There is nothing quite like watching a glorious epoxy resin reveal as the final product becomes sheer perfection due to the artist’s bold color choice. Interestingly, achieving the perfect color for your epoxy resin can be done in a variety of ways including liquid and powder options.
You can color epoxy resin with mica powder pigments, liquid dye, makeup, acrylic paint, glitter, chalk, polymer powder pigments, powdered spices, food coloring, watercolor paints, and more. To avoid diluting the resin, be sure to use minimal to moderate amounts and avoid anything oil-based.
Of course, coloring your epoxy resin will have to be done carefully to ensure that you are able to achieve the color you are hoping for. There are many advantages and disadvantages to each coloring agent. Still, you will find that with practice, you can achieve the delicate balance that helps your epoxy resin projects to pop. To make it easier for you to decide, I have compiled a list of the 10 most common ways to color epoxy resin- many of which I have had great luck with. Let’s take a look.
1. Mica Powder Pigments
Mica powder pigments are likely the most common way that epoxy resin artists color their products. Even so, they can come from many different manufacturers and with many different popular brands boasting unique coloring options or gorgeous finishes.
One major advantage of using mica powder pigments is that they are a powder (rather than a liquid option) meaning they can be more easily and precisely measured. This can help you to achieve the perfect balance and duplicable color ratio each time you use this product to color epoxy resin.
Mica powder pigments can be sourced from all over the globe which makes it important to look into ethical sourcing options. You may or may not find this written clearly with many companies, but it is recommended to search for it before you make your purchases.
Mica powder pigments are used as a coloring agent for all types of products, but they work particularly well for coloring epoxy resin. Since mica powder pigments are incredibly fine, not much is required to achieve a crisp, bold color (depending on the specific product that you are working with).
You will need to make sure to stir the mica powder pigments regularly before you pour as this product can settle at the bottom of its container. Even so, mica powder pigments are one of the most popular color agent options for coloring epoxy resin.
You can typically find mica powder pigments sold in small bags or containers through reputable companies. Fortunately, since minimal amounts of mica powder pigments are needed to create the color that you wish to achieve, you will only need a little bit of this product for each epoxy resin pour that you do.
This means that you can purchase a smaller amount and see it last for quite a while. So, if you are surprised at the small amount of mica powder pigments that show up on your doorstep for the first time, just remember that this product goes an incredibly long way in the overall amount of product used to achieve the right color for your epoxy resin and the efficiency of this use.
2. Liquid Dye
Liquid dye is the second most common way that epoxy resin artists color their products. Liquid dye for coloring epoxy resin can come from many different manufacturers, but there are many popular brands that will leave you completely satisfied- and in awe- of the gorgeous color that they give to your epoxy resin.
Liquid dye can be highly advantageous in that it can be added in low amounts and yet reveal a bold color meaning that this coloring option is highly effective, especially in terms of the total amount of product used with each project for the price.
Still, you will need to be mindful when working with liquid dye to ensure an even and precise color depending on what you are hoping to achieve. When using a liquid dye as opposed to a powder pigmentation option for coloring your epoxy resin, you will need to ensure that you count the number of drops used while coloring your epoxy resin. You might want to write this down as you go.
Then, if you are attempting to make a duplicate of your product, you will have a better shot at achieving an exact color match. Of course, to do this, you will also need to ensure that the size of your drops is pretty similar, too.
Even so, if you are working with a large or small epoxy resin project, you can achieve the bold color of your dreams by using a relatively small portion of your entire liquid dye container. Just be sure to thoroughly mix in the liquid dye before you begin your pour, and get to work.
3. Makeup
Makeup might seem like something that is just used for achieving a particular aesthetic or cosmetic appeal on your face, but you can actually use the same products that you would otherwise place on your cheeks, eyes, or use to contour to create illuminating epoxy resin colors.
There are few reviews of particular brands of makeup being better than another when it comes to coloring your epoxy resin. What you will want to look for, though, is a product that can be concentrated into a fine powder that can be ground up, measured out, and added to your epoxy resin with ease.
You will, of course, also want to pay attention to the vividness, texture, and saturation of the makeup pigment that you will be using to color your epoxy resin. Since not all makeup is the same (even varying from blush to eyeshadow, and beyond), it is best to test out a very small sample of the amount of makeup that you will need to add to your epoxy resin to achieve the color that you are going for.
Still, many epoxy resin artists like this option because makeup is readily available at almost any grocery store, and it can be a very inexpensive way to create a particular color- especially if you only want a small amount but in a variety of color options for your epoxy resin project.
Just be sure that, like when using liquid dye, that you measure out the amount and write down your “formula” if you plan to replicate the color again. This can help to reduce many attempts of trial and error as you recreate the exact color combination for your next epoxy resin project.
4. Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is another option that can be used to color epoxy resin, but you will want to ensure that your acrylic paint is not oil-based as this will not react well with the resin and could disrupt the typical drying and curing process (while leaving behind a mess of a color attempt).
Still, using non-oil-based acrylic paint can be a remarkable way to achieve some of the most vibrant colors out there for your epoxy resin project, be it large or small.
Of course, using acrylic paint, considering it is a thicker substance, you will also want to ensure that you use as little of the product as possible when you are mixing it with your epoxy resin. Using minimal amounts of acrylic paint when coloring epoxy resin can help to achieve the perfect color without diluting your resin concentration.
Many epoxy resin artists like using acrylic paint because the colors can be mixed easily to create the perfect hue before even adding it to the epoxy resin, and it is easily accessible at most craft stores. Just be sure to use this product with minimization in mind, and you should be good to go.
5. Glitter
Glitter is another option that epoxy resin artists use to color their projects when they wish to add a little extra sparkle to their products. Glitter, yes, the product that will be found long after you think you have completed your project, can add the extra flare that your epoxy resin project needs.
