18 Colorants For Epoxy Resin That Work

Here are the best colorants for epoxy resin. Hey there, resin artists! If you’re looking to add some pizzazz to your resin creations, you’re in the right place.

Coloring resin is all about having fun and getting creative, and the key to achieving those beautiful results is picking the best colorants.

If you’re a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into the colorful world of epoxy resin, we’re here to help. If you are wondering what you can use to color epoxy resin, I have some fantastic ideas for you.

This guide will introduce you to the best colorants for epoxy resin and UV resin. This list will give you a palette of possibilities to make your resin art pop with full color and also transparent colors.

From soft pastels to vibrant, eye-catching shades, we’ve got you covered in this coloring for resin guide.

So, let’s explore your options for dying epoxy resin and make sure your resin projects shine with the perfect touch of color.

Let’s go through this list together so you can find some new colors to add to your resin ideas.

Best Colorants For Resin

1. Color Shifting Colorants for resin

Color-shifting pigments are a fascinating colorant to the world of resin art because they appear to shift the colors.

These pigments contain specially engineered particles that change color depending on the angle, creating a chameleon-like effect. These are some of the best colorants for epoxy resin and also for UV resin.

When mixed into resin, they give a unique and ever-changing character to your creations, shifting between two or more colors as the viewing angle or lighting conditions change.

This color metamorphosis introduces an element of surprise and intrigue, making your resin art appear alive and dynamic. The first time I used holographic pigments, I was hooked. They are so pretty!

Color-shifting pigments allow you to achieve amazing, shifting hues that look fantastic in jewelry and resin crafts. Learn more about how to use mica powders in resin with our helpful guide.

Creating a Shimmer Effect

The magic of mica powders lies in their ability to create a shimmering effect that adds depth and dimension to resin projects.

To achieve this enchanting shimmer, mix a small amount of mica powder into your resin, adjusting the quantity to control the level of sparkle.

For a more pronounced effect, consider using a clear resin base to allow the mica’s reflective particles to shine through.

Experiment with different concentrations and layering techniques to discover the optimal balance that imparts a captivating and magical shimmer to your resin creations.

Mica powders are an excellent choice for artists seeking to instill their projects with an otherworldly, iridescent glow.

Blending Mica Powders for Unique Hues

One of the fascinating aspects of mica powders is the potential for creating custom hues by blending different shades.

Combine various mica powder colors in small increments, mixing thoroughly until you achieve the desired color palette. This blending process allows for the creation of unique and personalized shades that can enhance the overall aesthetic of your resin projects.

Whether you’re aiming for subtle variations or bold contrasts, the versatility of mica powders provides endless possibilities for crafting resin pieces that are as unique as they are visually stunning.

See our complete guides about using mica powder: Best mica powder kits for resin & How to use mica powder in resin.

2. Pearl Ex Pigments for resin

Pearl Ex pigments are top selling colorants for epoxy resin. These pigments are finely milled and contain pearlescent particles that create a lustrous, opalescent sheen when mixed with resin.

The quality of this brand is so good, and they can be used for so many things like coasters, charms and more.

Available in a wide spectrum of colors, Pearl Ex pigments can be used to achieve a shimmering effect in your resin creations. You can achieve a soft, ethereal glow or a more vibrant, iridescent finish. That’s why they are some of the best resin pigments. I’ve also used them for watercolor paintings.

Their ability to reflect and refract light gives your resin art a multidimensional quality, making it appear as if it has a depth and complexity that captures the eye. Colors that can range from delicate pastels to vivid, striking shades.

3. White Mica Powder for epoxy

White mica powder is a must have colorant for resin. This finely ground powder is derived from natural mica minerals, which are known for their shimmering, pearlescent qualities.

When incorporated into resin, white pearl mica powder imparts a gentle opalescent sheen, reminiscent of a pristine pearl’s luminosity.

It is particularly popular for achieving an elegant and understated touch in resin creations, making them appear as if they possess a soft, pearly glow.

The delicacy of this pigment allows for a sophisticated and versatile applications so it’s really popular for making resin jewelry and home décor items.

White pearl mica powder is a must-have for resin artists because of it’s wide range of uses, and it can also be mixed with other colorants. We have a helpful article about the best mica powder kits for beginners.

4. Golden Fluid Acrylic Paint

Golden Fluid Acrylic Paint is a high-quality, professional-grade acrylic paint highly regarded among artists for its exceptional performance and versatility.

Available in a vast array of colors, including both traditional hues and unique specialty shades, Golden Fluid Acrylics offer artists the opportunity to achieve a wide spectrum of effects in their work.

