Silk Silver Pearlescent Mica Pigment – KT-104

KT-104 is a silk silver natural mica pearlescent pigment — a rutile TiO₂-coated mica grade in the KT-100 Silver White Series with a fine particle size distribution that produces a smooth, silky pearl luster rather than a pronounced sparkle. The "silk" character means the visual effect reads as a soft, even sheen with subdued reflectivity — closer to satin than flash — making it well-suited for cosmetics, fine coating finishes, and printing ink applications where texture smoothness and coverage uniformity matter as much as the pearl effect intensity. For formulators who find standard silver white grades too coarse or too bright for their target finish, KT-104 offers a controlled, refined alternative within the same natural mica substrate family.

Product Positioning

Within the KT-100 Silver White Series, particle size and the resulting visual character define how each grade is used. KT-104 occupies the fine-to-medium, silk-finish end of the series — distinct from the brighter, more reflective irradiant grades and the bold flash-pearl grades used in epoxy floors and countertops. The silk designation refers specifically to the smooth, low-sparkle pearl character produced by the finer platelet distribution: high coverage uniformity, minimal surface texture, and a diffuse rather than specular luster.

Buyers choosing between KT-104 and a standard or flash-pearl silver white grade are making a visual and application-method decision. KT-104 is the right choice when smooth film formation, airbrush compatibility, or a refined satin-pearl aesthetic are priorities. For applications requiring bold individual-flake sparkle or deep luster contrast, a coarser grade within the KT-100 range or the KT-7100 synthetic mica series would be more appropriate.

KT-100 Series: Visual Effect vs. Particle Size

Note: Confirm KT-104 D50 particle size with the TDS before specifying for printing ink — nozzle compatibility depends on your specific press configuration.

Technical Specifications

Key Technical Characteristics

Silky satin-pearl optical character: The fine platelet distribution of KT-104 produces a diffuse, wide-angle pearl effect — light is scattered over a broader viewing angle rather than reflecting as discrete specular flashes. The result reads as a smooth, even sheen rather than visible individual flake sparkle. For applications where a refined, understated pearl finish is the target — foundation-grade cosmetics, fine coating finishes, or satin-sheen nail products — this character is a formulation advantage over coarser mid-range grades.

Rutile TiO₂ coating — UV stability and brightness: The rutile phase titanium dioxide coating provides a refractive index of approximately 2.70 and significantly lower photocatalytic activity compared to anatase-coated equivalents. For exterior coatings and cosmetic formulations containing organic oils or dyes, this reduces the risk of ingredient degradation under light exposure — relevant for product stability over shelf life and outdoor service.

Fine particle size and airbrush compatibility: Depending on the confirmed D50, KT-104's fine particle distribution may be suitable for airbrush application in cosmetics and decorative coatings — an application method where coarser grades cause nozzle blockage or uneven spray patterns. Confirm the D90 against your airbrush nozzle specification before finalizing for production.

Blending with transparent pigments: When combined with transparent colorants or dyestuffs, KT-104 contributes its silky silver-white pearl luster to the color blend — both the hue and the pearl sheen are visible. The fine particle size means the blended effect reads smooth and refined rather than producing visible flake contrast. For colored pearl cosmetics or pastel-toned silk-finish coatings, this blending behavior is consistent and predictable across batches.

Low-shear mixing requirement: As with all platelet-based pearlescent pigments, KT-104 must be added after high-shear dispersion steps are complete. Mechanical fracture of the fine mica platelets during mixing reduces the D50 and shifts the visual effect toward an even flatter, more diffuse sheen — which in a fine-grade silk pigment can eliminate the pearl character entirely. Use paddle or anchor mixing at low shear for incorporation.

Application Range

Formulation Notes

Dispersion protocol: Add KT-104 during the letdown stage after all high-shear mixing is complete. Use a low-shear paddle or anchor agitator — do not recirculate through tight-clearance pumps after adding the pigment. For cosmetic pressed powder applications, blend using a plough share or ribbon mixer at low speed to avoid platelet fracture.

Why fine-grade silk pigments are more sensitive to shear damage: Fine mica platelets have lower mass and less mechanical resistance than coarse grades — they fracture at lower shear inputs. In a silk-character pigment where the target visual effect is already subtle, shear-induced D50 reduction can effectively eliminate the pearl character and leave a flat, chalky white appearance. Pre-testing your mixing protocol on a small batch before full production scale-up is a worthwhile step when working with fine pearl grades for the first time.

Typical loading levels: Cosmetic applications typically run 5–20% depending on product type and coverage requirements. Coating and ink applications vary by formulation viscosity, application method, and desired effect intensity. Start at 3–5% and increase in bench trials to reach target appearance — higher loading beyond the optimal level adds cost without proportional visual gain once platelet packing limits are reached.

Kolortek has supplied the KT-100 Silver White Series for over 20 years with consistent rutile TiO₂ coating uniformity and D50 particle size control across production batches. TDS and SDS are available for KT-104; INCI documentation is available for cosmetic specifications. Custom fine-grade particle size distributions within the silver white series are available for volume buyers with specific application requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does "silk silver" mean as a product designation?
A: The "silk" designation refers to the visual character of the pearl effect produced by the fine particle size distribution. Unlike coarser pearl grades that produce visible individual flake sparkle or bright directional reflectivity, a silk-grade pigment produces a smooth, even, diffuse sheen — the light is scattered over a wide viewing angle rather than reflecting as discrete specular flashes. The resulting finish resembles the surface sheen of raw silk fabric: soft, even, and continuous. For cosmetics, fine coating finishes, and applications where a refined, understated pearl aesthetic is specified, this character is a deliberate formulation choice.

Q: Is KT-104 suitable for printing ink applications?
A: Potentially, depending on the confirmed D90 particle size. Most gravure, flexo, and digital printing applications require grades with D90 below 25μm to avoid nozzle wear, screen blockage, and uneven ink films. KT-104's fine grade designation suggests it may be in the appropriate size range for printing — but this must be confirmed against your specific press nozzle specification using the TDS particle size data before ordering for ink production.

Q: When should I choose KT-104 silk silver over a standard silver white grade?
A: Choose KT-104 when: (1) smooth film formation without visible individual platelet sparkle is required — foundation cosmetics, fine coating finishes, pressed powder compacts; (2) airbrush application is involved and a finer grade is needed to prevent nozzle issues; (3) the target aesthetic is a satin or silk pearl sheen rather than a bright or flash-pearl character. Choose a coarser standard or flash-pearl grade when bold sparkle, deep luster contrast, or maximum brightness are the visual priorities.

Q: Does the natural mica substrate affect performance compared to synthetic mica?
A: Natural mica (muscovite) contains trace mineral inclusions that can appear as small dark spots in finished products — more visible at high magnification or in fine cosmetics with close skin contact. Synthetic mica (Fluorphlogopite, KT-7100 series) has higher substrate purity, fewer visible inclusions, better luster and chroma, and higher thermal stability. For most decorative coating, soap, and general cosmetic applications, natural mica delivers acceptable performance. For prestige cosmetics where surface purity is critical, or for plastics processing above approximately 500°C, the synthetic mica series is the more appropriate specification.

Request Samples or Technical Data

Confirming KT-104's D50 and D90 particle size distribution is the essential first step for printing ink and airbrush applications — and a useful reference point for cosmetic and coating specification. Contact Kolortek to request a grade sample for your specific application, download the TDS with full particle size data, or discuss grade selection across the KT-100 Silver White Series.