KT-T60-23-WR Xirallic Replacement Galaxy Blue Pigment

Why the Alumina Substrate Changes the Visual Equation

The difference between an Al₂O₃-based crystal pigment and a conventional mica-based pearl starts at the substrate level. Mica flakes carry a naturally rough surface and a refractive index around 1.58. Alumina flakes are exceptionally smooth and have a refractive index of 1.76. That combination — smooth surface, higher RI — enables the thin, uniform multi-layer optical coatings that produce genuine sparkle rather than diffuse luster.

In our application work with automotive customers, the visual distinction is immediately apparent: where mica-based pigments create a soft, continuous sheen, KT-T60-23-WR produces discrete, faceted flash points — individual "crystals" of light visible across the panel. That is the visual signature automotive designers specify when they call for a galaxy blue effect.

Transparency in clear coat is high, which preserves the full depth of the underlying dark basecoat. Orientation and flow characteristics are also well-suited to spray application, giving a uniform sparkle distribution without clustering.

Technical Specifications

XiallicSparks Series — Available Grades

KT-T60-23-WR sits within the XiallicSparks product line, which covers the full range of crystal effect colors on Al₂O₃ substrate. All grades share the 6–30 μm particle range. A second Galaxy Blue variant, KT-T60-27-WR, is also listed in this series; if your reference formula specifies a specific hue angle within the galaxy blue range, contact our technical team to confirm which grade matches your target.

Application Guide: Automotive Blue Sparkle Pigment in Basecoat Systems

KT-T60-23-WR is designed for automotive OEM and premium refinish basecoat/clearcoat systems. It also performs well in high-end industrial coatings for consumer electronics and luxury goods where the same crystal sparkle aesthetic is required. The XiallicSparks series is not recommended for cosmetic applications or general decorative use.

One thing to note from working with automotive coatings customers: the basecoat color underneath makes a significant difference. A black or dark ground coat maximizes the contrast between the crystal sparkle and the background, which is how the "galaxy" effect name earns its meaning. Applied over a light or white base, the effect reads quite differently. A high-gloss clear coat applied over the basecoat is standard practice to lock in the effect and preserve weather and chemical resistance.

Heat stability at 140–160°C for 20–30 minutes covers standard automotive oven cure cycles without effect degradation. Weather resistance is excellent, and the pigment shows good resistance to automotive fluids — relevant for OEM specifications that include fuel, oil, and brake fluid exposure testing.

Formulation and Processing

Dispersion

Pre-disperse KT-T60-23-WR in a small portion of binder before adding to the bulk batch. A cowles blade or equivalent high-speed disperser works well. The critical rule is to avoid any milling equipment or high-shear conditions that could fracture the alumina flakes — broken flakes mean reduced sparkle intensity and a loss of the faceted crystal signature that makes this pigment worth specifying.

Loading and Application

Typical loading runs 3–8% on total paint weight in automotive basecoats. Within that range, actual sparkle intensity is also influenced by application technique. Multiple thin spray passes consistently produce more uniform sparkle distribution than a single heavy coat, which tends to cause orientation issues and uneven flake density.

For best flake orientation, use coating systems with a slow solvent flash and good flow characteristics. The smooth alumina surface contributes naturally to good orientation, but solvent selection still plays a role — rapid flash can trap flakes at poor angles before they settle parallel to the substrate.

Replacing Xirallic T60-23: What Formulators Need to Know

When a customer formula references Xirallic T60-23, KT-T60-23-WR is the direct equivalent in our XiallicSparks series. The substrate type (Al₂O₃), particle size range (6–30 μm), and optical coating approach are matched to that reference. In our experience supporting customers through Xirallic transitions, the drop-in process is straightforward when the formulator is working in the same basecoat system — no reformulation of the surrounding coating architecture is typically required.

That said, any pigment substitution in an approved automotive formula should go through the customer's internal color and performance sign-off process. We can provide samples and the product TDS to support that evaluation. SDS is supplied with shipment.

For applications outside the automotive coatings context, the standard Kolortek pearlescent series — KT-100 through KT-9000 — covers a broad range of substrates and effect types better suited to cosmetics, plastics, inks, and general decorative use. XiallicSparks grades are specifically engineered for the demands of automotive coating systems and are not the right starting point for those other categories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is KT-T60-23-WR a true 1:1 replacement for Merck Xirallic T60-23?

Yes. KT-T60-23-WR is the direct XiallicSparks equivalent to Xirallic T60-23. Both are based on Al₂O₃ crystal flake substrate at a 6–30 μm particle range with multi-layer optical coatings for galaxy blue crystal sparkle. It is designed as a drop-in replacement in existing automotive basecoat formulas, though any substitution in a certified automotive formula should be validated through your standard color and performance approval process.

What makes a galaxy blue al2o3 pigment visually different from a mica-based blue pearl?

The difference is the substrate. Al₂O₃ flakes have a refractive index of 1.76 and an exceptionally smooth surface, compared to mica at RI 1.58 with a rougher texture. The higher RI and smoother surface enable thin, uniform multi-layer coatings that produce discrete, faceted sparkle points — a crystal flash effect. Mica-based pigments produce a diffuse, continuous luster. The two effects are visually distinct, and automotive designers specify them separately.

What is the recommended loading rate for KT-T60-23-WR in automotive basecoats?

Typical loading is 3–8% on total paint weight for automotive basecoat applications. Apply over a black or dark basecoat to maximize the crystal effect contrast, followed by a high-gloss clear coat. Multiple thin spray passes produce more uniform sparkle distribution than a single heavy application.

Can KT-T60-23-WR be used in cosmetics or nail products?

No. XiallicSparks grades, including KT-T60-23-WR, are not recommended for cosmetic or decorative applications. For cosmetic-grade effect pigments, Kolortek's separate product lines formulated under FDA and EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 frameworks are the correct starting point. Contact our technical team to identify the right grade for a cosmetics application.

Contact our technical team to discuss formulation requirements or to request samples for your Xirallic replacement evaluation.