How to Color Resin - Instructions by IntoResin

Are you wondering what is one thing that you can add to bring a new life to your home? Don’t want to revamp the entire place since you know that some changes can satisfy you? Ever thought what makes your home look so beautiful? Well, don’t bother to confuse your mind when the answer is right in front of you- resin. Yes, not only does it look good but can also be made into any shape, size or design based on what type of change you are looking for. Resin is known to be one of the best and versatile items, especially when it comes to transforming it into functional yet amazing pieces for the home. The best thing about resin is that it is useful in many ways- be it in a living room, bedroom or dining room.

Now, once you have decided to add resin to your home, the next step would be color it in your desired combinations. Yes, it’s clear and transparent; you are required to use some colorants that are made for this purpose. However, it’s not as easy to color resin as it sounds like. There are a number of minor details and requirements that, if not taken care of, would lead to dissatisfaction. So, it’s better to do some research on how to color resin than to regret after all the efforts.

Right Colors/Resin Pigment

When it comes to exploring the colors or pigments for coloring resin, the important thing is to make sure that the choice is perfect for the situation or purpose resin will be used for afterwards. Remember that not every media or coloring option would work well for all purposes. You will have to figure out why do you need to color resin so as to make sure that you don’t have to face any trouble once everything is in order.

Considering their use, media options are divided into two major categories. Let’s dig deeper into each category and see where they can be used for.

Liquid or Paste Like Consistency

These types of colors are ideal for dyeing because of their high quality and productive nature. They are capable of making resin just the way you want. So, what are you waiting for? Get one of the following now:

• ResinTint: Designed with the aim to make it compatible with ArtResin, this resin colorant requires resin to work as a binder. Wondering what does it mean? Well, ResinTint is not designed to be added on its own; rather, it requires resin to mix into it to meet the requirements. Unlike alcohol ink and acrylic paint, ResinTint isn’t capable of bringing out the desired results until it is mixed into resin. It is just like ood coloring, where the material requires a binding substance. What makes ResinTint preferable despite of other options is its non-flammable and non-toxic nature that doesn’t affect the glossiness, non-toxicity and non-flammability of ArtResin- another plus to go for ResinTint!
• Alcohol Ink: Since ink is a water based substance, it offers better pigmentation than other media options. You have to use a few drops of alcohol ink on resin and your desired color will be in front of you. However, just make sure that you use it for indoor purpose because its light fastness is unsuitable for outside use. Alcohol leaves the pigment in its place without disrupting the composition of resin. Based on their nature, Alcohol Inks are divided into two types:

1. Water-based inks that have solvents like acrylic inks in which, water leaves resin to face unfavorable chemical reactions that impose negative effects in one way the other.
2. The best thing about alcohol-based inks is that their transparency is controllable. All you need to do is to add a few drops to resin and wait until you get a gorgeous yet transparent color. However, if you want a saturated and vibrant look, add more drops of alcohol ink.

• Airbrush Paint: In case of using the combination of epoxy resin, airbrush paint turns out to be the perfect option. Just be careful about the high quality products as the color concentration tends to be a bit high. Though, if your purpose still requires airbrush paint, then one of the recommendations is to go for Aerosol by Schmincke.
• Acrylic Paint: This type of media option consists of binders, water, color pigments and other additives to maintain its durability. However, acrylic paint is not recommended for most of the purposes because of the water and additives that may lead to some serious consequences. Even, the end result would streaks or a dull surface.

Powdery Additives and Color Pigments

From normal and matte colors to metallic and shimmery shades, color pigments are available in myriads of options. The best thing about these pigments is their light resistance that doesn’t let colors to fade so easily.

• Glowing Pigments: Although color pigments are perfect, luminous pigments can be added to them for additional wow-effect. These pigments are divided into two types- first type of pigments are charged with UV light and glow in the dark while second type simply glows under the black light. There are many daytime colors like fluorescent pigment tint that is combined with the natural glow powder to give a nice splash of color. Also, mixing photo-luminescent pigment with transparent or clear mediums like resin, rubber, epoxy paint, silicone, powder coating, cement, plastic ink, glue, glass, praint road paint or clay can also bring a huge difference in the appearance. The glowing pigment will settle down, thereby leaving an amazing clear top with the desired feel. Just remember- the higher the amount of glow powder added to the mixture, the brighter will be the outcome.
• Glitter Powder: For exciting and amazing effects, glitter powder tends to be the perfect option. From classic metallic to holographic glitter, you name it and it will be possible. Although it wouldn’t be possible to color casting resin but still, there will be added eye catching effects for others.
• Mica Powder: Mica is a form of a natural stone that has shiny flakes. When grounded, it coverts into mica powder having a fine glittery and sparkly look. So, if you want the resin to be shiny and shimmery with pearl-like effect, then mica powder for resin is the best thing you can go for. The best of all, it is available in multiple colors but brings in more sparkle to the finish product as compared to the color shades.

