — contact our technical team for the complete grade chart.

Product Showcase:

View our complete chameleon pigment catalog: Kolortek Chameleon Pigment Catalog

Technical Characteristics

The particle size suffix code determines both the visual effect and the best-fit application. Fine grades (5–25μm, 10–40μm) deliver smooth, satin coverage ideal for cosmetics and high-gloss automotive topcoats. Mid-range grades (10–60μm, 20–100μm) balance coverage and sparkle for general coatings and plastics. Extra-large grades (75–175μm, 100–250μm) maximize sparkle and are preferred for decorative applications where texture is acceptable.

Application Guide

In our experience supporting custom-finish shops and OEM coating lines, the KT-9000 series performs best in these key application areas:

Automotive Custom Finishes & Wraps

This is the single largest application category. Automotive refinishers and custom painters use KT-9000 grades to create signature color-shift effects on car bodies, motorcycle tanks, and helmet graphics. The most dramatic results come from applying over a black or very dark basecoat — light substrates reduce perceived color shift intensity. Always use a clear topcoat to protect the pigment and enhance depth.

High-End Cosmetics & Nail Art

Cosmetic formulators favor TiO₂-Free grades (KT-951**, KT-905**, KT-985** families) to meet regional color-additive regulations. Fine particle sizes (5–25μm, 10–40μm) are essential for smooth application in nail lacquers, eyeshadows, and highlighters. Cosmetic-grade options and supporting composition documents are available; final suitability depends on the selected grade and intended use under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 or US FDA requirements.

Luxury Packaging & Security Printing

The angle-dependent color travel of KT-9000 grades makes them useful in security/anti-counterfeiting applications and high-end packaging inks. The goniochromatic effect is difficult to reproduce photographically or digitally, providing a level of authentication.

Decorative Coatings (Sporting Goods, Consumer Products)

Injection-molded plastics, powder coatings for sporting goods, and decorative paints for consumer electronics all benefit from controlled chameleon effects. KT-9000 grades are compatible with most resin systems.

Formulation & Processing Considerations

Substrate Selection

One thing to note: chameleon effects are most dramatic on black or very dark substrates. On white or light-colored substrates, the color shift becomes subtle. If your formulation requires a lighter base, consider combining KT-9000 with transparent absorption pigments to modify the base color and shift range.

Pigment Loading & Film Thickness

Thicker pigment loading increases perceived color shift intensity, but may affect substrate smoothness — particularly with larger particle sizes. In our application lab, we recommend starting with mid-range loadings and adjusting based on the desired balance between effect strength and surface quality.

Clear Coat Protection

Always use a clear topcoat in automotive and coating applications. The topcoat protects the pigment from abrasion and environmental exposure, and enhances the depth and clarity of the color-travel effect.

Combining with Absorption Pigments

KT-9000 kelly green chameleon pigment and other color-travel grades can be combined with transparent absorption pigments to modify the base color and shift range. This technique is common in custom automotive finishes where formulators want to "tune" the color path to a specific brand palette.

Quality & Compliance

Kolortek maintains ISO 9001:2015 certification covering production and sales of effect pigments. REACH registration covers fluorphlogopite (synthetic mica); KT-9000 series uses natural mica substrate — product-specific confirmation is available on request. Cosmetic-grade options formulated to meet EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and US FDA color-additive requirements are available; final suitability depends on the selected grade and intended cosmetic use. Halal and Kosher certifications are maintained for listed food-grade/edible products; check current product attachment before making model-specific claims. All shipments include MSDS/SDS and Technical Data Sheets (TDS) detailing physical/chemical properties.

Regulatory limitations: KT-9000 grades are not for food-contact use unless specifically certified. Check grade-specific documentation before finalizing formulations for regulated markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Clear Chameleon and TiO₂-Free grades in the KT-9000 series?

Clear Chameleon grades use a multi-layer coating of TiO₂ + Fe₂O₃ + Silica + metal oxides, delivering the cleanest and most predictable color shifts — ideal for automotive and high-transparency applications. TiO₂-Free grades use only Fe₂O₃ + Silica coatings, making them suitable for cosmetic formulations where certain TiO₂ forms are restricted under EU or US color-additive regulations. The visual effect is slightly less intense but still provides dramatic angle-dependent color travel.

Which particle size should I choose for automotive custom finishes versus cosmetics?

For automotive topcoats and custom finishes, mid-range particle sizes (10–60μm, 20–100μm) balance color-shift intensity with acceptable surface smoothness. Fine grades (5–25μm, 10–40μm) are required for cosmetic applications — nail lacquers, eyeshadows, and highlighters — where smooth application and skin-feel are critical. Extra-large grades (75–175μm, 100–250μm) maximize sparkle but introduce texture, making them best suited for decorative coatings and applications where surface smoothness is not the primary concern.

Can I purchase KT-9000 chameleon pigment bulk quantities, and what is the typical minimum order?

Yes, we supply KT-9000 grades in bulk quantities for industrial formulation. Minimum order quantities depend on the specific model and particle size; contact our sales team for current pricing and MOQ for your required grade. As a manufacturer with 20+ years in effect pigments, we maintain inventory across the most popular KT-9000 variants and can produce custom particle-size distributions on request for larger orders.

Why do chameleon pigments look best on dark substrates, and how can I use them on lighter bases?

The angle-dependent color shift of chameleon pigments relies on interference effects that are most visible when the underlying substrate does not contribute its own color. On white or light substrates, the base color dilutes the perceived shift, making it subtle. To use KT-9000 grades on lighter bases, combine them with transparent absorption pigments to darken the base color and modify the shift range — a technique we frequently see in custom automotive work where formulators want to "tune" the color path.

Contact our technical team to discuss formulation requirements for your specific application.