These paints are characterized by their smooth consistency and intense pigmentation, allowing for seamless blending, layering, and fine detail work.

Their fluid nature makes them ideal for a range of artistic applications, including painting, pouring, and resin art. And a top choice for how to make resin opaque.

5. Neon Pigment Powders for resin

If you are wondering how to color UV resin then these are a fun choice. Neon pigments are an electrifying and attention-grabbing addition to the world of creative artistry.

These specialized pigments come in an array of fluorescent, eye-popping colors that seem to radiate energy and excitement.

When incorporated into various art mediums, including resin, neon pigments produce intense, vivid hues that are especially vibrant under natural or ultraviolet lighting.

Their bold and playful nature is perfect for achieving a striking, attention-grabbing look.

Use them for dynamic resin jewelry, contemporary paintings, and other artistic resin projects.

6. Resin Pigment Paste

One of the best resin colorants is pigment paste. This type of colorant is truly stunning and comes in many colors. Beware of the term pigment paste though. There are brands who say they are offering pigment paste, but they are actually liquid dyes.

Pigment paste, is a highly concentrated paste that you use very little of because a little goes a long way. Pigment paste is popular in the colors gold, silver and copper. It also makes a great gift for a resin artist.

7. Gold Paint For Resin

Using gold paint in geode resin art is a great way to make your creations shine. It gives your geode-inspired designs great transition lines and draws the eye with its metallic gleam, similar to the elements of real geode minerals.

Whether you’re making geode coasters with vibrant colors or intricate tabletops, adding gold enhances the beauty of the geode concept in a fun and eye-catching way.

When incorporated into various art mediums, including resin, gold glitter paints imparts an unmistakable light catching section in your piece. Gold paint is for sure some of the best colorants for epoxy resin when you are making geodes.

8. colorful Polymer Clay Embeds

Polymer clay embeds are delightful components used in a variety of artistic endeavors, such as resin art and jewelry making.

These embeds are created by sculpting or molding polymer clay into various shapes, designs, or miniature objects, and then baking them to harden.

The possibilities for polymer clay embeds are virtually endless, as they can range from tiny sculptures and intricate patterns to lifelike miniature fruits, flowers, or animals.

These tiny, carefully crafted elements can be embedded or set within resin, polymer clay, or other artistic materials to add depth, texture, and interest to the final piece.

Polymer clay embeds allow artists to infuse their creations with personalized, thematic, or whimsical details.

9. Alcohol Inks for resin

Alcohol inks are a liquid medium used by artists and crafters to add translucent colors to a wide range of surfaces, including paper, glass, metal, ceramics, and even resin.

These inks are dye-based and are often alcohol-soluble, which means they can be easily manipulated and blended. That’s why they are some of the best colorants for epoxy resin when you need just a bit of color.

Their fluid nature allows for various techniques, such as dripping, blending, and marbling, making them a good choice for creating abstract art, intricate designs, or unique patterns.

Potential Challenges and Solutions With Alcohol Inks

While inks bring brilliance to resin projects, they can pose certain challenges. One common issue is the potential for ink colors to blend unexpectedly, especially in layered designs.

To mitigate this, ensure each resin layer is fully cured before adding the next one. Additionally, some inks may contain additives that affect the resin’s curing time or consistency, so it’s crucial to choose inks specifically designed for resin use.

Keep in mind that the alcohol content in some inks may lead to quicker resin curing, necessitating a faster working pace.

Lastly, always test your chosen inks on a small scale before applying them to larger projects to anticipate any unforeseen reactions.

By addressing these challenges with care and consideration, you can harness the full potential of inks to create resin pieces that burst with vibrant, captivating colors.

10. Metallic resin Powders

Metallic powders are additives in the realm of artistic creations, known for their ability to infuse a touch of shimmering beauty into various mediums.

These finely ground powders are often composed of metallic particles, such as gold, silver, bronze, and copper.

When mixed with substances like resin, paint, or even polymer clay, produce a luxurious and reflective metallic finish.

You can achieve an antique patina, a contemporary metallic sheen, or something in between, metallic powders offer a wide spectrum of possibilities.

Their versatility allows resin artists to create decorative elements, jewelry, or paintings that gleam and catch the eye with a sense of timeless elegance.

11. UV Resin Colorants

UV resin colorants are specialized pigments or dyes designed for use with ultraviolet (UV) curing resin. These are popular because they already have the proper pigments mixed in which can help the resin from yellowing over time.

These colorants are carefully formulated to work effectively and efficiently with UV resin, which cures quickly when exposed to UV light. UV resin colorants come in various forms, including liquid dyes, powders, or even pre-mixed colored resins.

