KT-92375 indigo-purple-red-orange yellow Ghost Chameleon Pigment

Product Overview

KT-92375 belongs to the KT-9000 Magic Chameleon Series — the line we position specifically for color-shift applications where a single-angle hue is not enough. What sets this grade apart from finer particles in the same series is the 75–175 μm size window. That range produces a coarser, more faceted platelet structure, which scatters and reflects light in a way that generates a visibly stronger sparkle alongside the shift. The trade-off is coverage: large platelets orient well in clear or semi-transparent binders but require more careful dispersion management than smaller grades.

The color sequence — indigo, purple, red, orange, yellow — is driven by multi-layer thin-film interference. Each layer in the TiO₂/SiO₂/SnO₂ coating stack is engineered to constructively and destructively interfere at specific wavelengths depending on the incident and viewing angle. The result is a smooth, continuous hue progression rather than an abrupt two-tone switch. That characteristic is what customers in the automotive custom market refer to when they ask for a "ghost" or "flip" effect.

Because the pigment is inorganic throughout — mica, titanium dioxide, silica, tin oxide — it is odourless and insoluble in water. General weather, light, and heat resistance is good within the context of the KT-9000 series, which is consistent with inorganic pigment behavior.

Series & Available Grades

Within the KT-9000 Magic Chameleon Series, the same indigo-purple-red-orange-yellow color shift is available across a full particle size range. The model suffix indicates the size window. KT-92375 is the large-particle end of the range; smaller suffixes are available for applications where coverage, ink compatibility, or cosmetic elegance is more important than sparkle intensity.

Technical Characteristics

The composition breakdown is worth noting for formulators evaluating regulatory fit. Mica forms the structural backbone at 57–68%, with silica contributing 16–21% — a relatively high silica fraction compared to standard interference pigments. This silica layer is part of what stabilizes the thin-film coating stack and contributes to the pigment's inorganic robustness. Heavy metal content is controlled to tight limits: lead and nickel both below 10 ppm, cadmium below 3 ppm, arsenic below 2 ppm — full limits are listed in the TDS.

Application Guide for Automotive Chameleon Powder and Coating Systems

The KT-9000 series is the line we see most consistently specified in the custom and modified car market — color-shift wraps, bespoke basecoats, motorcycle helmet finishes, and sporting goods coatings. KT-92375 specifically, with its 75–175 μm particle range, is the grade that formulators reach for when maximum sparkle intensity is the brief. The color-shift effect is goniochromatic, meaning the perceived hue depends entirely on the incident and observation angle — that is not a defect, it is the intended optical mechanism.

Substrate color has a direct impact on perceived shift. Dark and black substrates allow the interference colors to dominate; light-colored or white substrates scatter background light and compress the perceived shift range. In automotive basecoat/clearcoat systems, applying over a black or dark grey base coat is standard practice for this grade.

Extended Application Fields

Beyond automotive, KT-92375 is used across lacquer coatings, decorative plastics, synthetic leather, and luxury packaging. The KT-9000 series is also referenced for high-security printing of banknotes and negotiable securities, where angle-dependent color shift provides a hard-to-replicate authentication feature. For cosmetics and nail art, grade-specific regulatory confirmation is required before use — we recommend requesting the relevant documentation before committing to a cosmetic formulation.

Formulation and Processing

The single most common processing error we see with large-particle chameleon pigments is high-shear dispersion. The optical effect depends on flat, intact platelets aligning parallel to the substrate surface. High-shear recirculation, aggressive bead milling, or over-thinning during let-down all break platelet edges and reduce both sparkle and color-shift intensity. Hand-stirring or low-shear paddle mixing is the correct approach for incorporating KT-92375 into a basecoat.

In automotive basecoat/clearcoat systems, a loading of 1–10% in the basecoat is the standard working range for pearl-type pigments in this series, targeting a dry film thickness of 15–25 μm. Proper flash-off time between the basecoat and clearcoat is critical: rushing the clearcoat traps solvent and disrupts platelet orientation. A clear topcoat is strongly recommended — it protects the pigment layer and enhances perceived depth and color saturation.

KT-92375 is compatible with most resin systems. For applications where the base shift range needs adjustment, it can be combined with transparent absorption pigments to modify the perceived base color without disrupting the platelet structure.

Handling and Storage

Standard inorganic pigment handling applies. Avoid generating or breathing airborne dust — use an approved dust mask when handling in open containers. Gloves and eye protection are recommended. Store in a well-ventilated area with the container sealed. If eye contact occurs, flush with gently flowing fresh water; if skin contact, wash thoroughly with water.

Quality and Compliance

Kolortek operates under ISO 9001:2015 quality management, covering production and sales of pigments and fillers, with batch-to-batch consistency as a core delivery requirement. KT-92375 is not classified as hazardous under CLP Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008, nor under Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC. REACH registration in Kolortek's current documentation specifically covers fluorphlogopite (synthetic mica) grades; KT-92375 is natural mica-based, so product-specific REACH confirmation should be requested if required for your jurisdiction.

For cosmetic applications, grade-specific compliance documentation under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 is available for eligible grades — confirm suitability for KT-92375 directly with our technical team before specifying it in a cosmetic formulation. Food-contact suitability is not stated in the product data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the particle size of KT-92375 and how does it affect the visual result?

KT-92375 has a particle size range of 75–175 μm with a D50 of 80–135 μm. This places it at the large-particle end of the KT-923 series. Larger platelets generate stronger specular sparkle alongside the color shift, making this grade the right choice when high visual drama is the priority. Finer grades (e.g., 10–60 μm) offer smoother coverage and are better suited to inks and cosmetics.

What colors does KT-92375 shift through, and what substrate works best?

KT-92375 shifts through five stages — indigo, purple, red, orange, and yellow — as the viewing angle changes. The effect is goniochromatic (angle-dependent thin-film interference), not a printed or dyed color. It performs best over dark or black substrates; light-colored substrates reduce the perceived shift range by introducing background light scatter.

Is KT-92375 suitable for color shift pigment for automotive basecoat systems?

Yes. KT-92375 is used in automotive custom finishes and color-shift basecoat/clearcoat systems. The recommended loading range for pearl pigments in this series is 1–10% in the basecoat, targeting 15–25 μm dry film thickness. Avoid high-shear mixing — it damages platelet structure. Apply a clear topcoat to protect the pigment layer and maximize color depth.

Which other particle sizes are available in the same indigo-purple-red-orange-yellow color shift?

The same color shift is available across eight particle size options in the KT-923 series: 5–25 μm (KT-92302), 10–40 μm (KT-92304), 10–60 μm (KT-92306), 10–70 μm (KT-92307), 20–100 μm (KT-92315), 25–130 μm (KT-92325), 75–175 μm (KT-92375), and 100–250 μm (KT-923100). The choice depends on application — finer grades for inks and cosmetics, larger grades for coatings requiring sparkle intensity.

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