Metal Luster Pearlescent Pigments

Technical Description

Metal luster pigments in this line are produced by depositing iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) onto thin mica or fluorphlogopite platelets through a controlled wet-chemical coating process. The resulting layered structure creates opacity and warm metallic reflectance through a combination of absorption and specular reflection—distinct from the interference mechanism used in standard pearlescent pigments.

Color output (gold, copper, bronze, reddish-bronze) is determined primarily by iron oxide layer thickness, which Kolortek controls to achieve consistent D50 values across batches. The KT-7500 Series uses synthetic fluorphlogopite as the substrate, which offers a higher degree of purity, a more uniform platelet geometry, and greater whiteness at the base layer compared to natural mica—translating to cleaner, brighter metallic tones.

Particle size options span 5-25 μm through 200-700 μm, allowing formulators to tune surface texture from smooth, satin finishes to bold, high-sparkle effects within the same color family.

Product Pictures

Applications

Product Specifications

Example product shown. Full series data available upon request.

Additional particle size grades (5-25 μm through 200-700 μm) and natural mica variants (KT-500 Series) available. Custom D50 targets and surface treatments on request.

Value Proposition & Industry Solutions

Metallic Effects Without the Processing Risks Aluminum and bronze metallic powders deliver high reflectivity but introduce real handling concerns—conductivity in electronic or powder coating environments, oxidation sensitivity in water-based systems, and regulatory scrutiny in cosmetic applications. Iron oxide-coated mica occupies a different position: it produces warm gold, copper, and bronze tones with strong opacity while remaining electrically non-conductive, chemically stable across a broad pH range, and insoluble in water. For formulators working with water-based coatings, alkaline soap systems, or any application where metallic powder use is restricted, this represents a technically sound alternative rather than a compromise.

Substrate Choice Matters The KT-500 natural mica series offers a cost-effective entry point with broad application compatibility. The KT-7500 synthetic fluorphlogopite series is the appropriate choice when formulation purity is a priority—tighter particle size distribution, more consistent platelet geometry, and a cleaner base layer that supports brighter metallic tones. Both series share the same iron oxide coating chemistry and are produced under the same manufacturing controls.

Supply Consistency at Production Scale With 20 years of effect pigment manufacturing, Kolortek maintains batch-to-batch consistency in particle size distribution and color output—factors that directly affect how much formulation adjustment is required between production runs. Consistent D50 values and controlled coating thickness mean fewer surprises when scaling from lab to production. Contact our technical team to discuss your application, request a sample, or obtain full technical data sheets for any grade in the Metal Luster series.

Color Chart