They are specifically tailored to provide brilliant and consistent coloration, ensuring that your UV resin projects achieve vibrant, long-lasting, and even results.

You can use these to create jewelry, decorative items, or intricate designs like resin coasters. UV resin colorants offer a convenient and precise way to add color, depth, and visual interest to your work.

With their ability to cure rapidly under UV light, you have greater control over layering and detailing, making them a preferred choice for artists and crafters who desire intricate and eye-catching results in their UV resin creations.

12. Iridescent flakes For Resin

Some more ideas for colorants for resin are Iridescent flakes, also known as interference flakes or color-shifting flakes. These can be used for glistening resin colors.

These flakes are typically composed of ultra-thin layers of materials like mica, glass, or polymers that create a mesmerizing interplay of colors and light. I love using these in earrings and for making coasters.

When incorporated into resin, iridescent flakes produce an ever-changing display of colors that shift with the angle of viewing and lighting conditions.

This color-shifting effect adds an element of surprise and intrigue, making your creations appear lively and dynamic. Iridescent flakes offer a wide range of possibilities, from delicate, ethereal shades to bold, eye-catching hues.

13. Black Resin Dye

If you are wondering what to color resin with, black resin dye is an essential coloring agent used in resin art and crafting. Black dye is one of the most popular color pigments for epoxy resin.

This specialized dye is formulated to add deep, opaque black color to epoxy, polyester, or other types of resin.

It allows artists and crafters to create various projects, from sleek and contemporary designs to intricate and moody creations.

Black resin dye offers several advantages, such as precise color control, ease of use, and the ability to create bold, solid coloration. You can purchase black dye in a powder or liquid.

Black resin dyes are the best colorants for epoxy resin to achieve a rich and solid black finish. Its opaque nature allows it to effectively cover underlying layers and materials, making it suitable for a wide range of artistic applications where depth and contrast are desired.

14. Thermochromic Pigments

Thermochromic resin pigments are specialized colorants designed to introduce temperature-sensitive, color-changing effects to resin-based creations.

These pigments contain thermochromic compounds that respond to temperature variations by altering their color.

When exposed to heat, such as when touched or warmed, the pigments become transparent or shift to a different color, creating captivating and dynamic visual effects.

Thermochromic resin pigments are a popular choice for artists, crafters, and manufacturers seeking to add an element of interactivity and surprise to their creations.

They can be incorporated into various resin projects, from jewelry and art pieces to household items and packaging, to create engaging, color-changing effects that respond to human touch or environmental temperatures.

These pigments are available in a range of colors and activation temperatures, offering a spectrum of possibilities for creative and functional applications. We have a complete guide about the best thermochromic colorants for resin for more options.

15. Powdered Pigments for epoxy

Pigments are finely ground, colored powders that are an excellent choice for coloring resin due to their opacity and vibrant hues.

Derived from natural or synthetic sources, pigments offer a wide spectrum of colors, allowing crafters to achieve rich and solid tones in their resin projects.

These powdered wonders are known for their ability to maintain color integrity even when combined with clear resins, making them a popular choice for artists seeking bold and opaque finishes.

The use of pigments in resin crafting comes with a range of benefits and considerations. On the positive side, pigments provide intense and deep colors, making them ideal for achieving a solid and opaque appearance in resin.

They are also versatile and compatible with various resin types. However, it’s important to note that a little goes a long way with pigments – excessive use may lead to overpowering colors or difficulties in achieving transparency.

Additionally, some pigments may have a tendency to settle, so thorough mixing is essential.

Crafters should also be mindful of the potential for pigment particles to create slight texture in the resin, depending on the project’s desired outcome.

How to Use Pigments Effectively

Achieving optimal results with pigments involves a mindful approach to their application. Start by adding small amounts of pigment to your resin mixture, gradually increasing until the desired color is reached.

If you are wanting a uniform color throughout, thorough mixing is crucial to ensure an even distribution of color throughout the resin. Consider experimenting with different ratios to achieve various shades and intensities.

When working on intricate projects or layered designs, curing each layer before adding more resin can help avoid unwanted blending.

Keep in mind that pigments can be mixed with other colorants, providing endless possibilities for customizing your resin palette.

With powdered pigments, you can also make swirl designs. The techniques are truly limitless so that’s why they made this list for some of the most used colorants for epoxy resin.

16. Liquid Resin Pigments

Resin dyes come with their own set of advantages and considerations. On the positive side, dyes offer transparency, making them perfect for achieving translucent resin finishes.

They are also highly concentrated, requiring only a small amount to achieve intense hues.

