How to Color Epoxy Resin 

What is Colorant for Epoxy Resin? 

Epoxy resin colorant is used to dye or tint an epoxy project with color. These additives can vary in strength of opacity, physical state, and visual characteristics. Before selecting a colorant for an application, it’s important to understand the different variations available to best fit the project.

Best Pigment for Epoxy Resins

Mica Powder

Mica mineral powders are made up of a natural substance that originates from ground stone. This type of colorant has a very fine texture that allows it to mix thoroughly with epoxy resin. Mica powder tends to have a glittery or metallic shine, making it the perfect colorant for projects that require a dimensional look. 

Pigment Paste 

For a thick, viscous colorant option, pigment pastes are the way to go. When added to epoxy resin, these concentrated pigments are suspended in the product to build color strength. For this reason, epoxy artists will sometimes opt for pigment paste to create a web effect (or ocean wave cells) in their epoxy projects.  

Alcohol Ink & Dye

To achieve a subtle, translucent color in epoxy projects, alcohol inks and dyes are the perfect colorant options. Just a drop or two of these pigments will supply epoxy resin with a transparent coloring effect. However, it’s important to add only a very small amount of alcohol inks or dyes to epoxy; too much colorant will cause the epoxy to become diluted and have curing issues.

Liquid Pigment 

Liquid pigments are colorants that act similarly to dye or paint, blending seamlessly into epoxy to create a smooth, even color. Unlike mica powders, liquid pigments provide epoxy with a solid color that can be either translucent or opaque, depending on how much is added in. These colorants can also be added with mica powder to create a deeper, more vibrant color. 

There are many types of liquid pigments out there, but it’s important to use high-quality pigments that stay true to color and do not dilute the epoxy. 

Supercolors: Epoxy Resin Colored Pigment 

That’s where Supercolors Epoxy Resin Colored Pigment comes in. These liquid pigments have vibrant, concentrated colors that blend flawlessly with epoxy resin, gel coats, and urethanes. Designed specifically for Superclear Epoxy Resin Systems, Supercolors liquid pigments are guaranteed 100% pure pigments that do not contain impurities. Coming in black, white, red, yellow, green, and blue, the integrated squeeze dropper makes Supercolors easy to add to any epoxy project. With only a few drops, these epoxy resin colorants will flawlessly transform projects from clear to beautifully colored. 

Popular Applications for Supercolors 

• River tables
• Serving trays
• Resin art
• Wood cracks 

How to Add Pigment for Epoxy Resin 

1. Mix the epoxy resin: Make sure to fully mix the A and B sides before adding in any epoxy resin pigments. This will ensure that your epoxy is completely in ratio before adding colorant. 
2. Calculate and measure the pigment: Most epoxy resin pigments should be measured in ratio to the total volume of epoxy in use. With Supercolors liquid pigment, the ratio of pigment to epoxy resin should not exceed 12%. However, this form of epoxy resin dye is extremely pigmented, so you will need much less than 12%! 
3. Add pigment to epoxy resin:  Mix your epoxy resin according to the directions. Once the resin is mixed, add in the colorant for the epoxy resin.
   Pro tip: Add less pigment than you think you need to start. You can always add in more later! Mixing before
4. Mix thoroughly: Mix the epoxy resin completely to fully distribute and blend the pigments into the epoxy. While Supercolors Epoxy Resin Colored Pigment will blend into epoxy quickly, pigments like mica powder or paste may take more time to fully incorporate into the mix.

Conclusion 

If you’re looking to liven your epoxy resin project with a vibrant transparent or opaque flat appearance, Supercolors Epoxy Resin Colored Pigment is the perfect solution. Use Supercolors in conjunction with mica powder to bring a dimensional, metallic look to your one of a kind pieces! 

FAQs

What can be used to color epoxy resin? 

In most cases, it’s best to use a colorant for epoxy resin that is formulated specifically for these types of projects. Liquid pigments, mica powders, alcohol inks & dyes, and pigment pastes are typically best. For a more intense color concentration, use a combination of these pigments. 

How do I add color to epoxy resin? 

Make sure to fully mix your epoxy prior to adding in your colorants. Start with a small amount of pigment and as more as needed to achieve your target color. Keep in mind that you should not exceed 12% pigment in ratio to the total volume of epoxy. 

Can I use food coloring in epoxy resin? 

Due to the weak concentration in food coloring, it is not recommended to use it with epoxy resin. Instead, use Supercolors Epoxy Resin Colored Pigments or alcohol based dyes for best results. 

Can you use paint to tint epoxy resin? 

It is not recommended to use any kind of paint with epoxy resin. House paints, spray paints, acrylic paints, and so on have been known to dilute and soften epoxy as it cures. In some cases, it will cause the epoxy to stay tacky and never fully cure. 

What is the difference between mica powder and liquid pigment? 

Mica pigment powders are a fine material made from ground stone that creates a metallic, shimmery, 3D effect in epoxy resin. Contrastingly, liquid pigments are typically solvent based products that blend into epoxy resin to provide a flat, consistent color. 

How much liquid pigment do I add to epoxy? 

We recommend adding no more than 12% liquid pigment in ratio to the total volume of epoxy resin. It’s always a good idea to start with a couple of drops to start and add more as needed.