Synthetic Mica Super Wine Red Metallic Pigment KT-7573 200-700μm Coarse

KT-7573 belongs to Kolortek's Metal Luster Series — a line of iron oxide-coated mica pigments designed to behave optically and functionally closer to metallic pigments than standard pearlescents. The base substrate is fluorphlogopite, a synthetic mica with higher chemical purity than its natural counterpart. Iron oxide is deposited onto the mica flakes in a controlled coating process; color tone and depth are direct functions of coating thickness.

The 200–700μm particle range is intentionally coarse. At this size, individual flakes are clearly visible, producing a bold, sparkle-forward effect rather than a smooth satin or silky finish. This is a deliberate design choice for applications where large-flake visual texture is part of the aesthetic — epoxy floors, countertop laminates, thick-film decorative coatings.

Product Model Reference

The KT-7500 series covers the full synthetic mica / Metal Luster range. Other particle sizes and color variants are available within the series — contact us if you need finer grades for spray coatings or printing applications.

Key Characteristics

• Warm metallic lustre with strong concealing power: Unlike interference pearlescents that rely on transparency, KT-7573 delivers opaque, coverage-forward color with a genuine metallic quality.
• Fluorphlogopite base — cleaner and more stable: Synthetic mica contains fewer mineral impurities and virtually no black spots. This translates directly to cleaner color and more consistent batch appearance.
• Better luster and chroma: The higher purity base allows iron oxide coatings to develop with greater optical clarity, resulting in richer red tones and sharper reflectance.
• High temperature stability: Performs reliably in powder coatings and other thermally processed systems — a clear advantage over natural mica-based alternatives.
• Weather resistance: Iron oxide coatings are inherently stable. Combined with the synthetic mica substrate, KT-7573 holds up well in exterior architectural and industrial coating applications.
• Coarse particle texture: The 200–700μm range produces visible individual flakes — a sparkling, textured finish that reads as three-dimensional in thick-film systems.

Applications

The coarse particle size narrows the ideal application window somewhat — this isn't the right grade for spray guns or printing systems. In practice, KT-7573 is best suited to applications where the pigment is applied by trowel, roller, brush, or hand dispersion into a matrix.

• Epoxy floor coatings and decorative floor systems
• Countertop resins and artificial marble compounds
• Decorative paints and architectural coatings (brush/roller applied)
• Craft and art applications — resin casting, hand-mixed media
• Nail systems (gel, acrylic, and nail art formulations)
• Soap and cosmetic manufacturing (where coarse sparkle effect is desired)

Worth noting: in epoxy floor systems, coarse mica flakes like KT-7573 are often broadcast into a wet base coat to create a terrazzo-style or metallic flake floor finish. The large flake size catches light at multiple angles, creating strong directional sparkle.

Synthetic vs. Natural Mica — Practical Difference

For buyers evaluating cost vs. performance, this distinction matters. Natural mica is mined and carries mineral contaminants — black spots, inconsistent flake geometry, variable surface quality. These impurities show up in the finished coating, particularly at coarse particle sizes where each flake is visible.

Fluorphlogopite (synthetic mica) is produced under controlled conditions. Flake purity is higher. Surface finish is smoother. Iron oxide adheres more uniformly, which is why synthetic mica-based pigments like KT-7573 tend to show better chroma and more consistent batch-to-batch appearance. For high-visibility applications — decorative floors, display surfaces — that consistency matters.

Practical Considerations for Formulators

Dispersion: Coarse mica flakes settle quickly in low-viscosity systems. Ensure adequate thickeners or anti-settling agents are in place if the formulation is liquid-based. High-shear mixing is not recommended — it can fracture the larger flakes and degrade sparkle performance. Gentle, low-speed incorporation is preferred.

Loading rate: Start at 2–5% by weight in most systems and adjust based on coverage requirements. At coarse particle sizes, very high loading can cause flake stacking and reduce individual flake reflectance.

Substrate compatibility: KT-7573 is compatible with water-based, solvent-based, and UV-cured systems, as well as epoxy resins and polyester-based compounds. No special treatment or coupling agent is required for most standard systems.

Orientation: In thin-film coatings, achieving good flake orientation with coarse particles is more difficult than with fine grades. In thick-film or cast systems (epoxy floors, resin casting), this is less of a concern — flakes tend to settle and align naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is KT-7573 suitable for exterior architectural coatings?
Yes. The iron oxide coating on fluorphlogopite mica is chemically stable and weather-resistant. That said, test in your specific binder system and exposure conditions before committing to production — binder degradation in exterior systems is typically the limiting factor, not the pigment itself.

Q: Can this be used in cosmetic formulations?
Yes. The Metal Luster Series is listed for cosmetic applications including nail and soap manufacturing. Confirm regulatory compliance for your specific market — MSDS and relevant documentation are available on request.

Q: Is the super wine red color available in finer particle sizes?
The KT-7500 series includes multiple particle size options across color variants. Contact us directly to confirm available grades for the super wine red shade — not all size ranges are stocked for every color.

Q: How does KT-7573 behave in high-temperature processing (e.g., powder coatings or injection molding)?
Synthetic mica-based pigments offer better thermal stability than natural mica alternatives. KT-7573 is generally suitable for high-temperature processes — provide your processing temperature range when requesting technical support so we can confirm suitability.

Request Samples or Technical Data

Samples, TDS, COA, and MSDS are available. If you're developing a formulation and need guidance on loading rates, compatibility, or application method, reach out directly — technical support is part of the process.

Contact: contact@kolortek.com