Pearlescent Mica Powder Royal Gold KT-303 Natural Mica Based

KT-303 belongs to Kolortek's KT-300 Series, a line of natural mica-based gold pearlescent pigments covering a range of gold tones. Each shade in the series can be independently specified or blended at controlled ratios to hit custom gold targets.

The 10–60 μm particle range makes KT-303 a versatile cut — fine enough for printing and nail applications, substantial enough to develop the metallic depth expected in epoxy floors and decorative surfaces.

Key Characteristics

• Warm metallic luster: KT-303 produces a rich, glossy gold tone with visible depth — noticeably more dimensional than conventional copper gold powder in comparable loadings.
• Strong concealing property: Higher opacity than standard transparent pearlescents, which matters for applications where substrate show-through needs to be controlled.
• Chemical and physical stability: Resists degradation under standard formulation conditions. Compatible with most resin systems, solvents, and water-based carriers used across coatings and cosmetics.
• Blendable: Shades within the KT-300 series can be combined at precise ratios to produce custom gold variations — useful when a specific hue temperature or saturation is required.
• Transparent base option: For applications where translucency is preferred, KT-303 still outperforms opaque metallic powders in terms of layering and depth perception.

Composition

KT-303 is structured around natural mica flakes coated with titanium dioxide, iron oxide, and tin oxide. The iron oxide coating drives the warm gold chromaticity. Tin oxide contributes to luster intensity and surface smoothness. This is a well-established coating architecture for gold-tone mica pearlescent pigments — stable, predictable, and documented in both cosmetic and industrial regulatory frameworks.

Applications

KT-303 has a broad application range, driven by its particle size flexibility and substrate compatibility. Below are the primary end-use areas:

Practical Formulation Considerations

In practice, the most common dispersion issue with mica-based gold pigments is mechanical over-grinding. KT-303 should be post-added or gently stirred into the base — high-shear mixing will fracture the flake structure and reduce luster. A Cowles blade at low RPM or hand-stirring works well for most systems.

Loading levels typically range from 1–5% depending on the desired intensity and substrate opacity. Epoxy and gel coat applications often run higher — up to 8–10% — without adhesion or compatibility issues.

That said, the blending capability of the KT-300 series is genuinely useful. If KT-303's specific gold temperature is slightly too warm or too saturated for your target, blending with adjacent series members at 10–15% increments allows fine-tuning without reformulating from scratch.

Worth noting: in water-based systems, a wetting agent is recommended to prevent particle agglomeration — particularly at higher loadings where dry clumping at the surface can occur on first contact with the liquid phase.

KT-303 vs. Copper Gold Powder — A Direct Comparison

Formulators frequently ask how pearl mica powder gold pigments perform against traditional copper-based metallic powders. The differences are meaningful depending on what your application demands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is KT-303 suitable for use in cosmetic formulations?
KT-303 uses a composition — mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, and tin oxide — that is widely accepted in cosmetic applications. That said, regulatory compliance varies by region and product type. MSDS and TDS documentation is available to support your internal review process.

Q: Can KT-303 be mixed with other pearlescent pigments to create custom gold shades?
Yes. Shades within the KT-300 Gold Series are designed for controlled blending. Accurate ratio blending allows formulators to shift hue temperature, saturation, or metallic intensity without switching base systems.

Q: What is the recommended dispersion method for epoxy flooring systems?
Add KT-303 post-mix, after the resin and hardener are combined but before the gel point. Gentle stirring is sufficient — avoid high-shear equipment. Loading between 5–10% is typical for decorative epoxy floor applications.

Q: How does KT-303 perform in water-based ink systems?
KT-303 is compatible with water-based systems. Use a suitable wetting agent to ensure even distribution and reduce surface agglomeration. The 10–60 μm particle size covers most printing and coating ink requirements, though finer cuts within the range will give better runnability in gravure or flexo systems.

Request Technical Documentation or Samples

TDS, MSDS, and COA are available on request. Samples of KT-303 and other KT-300 Gold Series shades can be arranged for formulation evaluation. For technical inquiries or procurement discussions, contact contact@kolortek.com.