Silver Pearl Mica Pearlescent Pigment – KT-100

Within the Kolortek Silver White Series, the KT-100 range represents the natural mica foundation tier — positioned below the KT-7100 synthetic mica series (Fluorphlogopite-based, higher purity, better high-temperature stability) and above uncoated mica fillers. KT-100 is the standard commercial choice for applications where cost efficiency, broad compatibility, and proven silver pearl performance matter more than the maximum luster and purity achievable with synthetic mica.

The series covers multiple sub-grades — including standard silver white, flash pearl, shimmer pearl, rutile sterling silver, and satin fine silver white — allowing formulators to select the specific sparkle intensity and texture most appropriate for their application without switching substrate systems.

Particle Size and Visual Effect Guide

Particle size is the primary variable controlling the visual character of KT-100 in finished applications. Finer grades produce a satin or silky sheen; coarser grades produce pronounced sparkle with visible individual flake reflection.

Note: For printing ink applications, grades below 25μm are standard to prevent nozzle blockage and ensure smooth ink film formation. Contact us to confirm the specific grade available for your target application.

Technical Specifications

Key Technical Characteristics

Rutile TiO₂ coating for opacity and brightness: KT-100 uses rutile phase titanium dioxide rather than anatase. Rutile TiO₂ has higher refractive index stability and better UV resistance than anatase — relevant for exterior coatings and products with light exposure requirements. The rutile coating also produces a brighter, more opaque silver-white compared to anatase-coated grades.

Broad binder system compatibility: Natural mica pearlescent pigments disperse in water-based, solvent-based, UV-curable, and resin systems without requiring surface treatment modification in most standard applications. KT-100 is used across latex paints, solvent alkyd coatings, nitrocellulose nail lacquers, waterborne cosmetic bases, and epoxy resin systems — the same core grade covers most of these without reformulation.

Blending behavior with transparent pigments and carbon black: Mixed with transparent colorants or dyestuffs, KT-100 contributes pearlescent luster to the resulting color — the base pigment hue and the silver pearl effect are visible simultaneously. With small additions of carbon black, the silver white shifts toward a silver-grey metallic effect with enhanced luster contrast. Combined with aluminum paste, it produces a brighter, whiter silver finish than aluminum paste alone.

Natural mica vs. synthetic mica — selection logic: KT-100 natural mica is the cost-effective standard choice for the majority of applications. Where higher purity, reduced black spot count, better weatherfastness, or resistance to temperatures above approximately 500°C are required, the KT-7100 synthetic mica (Fluorphlogopite) series is the appropriate upgrade. For most industrial coating, cosmetic, and decorative applications, KT-100 natural mica delivers adequate performance.

Dispersion without mechanical degradation: Mica pearlescent pigments are platelet-shaped particles — the aspect ratio (diameter-to-thickness) is what generates the pearlescent reflection. High-shear mixing equipment (ball mills, high-speed dispersers with aggressive agitator blades) can fracture the platelets and reduce particle size, which shortens the D50 distribution and reduces luster intensity. Low-shear mixing or gentle stirring is the standard recommendation for incorporating pearlescent pigments into finished formulations.

Application Range

Formulation Notes

Mixing method: Add KT-100 to the base formulation during the letdown stage, after any high-shear dispersion steps are complete. Use low-shear stirring or paddle mixing to wet out and distribute the pigment without fracturing the mica platelets. Broken platelets reduce average particle size, which decreases luster intensity and shifts the visual effect toward a more satin, less sparkle character.

Typical use levels: Loading levels vary by application and desired effect intensity. In coatings, 2–10% by weight is a general starting range; cosmetic formulations typically run 5–30% depending on the product type. Epoxy floor and countertop applications can use higher loadings for denser pearl coverage. Confirm through bench trials in your specific system.

Orientation in coatings: Pearlescent effect intensity depends on how well the mica platelets orient parallel to the substrate surface during film formation. Thicker wet film applications, spray application techniques, and formulation viscosity all affect final orientation and therefore the intensity of the pearl effect in the cured coating.

pH stability: Natural mica pearlescent pigments are generally stable in neutral to mildly alkaline and mildly acidic systems. Highly acidic formulations (pH below approximately 3) can affect titanium dioxide coating stability over time — if your formulation is strongly acidic, request specific pH stability data or consider surface-treated grades.

About Kolortek

Kolortek has manufactured pearlescent and effect pigments for over 20 years, supplying industrial and cosmetic markets across Europe, North America, and Asia. The Silver White Series is the foundation of a portfolio that also covers iridescent, gold, metallic luster, synthetic mica, borosilicate, chameleon, holographic, thermochromic, and fluorescent pigment ranges. Custom particle size distributions, surface treatments, and color development are available for buyers with volume requirements outside the standard grade range. TDS and SDS are available on request for all grades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between KT-100 and KT-7100?
A: KT-100 uses natural mica (muscovite) as the substrate; KT-7100 uses synthetic mica (Fluorphlogopite). Synthetic mica offers higher purity, fewer black spots (natural mica contains trace mineral inclusions that appear as dark spots in finished applications), better luster and chroma, and greater thermal stability — relevant for plastics processed above approximately 500°C and for cosmetic applications where high purity is specified. KT-100 natural mica is the cost-effective standard choice for industrial coatings, decorative applications, and general-purpose cosmetics where these differences are not critical.

Q: Which particle size grade should I use for printing inks?
A: Fine grades in the 5–25μm range are standard for printing ink applications. Coarser particles block printing nozzles, damage press components, and produce uneven ink film. The specific grade required depends on your press type (flexo, gravure, offset, digital) and nozzle specifications — contact Kolortek to confirm the appropriate grade for your press configuration.

Q: Can KT-100 be used in cosmetic formulations?
A: Yes. KT-100 is used in cosmetic applications including eye shadow, face powder, highlighter, and body products. Cosmetic applications typically require specific documentation (INCI declaration, heavy metal test data, skin safety documentation). Contact Kolortek to confirm which grades are available with the documentation set required for your target market's cosmetic ingredient regulations.

Q: Why does my pearlescent effect look weaker than expected after mixing?
A: The most common cause is mechanical degradation of the mica platelets during mixing. High-shear dispersers, ball mills, and aggressive agitator blades fracture the platelet structure and reduce the D50 particle size — which reduces luster intensity and shifts the effect toward a more satin, lower-sparkle character. Add KT-100 after all high-shear dispersion steps are complete and mix using low-shear stirring only. A second common cause is insufficient pigment orientation — platelet alignment parallel to the substrate surface is what generates the pearlescent reflection, and this depends on application method and film formation conditions.

Q: Is KT-100 compatible with epoxy resin systems?
A: Yes. KT-100 is widely used in epoxy flooring, countertop, and artificial marble applications. The pigment is chemically inert and compatible with standard two-component epoxy systems. Coarser grades (40–200μm and above) are typically used in these applications for visible sparkle and depth of effect. Stir into the resin component before adding the hardener; confirm compatibility with your specific resin formulation if unusual additives or reactive diluents are present.

Request Samples or Technical Data

KT-100 is available in multiple particle size grades optimized for different application methods and effect requirements. The right grade depends on your specific formulation, substrate, and visual target. Contact Kolortek to request grade samples for your application, download the TDS and SDS, or discuss custom particle size or surface treatment requirements for high-volume production.