KT-T60-20-WR Luxury Gold XiallicSparks Pigment

What Makes an Aluminum Oxide Flake Different from Mica

The substrate choice is the first question most formulators ask when they encounter XiallicSparks for the first time. Conventional pearlescent pigments use natural or synthetic mica as the carrier flake — a material with a refractive index around 1.58 and a surface that, under a microscope, is visibly stepped and uneven. Al₂O₃ flakes are grown through a controlled crystallization process, yielding a surface that is genuinely smooth and optically flat. That geometry matters: thinner, more uniform TiO₂ coatings can be applied, producing interference colors with higher chroma and cleaner hue angles.

The refractive index of α-Al₂O₃ (1.76) also exceeds mica's (1.58), which increases the optical contrast at the flake–coating interface. In practice, this translates to the "crystal sparkle" character that is the defining feature of the XiallicSparks series: each flake functions essentially as a small mirror, producing a defined, high-intensity highlight rather than the diffuse, soft-pearl glow associated with mica-based grades. Orientation in a liquid coating is excellent — the platelet geometry and density encourage flat, parallel alignment during application and flash.

Technical Specifications

Chemical Composition

XiallicSparks Series — Available Shades

KT-T60-20-WR sits within a full lineup of XiallicSparks grades, all sharing the same 6–30 μm Al₂O₃ flake platform. Formulators switching from Xirallic® references across multiple colors can source directly within the series. The table below covers the full current range with their Xirallic® cross-references where confirmed.

Automotive Gold Effect Pigment: Application and Formulation

As an automotive gold effect pigment, KT-T60-20-WR is designed for OEM basecoat/clearcoat systems — both initial production and refinish work. It performs equally in custom bodyshop applications where matching an existing Xirallic®-based OEM color is the goal. We also see it specified for high-end consumer electronics housings and luxury goods where the crystal-sparkle aesthetic carries over from automotive into adjacent markets.

One thing to note clearly: XiallicSparks grades are not intended for cosmetic or general decorative coatings use. Face-safe certification has not been pursued for this line. For decorative pearlescent applications, Kolortek's standard KT-100 through KT-9000 series covers a wide range of substrate and performance options at more appropriate price points.

Formulation and Processing Guidelines

In our application lab, we consistently recommend pre-dispersing XiallicSparks into a small portion of binder before adding to the bulk paint. This reduces agglomeration risk and improves the uniformity of the final sparkle distribution. A Cowles blade or equivalent high-speed disperser is the right tool for this step — avoid ball mills, bead mills, or any high-shear equipment that can fracture the alumina flakes. Fractured flakes mean lost surface area and a noticeably degraded crystal effect.

• Loading level: 3–8% on total paint weight in automotive basecoats
• Basecoat: Apply over a black or dark basecoat to maximize contrast and crystal effect visibility
• Coat strategy: Multiple thin passes produce more uniform sparkle distribution than a single heavy coat
• Topcoat: High-gloss clear coat — both for protection and to amplify the optical depth
• Solvent system: Slow flash / good-flow solvent systems give flakes more time to orient horizontally

Substituting Xirallic® T60-20: What Formulators Should Know

The most common reason a formulator reaches out to us about KT-T60-20-WR is a straightforward cost or supply-chain question: can it replace Xirallic® T60-20 in an existing formula without re-qualification work? From our experience supporting customers through that transition, the answer is yes for most systems — the particle size distribution (6–30 μm, D50 9–11 μm) and Al₂O₃ flake geometry are matched to the Xirallic® T60-20 specification, and the color/effect profile is consistent with the reference.

On pricing: factory-direct supply from Kolortek typically delivers a 20–40% cost reduction compared to sourcing Merck Xirallic® equivalents at comparable quality levels. That margin is meaningful at automotive production volumes. We recommend requesting a sample lot for side-by-side panel evaluation before any large-scale switchover — standard practice for any critical pigment substitution regardless of the source.

If a customer's formula requires multiple Xirallic® shades, the full XiallicSparks lineup covers Galaxy Silver (KT-T60-10-WR), Radiant Red (KT-T60-21-WR), Rainbow Violet (KT-T60-22-WR), Galaxy Blue (KT-T60-23-WR), and Polar Green (KT-T60-24-WR), among others — all on the same Al₂O₃ platform and available as a consolidated supply from a single manufacturer.

Heavy Metal Limits and Compliance

The product TDS (dated 01.02.2025) documents the following heavy metal limits:

Kolortek holds ISO 9001:2015 certification covering production and sales of effect pigments including this grade. The MSDS references REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006. That said, the existing REACH registration in our documentation specifically covers fluorphlogopite (synthetic mica) grades; buyers requiring product-specific REACH confirmation for this Al₂O₃-based grade should contact us directly for documentation. Full TDS and MSDS are available on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is KT-T60-20-WR a true xirallic equivalent gold pigment, and can it replace Xirallic® T60-20 without reformulation?

Yes — KT-T60-20-WR is Kolortek's confirmed xirallic equivalent gold, matched to Merck Xirallic® T60-20 in substrate type (α-Al₂O₃ flakes), particle size (6–30 μm, D50 9–11 μm), and gold interference color. For most automotive basecoat/clearcoat formulas, it can be substituted at the same loading (3–8% w/w) without system redesign. Side-by-side drawdown evaluation is recommended before production-scale switchover, as with any critical pigment change.

Why does an aluminum oxide gold pigment produce a different visual effect than mica-based gold pearls?

The Al₂O₃ flake substrate has a refractive index of 1.76 compared to mica's 1.58, and its surface is genuinely optically flat rather than stepped. These two factors combine to produce sharp, mirror-like highlights on each individual flake — what the industry calls a "crystal sparkle" — rather than the softer, diffuse pearl glow of mica-based pigments. The TiO₂ coating can also be applied more uniformly on the smooth alumina surface, giving cleaner, higher-chroma interference color.

What is the correct loading range for KT-T60-20-WR in an automotive basecoat, and how should it be applied?

The recommended loading is 3–8% on total paint weight in automotive basecoat systems. Apply over a black or dark contrasting basecoat for maximum crystal-effect visibility. Use multiple thin coats rather than one heavy pass, and topcoat with a high-gloss clear coat. Pre-disperse in a portion of binder first, using a Cowles blade or equivalent — avoid milling equipment, which can fracture the alumina flakes and degrade the sparkle effect.

Is KT-T60-20-WR suitable for cosmetics or general decorative coatings?

No. XiallicSparks grades including KT-T60-20-WR are developed and positioned for automotive OEM coatings, automotive refinish, and high-end industrial coatings. Face-safe or cosmetic certification has not been pursued for this line. For decorative pearlescent or cosmetic-grade pigment requirements, Kolortek's standard KT-100 through KT-9000 series covers those applications with appropriate compliance documentation.

Contact our technical team to request samples, TDS/MSDS documentation, or formulation support for your specific system at contact@kolortek.com.