If you specialize in epoxy resin personalization crafts, glitter is a great way to add a signature layer to a unique piece for yourself or a customer. Ideally, you will use glitter that comes in the form of a powder rather than opting for glitter glue or other products that contain unknown substances. The powder form of glitter (that requires an adhesive to be applied in order to stick to paper) is your best bet when wanting your epoxy resin to sparkle.
To use glitter, you will, again, want to use a minimal amount and be sure to stir continuously as you begin your pour. Glitter will quickly settle into your epoxy resin, but this can be avoided by using minimal amounts and pouring in thin layers. So, if you want to create a silver that really shines, you can opt for the age-old crafting product (glitter) to color your epoxy resin.
6. Chalk
Interestingly, chalk can be used to color epoxy resin, but it will need to be ground into a powder that can be measured and then mixed into the substance to truly work well. Fortunately, there are many epoxy resin artists who have done this before, so you can count on it working for you. You will just need to complete the messy work upfront in order to achieve what you are looking for.
Using chalk to color your epoxy resin has a few unique advantages, but one of the main reasons that epoxy resin artists use this is because it can add an opaque, matte color that other options cannot achieve in the same way.
Still, using chalk to color your epoxy resin can be a multifaceted project. You will first want to use the chalk on plain white paper to see what color it is outside of the stick that it comes in. Then, you will need to grind it up into a fine powder and place that into a container.
Finally, you can measure out a small amount into your epoxy resin and begin stirring. Since chalk will settle, be sure to continuously stir the mixture as you pour so that the particles do not all just sit on the bottom. As long as you do this, you should be in the clear for achieving a unique color option for your epoxy resin.
7. Polymer Powder Pigments
Polymer powder pigments have some unique advantages when used as a way to color epoxy resin, and this has added to their increased popularity over the past few years. Particularly, polymer powder pigments fully dissolve into your epoxy resin (unlike mica powder pigments), so you will not need to worry about constantly stirring your product to ensure that the powder has not settled.
In addition to this, polymer powder pigments can be used in reduced amounts to achieve a transparent color option which is highly sought after by many epoxy resin artists throughout the globe. Along with this, since they are a powder, they are easy to measure with precision so that you can achieve the exact color you are going for (and can duplicate this for your next projects, too).
There are many different brands that use polymer powder pigments, and the sourcing options are relatively standard. Still, if you are looking for a more popular option, Phoenix Pigments is one of the more popular brands, and I have always had success in achieving the color I was hoping for with this line.
8. Powdered Spices
Using powdered spices is a method of coloring epoxy resin that some artists swear by, yet others are still hesitant to try. Since spices can have so many variants depending on the brand (or if they have a brand name manufacturer at all), it is important to test these out in small epoxy resin pours before you begin on your final project.
Even with this, one of the many advantages of using powdered spices as a coloring agent for your epoxy resin is that they are so unique in the color that they can provide for your project. Especially if you are going with a local or regional spice, this is something that may not be able to be found anywhere else in the world, so you can ensure that your epoxy resin project will be unique. And, if you are selling to consumers, boasting of the fact that the color comes from spices grown somewhere local can be a huge selling point.
To use powdered spices to color your epoxy, you will want to use them like any other powder. Be sure that they are finely ground, measure them precisely, and stir them in continuously to avoid the particles settling into your resin. Then, pouring in thinner layers, be ready to achieve a unique color option for your piece.
9. Food Coloring
Food coloring is another unique choice for coloring epoxy resin, and it is one that is easily accessible at almost any grocery store, too. When using food coloring to color epoxy resin, however, you will want to make sure that the less watery it is initially, the better. This will help you to achieve more of a bold color, and it will also help to avoid diluting your resin in the first place.
To use food coloring to color epoxy resin, carefully add minimal drops of the food coloring into your resin before you begin your pour. As you stir, you will notice the vivid color begin to shine after adding just a few drops. Carefully pour your mixture, and you are set to have an easy coloring option for your epoxy resin project.
Like other liquid dyes, though, using food coloring should be done with as much precision as possible to be able to achieve the color you are looking for. This means that you will want to use the same size drops (or as close as possible) and write down the number of drops used to be able to duplicate the color option again.
10. Watercolor Paints
Watercolor paints are the last option that we will include as a way to color your epoxy resin, but this list is certainly not all-inclusive if you want to get even more creative. Still, this list does include tried and true options, but you are, of course, welcome to experiment on your own.
Using watercolor paints to color your epoxy resin, you will likely find that you can achieve more of a transparent color option for your epoxy resin project. Since watercolor paints are not known for their vibrant hues in the same way that acrylic paints are, watercolor paints can be used to achieve more subtle, beautiful tones.
To use them, you will use the same method as any other liquid coloring agent. Carefully add a few drops to your epoxy resin, continuously stir, and pour carefully to begin the curing process. Then, be ready to be pleased with your results.
What Should You Not Color Epoxy Resin With?
So, we have talked about many of the different ways that you can color epoxy resin including everything from products you can find in your kitchen and local grocery store to specialty products that are made uniquely for these types of projects. Now, you might be wondering, what can’t you color your epoxy resin with?
When coloring epoxy resin, avoid using any type of product that is oil-based as this can disrupt the concentration of the epoxy resin and hardening agent mixture. Additionally, avoid using too much of any product as this can dilute the epoxy resin and create a sloppy project.
If you stick with this list of 10 ways to color epoxy resin above, then you should be well on your way to achieving success in your next epoxy resin project. So, whether you are working with a gorgeous piece of wood or are crafting a specialty project in an epoxy resin mold, using any of these products above should land you in a world of success.