KT-T60-26-WR Rainbow Purple XiallicSparks Pigment

What Makes an Al₂O₃ Crystal Pigment Different from Standard Pearl

Most effect pigments on the market use natural or synthetic mica as the substrate. The XiallicSparks series, including KT-T60-26-WR, replaces mica with aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) crystal flakes. The practical consequence is a refractive index of 1.76 compared to mica's 1.58 — and that difference shows up immediately in the finished coating.

The alumina surface is also exceptionally smooth, which allows the TiO₂ and SnO₂ optical coatings to be deposited in very uniform, thin layers. The result is a faceted, mirror-like sparkle rather than the soft, diffuse luster you get from a conventional pearlescent. Each flake acts as a small reflector. When oriented flat in a clearcoat, the collective effect is an intense, point-source crystal sparkle across the entire panel.

For Rainbow Purple specifically, the interference color sits at the violet-purple end of the spectrum. Applied over a black or dark basecoat — which we strongly recommend for all XiallicSparks grades — the depth and color purity are noticeably stronger than you can achieve with a mica-based equivalent at the same loading.

Technical Specifications

Chemical Composition

XiallicSparks Series — Available Grades

KT-T60-26-WR sits within the broader XiallicSparks range. All grades in the series share the same 6–30 μm particle size and Al₂O₃ substrate; the distinction between models is colour. The table below shows the full line as it stands in our current offering.

A note for formulators evaluating KT-T60-26-WR as a Xirallic equivalent rainbow purple: our KB does not currently list a direct Merck Xirallic cross-reference for this specific code. Several other XiallicSparks grades do carry direct Xirallic equivalents (e.g., KT-T60-22-WR Rainbow Violet corresponds to Xirallic T60-22). If your formulation specifies a Xirallic reference for a purple-range crystal effect, contact our technical team and we can run a draw-down comparison.

Automotive Purple Sparkle Pigment — Application Scope

XiallicSparks grades are designed specifically for automotive OEM basecoat-clearcoat systems and high-end automotive refinish. That is where the Al₂O₃ substrate delivers its full optical advantage, and it is the environment the product was validated for. KT-T60-26-WR is also applicable to premium industrial coatings — consumer electronics housings and luxury goods — where a crystal-finish effect coat is specified.

The series is not recommended for cosmetics, and it is not the right choice for general decorative coatings where the economics of standard pearlescent pigments (our KT-100 through KT-9000 lines) make more sense. The optical performance of XiallicSparks is only fully realised in clear-coat-protected, high-gloss coating systems with good flake orientation.

Formulation and Processing Guidelines

In our experience supporting automotive coating customers, the most common processing errors with alumina-based crystal pigments are over-shear during dispersion and under-loading on dark substrates. Both reduce the visual impact of the finish significantly.

Dispersion

• Pre-disperse KT-T60-26-WR in a small portion of the binder before letdown into the bulk coating.
• Use a Cowles blade or equivalent high-speed disperser for initial wetting. Avoid bead mills, roller mills, or any equipment that applies high shear — the alumina flakes fracture more easily than mica and particle damage will dull the sparkle effect irreversibly.
• Verify orientation using a draw-down over black backing before committing to a production run.

Basecoat and Application

• Apply over a black or dark basecoat. With a transparent substrate, the interference effect is significantly weaker.
• Recommended loading: 3–8% on total paint weight in automotive basecoats.
• Multiple thin coats produce more uniform sparkle distribution than a single heavy application. This also helps flake orientation.
• For best orientation, use a coating system with slow solvent flash and good flow characteristics.
• Topcoat with a high-gloss clearcoat — this both protects the alumina flakes and enhances the depth of the crystal effect.

Handling and Storage

• Avoid generating dust during handling. Use adequate ventilation and wear an approved dust mask, eye protection, and gloves.
• Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
• The product is insoluble in water and odourless; pH in aqueous suspension is 6.0–9.0.

Heavy Metal Content

The product meets tight heavy metal limits as documented in our TDS/MSDS data under REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006. Verified limits are as follows:

Quality and Compliance

Kolortek operates under ISO 9001:2015 certification covering the production and sales of pigments, glitters, and fillers. TDS and MSDS documentation for KT-T60-26-WR is prepared in accordance with REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006.

One thing to note clearly: XiallicSparks grades, including KT-T60-26-WR, are not recommended for cosmetic applications and are not the focus of our cosmetics compliance documentation. Formulators working in personal care should look at the appropriate grades within our standard pearlescent range instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the XiallicSparks series and standard mica-based pearlescent pigments?

XiallicSparks pigments, including KT-T60-26-WR, use an aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) crystal flake substrate rather than mica. The refractive index of Al₂O₃ is 1.76 versus mica's 1.58, and the smoother surface allows more uniform optical coatings. The practical result is a sharper, more defined crystal sparkle with higher chroma — as opposed to the soft, diffuse luster typical of mica-based pearl pigments.

What is the recommended loading rate for KT-T60-26-WR in automotive basecoats?

Typical loading for this al2o3 purple effect pigment in automotive basecoat formulations is 3–8% on total paint weight. Apply over a black or dark basecoat in multiple thin coats rather than a single heavy application — this improves flake orientation and produces a more uniform sparkle across the panel surface.

Is KT-T60-26-WR a direct drop-in replacement for a specific Xirallic grade?

No direct Xirallic cross-reference is listed for KT-T60-26-WR in our current product documentation. Several other XiallicSparks grades do carry published Xirallic equivalents — for example, KT-T60-22-WR Rainbow Violet corresponds to Xirallic T60-22. For KT-T60-26-WR specifically, we recommend requesting a draw-down comparison against the target Xirallic reference before substituting in a production formulation.

Can this rainbow purple crystal pigment be used in cosmetics or nail products?

No. The XiallicSparks series is not recommended for cosmetic applications. The series is designed and validated for automotive OEM coatings and high-end industrial finishes. Formulators working on nail products, eyeshadow, or other personal care applications should contact us about the appropriate grades from our standard pearlescent lines, which are developed with cosmetic compliance in mind.

Contact our technical team to discuss formulation requirements or to request draw-down samples for your specific automotive or industrial coating application.