Note that the transparency of dyes can make them challenging to control, especially when aiming for precise color outcomes because they are liquid.

Additionally, some dyes may have a tendency to fade over time when exposed to prolonged sunlight, so this should be considered for projects intended for outdoor use.

Despite these considerations, the versatility and brilliance of dyes make them a favorite for artists seeking a transparent and luminous finish.

Pros & Cons For Using Resin Dyes

Resin dyes come with their own set of advantages and considerations. On the positive side, dyes offer unparalleled transparency, making them perfect for achieving crystal-clear resin with vivid colors.

They are also highly concentrated, requiring only a small amount to achieve intense hues. However, note that the transparency of dyes can make them challenging to control. Especially when aiming for precise color outcomes.

Additionally, some dyes may have a tendency to fade over time when exposed to prolonged sunlight. So this should be considered for projects intended for outdoor use.

Despite these considerations, the versatility and brilliance of dyes make them a favorite for artists seeking a transparent and luminous finish. For more info on this brand, see the review on ArtResin.

17. Natural Colorants for resin

Colorants for epoxy resin can also be natural. Venturing into natural colorants adds a touch of eco-friendly charm to your resin ideas.

They must be thoroughly tested before using them on items you are selling because they can change over time.

Materials like fruits & vegetables are going to spoil over time unless you are using freeze dried food and grinding them up.

Spices and other botanical sources in powdered form provide a spectrum of earthy tones. These help artists to create resin pieces with a distinct organic appeal.

Whether you’re drawn to the warm yellows of turmeric, the rich reds of beetroot, or the deep greens of spirulina. Incorporating natural colorants into your resin projects opens the door to a world of naturally inspired hues.

Potential Considerations and Solutions

While natural colorants bring a unique charm, there are considerations to bear in mind. Some natural colorants may be prone to settling or creating uneven colors in resin, requiring thorough mixing.

Additionally, exposure to sunlight may cause natural colors to fade over time. Consider the intended use and display conditions of your resin creations.

Conducting small-scale tests before larger projects allows you to anticipate potential challenges and refine your technique.

Using natural colorants is not only a creative choice but also a celebration of the beauty found in the world around us.

18. Holographic resin Glitter

Holographic glitter is like a burst of magic in your creative projects, adding an enchanting and multidimensional sparkle that dances with light.

This specialized glitter is designed to reflect and refract light in a mesmerizing way, creating a holographic effect that shimmers and shifts with every angle and light source. Some of the best colorants for epoxy resin are glitters with shapes, chunky glitters and fine glitters.

It’s particularly popular for achieving a dazzling, otherworldly appearance in a variety of projects, from resin art and crafts to nail art and fashion.

Holographic glitter is fun to work with, making it a top choice for resin artists.

5 Tips For Choosing The Right Colorants For Resin

Consider the Resin Type:

The type of resin you’re using can impact your colorant choices. Epoxy resin, for instance, is more compatible with certain colorants than UV resin. Make sure to pick colorants that are compatible with your specific resin type to ensure good adhesion and curing.

Transparency vs. Opacity:

Think about the level of transparency or opacity you desire for your project.

Transparent dyes or alcohol inks work well when you want to maintain a see-through effect. Using pigments and powders are great for adding opacity and vibrant color.

Understanding this balance is important for achieving your desired result.

Mixing Control:

Some colorants can be tricky to mix, which can lead to uneven color distribution in your resin. To avoid this, consider colorants that mix easily and evenly.

Liquid pigments, for example, can be smoothly blended into resin, offering better control over color saturation and consistency.

Resin Compatibility:

Ensure that the colorants you choose are specifically formulated for use with resin.

Using inappropriate colorants can lead to curing issues, color bleeding, or other unwanted effects. Always check product labels or manufacturer recommendations to verify compatibility.

Test Small Samples:

Before committing to a larger project, it’s wise to do a small test sample. This allows you to see how your chosen colorants interact with your specific resin.

Asses the final color appearance, and make any necessary adjustments before proceeding with your main project. Small-scale testing minimizes the risk of costly mistakes and ensures you achieve your desired results.

In conclusion, we’ve delved into the fascinating world of colorants and additives for resin art. From the enchanting iridescent flakes to the captivating effects of thermochromic resin pigments.

There’s an entire palette of creative options at your fingertips!

These unique materials allow you to breathe life and personality into your resin projects.

The possibilities are as limitless as your imagination. So don’t hesitate to explore, experiment, and infuse your resin art with a touch of magic.

We hope this guide has inspired your artistic journey and that you learned what you can use to color epoxy resin and UV resin. Thank you for joining us, and happy creating!

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