KT-RC1000 Red Copper Gold Bronze Pigment Fine Grade 1000 Mesh

This is a dry metallic pigment powder in the gold bronze pigment family, specifically tuned to the red copper hue range. The 1000 mesh classification puts the particle distribution in a fine-to-ultrafine zone — well suited for thin-film applications, gravure or flexo inks, and smooth-finish coatings where coarser grades would compromise surface aesthetics or print definition.

The alloy composition — copper (CAS No.: 7440-50-8), zinc (CAS No.: 7440-66-6), and tin (CAS No.: 7440-31-5) — gives it the characteristic warm reddish-gold tone that distinguishes red copper grades from rich pale gold or bronze variants. The tin content contributes to oxidation resistance and structural integrity at the particle level.

Worth noting: at 1000 mesh, this grade offers excellent substrate wettability and relatively easy dispersion in both solvent-borne and UV-curable systems, though as with all metallic powders, milling conditions and binder compatibility should be tested for each specific formulation.

Product Series Overview

KT-RC1000 sits within a broader range of copper-type metallic pigments. The table below covers the full series to assist with grade selection across different mesh requirements and color variants.

For applications requiring a cooler-toned metallic, the Cyan Gold or Cyan Red Gold grades are worth evaluating. For thick-film or textured decorative coatings where visible sparkle is preferred, the 220–400 mesh range performs differently and may be more appropriate.

Typical Applications

KT-RC1000 is used across a range of industrial and decorative applications. The fine particle size makes it particularly relevant where surface smoothness and print resolution matter.

• Decorative coatings — architectural metallic finishes, furniture coatings, and decorative wood lacquers where a warm red-gold metallic tone is specified
• Printing inks — gravure, flexographic, and screen printing inks for packaging, labels, and security printing
• Plastics — compounding into masterbatches for injection-molded parts, films, and profile extrusion requiring metallic appearance
• Powder coatings — electrostatic powder formulations for metal substrates where a metallic pigment powder needs to survive the curing cycle without significant tonal shift
• Craft and art materials — artist mediums, resin casting, and specialty decorative applications where fine-grade dispersion is required

Key Characteristics

The properties listed below are directly supported by the alloy composition and manufacturing process:

Practical Formulation Considerations

In practice, copper-zinc alloy powders at this mesh level disperse well in most medium-viscosity solvent-borne systems. For waterborne formulations, surface treatment or a compatible dispersant is worth evaluating early — untreated metallic powders can react with water over extended storage, leading to gassing or color shift.

Loading levels typically run between 5–20% depending on the application and desired opacity. Higher loadings in thin-film inks can improve opacity but may affect rheology. A pre-dispersion step in a portion of the carrier before letdown into the full batch generally gives cleaner results and reduces agglomeration risk.

That said, for powder coating applications, thermal stability through the cure cycle should be confirmed. Copper-based alloy pigments generally perform well at standard cure temperatures, but extended dwell times at elevated temperatures can cause tonal shift toward darker or more oxidized tones.

When comparing this against aluminum-based metallics: copper-zinc alloys give warmer, denser tonal character. They are heavier and may require adjusted suspension strategies in low-viscosity systems. For applications where a cool silver metallic is acceptable, aluminum grades may offer easier handling — but they cannot replicate the warm red-gold hue that this material delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between KT-RC1000 and KT-AC800RX?
Both are red copper variants, but KT-RC1000 is 1000 mesh (finer) while KT-AC800RX is 800 mesh. The finer grade offers smoother film appearance and better print definition, while the 800 mesh may give slightly more visible metallic sparkle. Selection depends on the specific visual target and substrate requirements of your application.

Q: Is KT-RC1000 suitable for waterborne ink systems?
Copper-zinc alloy powders can be used in waterborne systems, but compatibility testing is essential. Direct dispersion in water without surface treatment may lead to oxidation or hydrogen evolution over time. A stabilized dispersion approach or consultation with Kolortek on appropriate surface-treated variants is recommended for waterborne formulations.

Q: Can this pigment be used in plastics via direct compounding?
Yes. At 1000 mesh, KT-RC1000 is well-suited for masterbatch compounding and direct let-down in thermoplastics. Processing temperature and shear conditions should be controlled — excessive shear can alter particle morphology and affect the final metallic appearance. A carrier resin pre-blend before twin-screw compounding is standard practice.

Q: What documentation is available for compliance and quality verification?
MSDS, TDS, and COA are available upon request. The alloy ingredients — copper, zinc, and tin — are identified by CAS number. For specific regulatory requirements (REACH, RoHS, food contact, etc.), contact contact@kolortek.com with the relevant compliance framework.

Request Technical Data or a Sample

If you are evaluating KT-RC1000 for a specific coating, ink, or plastic system, sample quantities are available for lab trials. Reach out with your application details, substrate type, and any specific performance criteria — technical documentation including TDS and MSDS can be provided alongside the sample. Contact contact@kolortek.com to initiate a request.