Process of Coloring Resin

The steps are simple yet a bit tricky as you will have to be really careful about the ratio and quantity of each substance being added into the mixture.

• Collect all the materials and other items needed to make resin. Make sure that you give enough time to each and every detail to avoid issues in the future.
• Make sure to cover the surroundings to keep it safe from the damages.
• Always wear protective gear- nitrile gloves, a breathing mask and protective goggles- to ensure your safety.
• Read the manufacturer’s instructions on the packet and identify the right ratio between resin and hardener.
• Add a colorant and start mixing resin. Always remember to start with a small amount of pigments to see which shade or intensity of colors you want.
• Avoid adding a high amount of color as it may alter the mixing ratio.
• If you want to have the translucent color effect in resin, then go for a high quality of powdery additives, particularly mica powder. It is one of the best options to get that translucent look.

Important Tips to Color Resin

Resin is not an easy material to deal with. Similarly, you will have to the right color or media options to come up with the perfect resin color. To avoid making any mistake or facing dissatisfaction at the end of the process, here are some tips to take into consideration:

• The first and foremost thing is to pay attention on the mixing ratio. Make sure that you mix the right amount of resin and hardener or else, you might have to face some unforeseen problems. Likewise, addition of colors also bring some changes into its composition. So, always follow the measurements as stated by the manufacturer or find some standard ones.
• Use paints that have low water content and are highly concentrated or pigmented
• Start with a small amount of paint and resin to make sure that the resultant is according to your expectations.
• Coloring resin doesn’t mean that it will be prone to UV protection. The yellowish shade of epoxy resins is less noticeable without UB protection as compared to transparent resin but, the color would fade over time and yellowish shade turn into a new color.
• Make uncolored resin in the beginning to get an idea about the handling techniques. Once you know how to deal with it, it would be much easier to give any color you want.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it possible to color epoxy resin with a color?

Yes, it’s possible- just make sure to use a highly-pigmented two-component paint like a car paint. Normally, it’s recommended to color resin while casting but, there are some applications where it requires paint- for instance, aquariums or terrariums.

Is Epoxy Resin Efficient for heat resistance?

Casting resin is famous to resist heat with temperature anywhere between 70⁰C and 100⁰C. However, if it is colored, its heat resistance ability would be decreased. So, whenever resin is colored, especially for epoxy tables, it’s recommended to apply an additional layer of clear epoxy resin for added beauty.

What’s the process of resin dyeing?

Primarily, it’s the same as that of other types of resin- mix two substances followed by the addition of color media or epoxy dye. Mix slowly until everything gets in harmony and there will be no air bubbles in the resultant.

What is the right amount of color to be added to resin?

Irrespective of the type of colorant chosen, always make sure not to exceed from 6% according to the total volume of resin. Any amount higher than 6% may disturb the chemical composition and balance of resin.

What is the process to tint resin for transparent colors?

When tinted before casting, resin still remains a bit transparent. So, if this isn’t the goal, then it’s better to go for airbrush ink, printer inks or color pastes.

Can epoxy resin adhesive be colored?

Yes, it’s possible but, would take longer time than normal resin. Adhesive takes more time to dry after coloring.

Can resin be painted?

Although there are different methods for painting, the answer remains the same- resin cannot be painted! Let’s discuss each method in detail:

• Oil Paint:Oil paint has never been compatible with casting resin. Since it contains lipids that do not combine with resin, it creates lumps thereby making it difficult to use it for coloring resin.
• Watercolors:Watercolors are rarely recommended and even used on resin. Their low pigmentation doesn’t color resin enough due to which, you would have to use a high amount of watercolors to get the desired shade. Their hard consistency is another reason why they cannot be mixed with resin.
• Nail Polish:Yes, nail polish cannot to be a good way to color epoxy resin. However, dripping it on wet resin can help to color resin and create effects. Even, painting with nail polish can give amazing looks to resin charms.
• Latex Paint:This option is not recommended as a resin dye. People, who have used it, are well aware that it makes resin stringy and inappropriate for giving any shape.

Are coloring methods for resin different for UV resin?

There is good news that all methods for epoxy resin can be used for UV resin as well. They are- Alcohol inks, pigments, epoxy resin color pastes and airbrush colors.

Now that you are aware of different media options, methods and tips and tricks to color resin, it would be the right time to get an item for your home. All you need to do is to find out the right spot for resin followed by the right color and shade that would complement the entire space. Once you have these details, the next step will be to follow this guide and see how things would proceed for you.