Omar Khalid
Coloring plastic resin is a fun and creative process with endless possibilities. Whether you're an artist, a DIY enthusiast, or a manufacturer, adding color to resin can transform your creations. From jewelry and game pieces to coatings for paintings and wood, resin is a versatile material that can be customized in various ways. In this guide, we will explore the different methods and materials used to add color to plastic resin, the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, and the important safety considerations to keep in mind. By the end, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to confidently experiment with coloring resin and take your projects to the next level.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials used to add colour | Glitter, ink, mica powder, paint, ResinTint, alcohol ink, acrylic paint, eye shadow |
| Type of resin dyes | Transparent or opaque pigments or powders |
| Advantages of transparent dye | Gives resin colour while allowing light to pass through |
| Advantages of opaque pigment | Colours resin so that light cannot pass through |
| Advantages of mica powder | Shimmery, mixes thoroughly to give consistent colour |
| Advantages of alcohol ink | Highly pigmented, waterproof, sticks to most hard surfaces, does not compromise curing of resin |
| Advantages of acrylic paint | Inexpensive, readily available, variety of colour options |
| Disadvantages of acrylic paint | Dries with a matte finish, water-based |
| Disadvantages of eye shadow | May not mix completely, resulting in noticeable flecks |
| Tips | Always start with a small amount of colourant, do not exceed 5% of total project's volume, use a resin with a longer work time, mix properly and safely, wear protective gear when working with epoxy resin |
| Precautions | Avoid using a flame torch on resin with alcohol ink, do not use nail polish, glitter paint, or glitter glue |
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What You'll Learn
Using alcohol ink
Alcohol inks are a great way to add colour to plastic resin. They are alcohol-based and can be used to colour resin without disrupting the curing process, as the alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving behind the pigment. This makes them ideal for colouring resin used in jewellery-making, as they offer a translucent effect that is often preferred over opaque pigments.
To use alcohol inks in resin, start by adding small drops of ink to the resin a little bit at a time and mixing well. The resin in the cup will look much darker than when it is laid down thinly into a mould, so it is important to adjust by adding more drops as needed. If you want a more opaque colour, you can add a small amount of non-metallic white mica powder.
When using alcohol inks, it is important to remember that they are flammable and can compromise the non-toxicity and food safety compliance of the resin. Therefore, it is recommended to use a heat gun instead of a torch to remove resin bubbles and avoid using a flame torch on resin that contains alcohol ink.
Alcohol inks offer a high level of customisation, as you can easily control the transparency of the colour by adjusting the number of ink drops. You can also mix and match colours to create unique combinations. Additionally, dropping inks on top of poured resins can create a cellular or nebulous effect.
It is worth noting that some colours of alcohol ink, such as purple, are sensitive to the heat generated during the curing process and may discolour. Also, alcohol inks are not UV-resistant, so they will fade if exposed to sunlight. Furthermore, using too much alcohol ink can prevent the resin from curing properly, so it is important to use it sparingly.
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Adding acrylic paint
Acrylic paint is one of the most common colorants used to tint epoxy resin. It is a popular choice due to its versatility, quick-drying times, and strong bond with resin. Additionally, it is inexpensive, readily available, and comes in a wide range of colours.
However, it is important to note that acrylic paint typically dries with a matte finish, which can detract from the glossiness of the resin. Acrylic paint is water-based, so using too much can prevent the resin from curing properly. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a high-quality, highly-pigmented acrylic paint so that only a small amount is needed.
Before adding colour to resin, it is important to ensure that the resin is mixed properly and safely. It is best to use a resin with a longer work time, giving you more flexibility with the mixing process. Always wear protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, and a mask, and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling resin fumes, which can be harmful.
When adding acrylic paint to resin, start with a small amount of paint and increase gradually as needed. The general rule is to not exceed 5% of your total project's volume with additives. You can use graduated measuring cups for accurate measurements and popsicle sticks for mixing.
If you are painting onto a smooth resin surface, you may need to apply thicker coats of paint. Using a paintbrush on a smooth resin surface can be challenging, so consider using nail dotting tools or Posca pens for better control and easier application. To ensure the paint adheres well, lightly sand the resin surface to create texture before applying the paint.
After applying the paint, you can add a thin layer of clear resin or a clear sealant on top to protect your design and ensure the paint does not wash off.
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Working with glitter
Firstly, it is important to select the appropriate type of glitter for your project. Polyester glitter is the most popular choice for epoxy resin projects as it is lightweight, durable, and fading resistant. It is available in a wide range of colours, sizes, and shapes, including holographic glitter, which creates a rainbow effect when viewed from different angles. Metal-based glitters should be avoided for epoxy resin as they can sink, lose their sparkle, or ruin your project.
Once you have selected the right glitter, you can add it to your resin in two ways: dusting or mixing. Dusting involves adding a clear layer of resin into your mold and letting it set until it becomes tacky or jelly-like. Then, you can start adding your glitter by dusting it on. This method can create a fluffy effect and allow you to control the dispersion of colour. However, if done too early, the glitter may spread uncontrollably. The second method is mixing, where you add the glitter directly to your resin and mix it well before pouring it into your mold. This method can give you a more textured look, especially when using different sizes and shapes of glitter.
To prevent glitter from sinking to the bottom of your resin, you can let the resin \"cook\" for about an hour after mixing. This will increase the viscosity, making it harder for the glitter to move. Additionally, maintaining optimal temperatures of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit while your resin sets can also help.
Finally, it is important to note that resin takes a while to dry, and during this time, the colour from the glitter may bleed into the resin. To counter this, you can seal the objects you are embedding in the resin with an acrylic gloss medium, allowing it to dry for a couple of days before embedding it.
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Transparent vs opaque dyes
Resin dyes can be found in both transparent and opaque varieties. Transparent dyes will add colour to the resin while still allowing light to pass through, whereas opaque pigments will colour the resin so that little to no light can pass through.
Opaque dyes are ideal for creating solid, bold colours. They include colours like white, black, flo red, flo orange, flo yellow, flo green, flo pink, tan, beige, and dark brown. Some translucency can be achieved by adding a very small amount of these dyes to clear resin.
Transparent dyes, on the other hand, are perfect for creating an ocean or wave effect, as light can still pass through the coloured resin. These dyes include colours like green, yellow, red, blue, brown, orange, violet, and ocean blue. It's important to note that green transparent dye is not compatible with epoxy chemistry and will shift to a blue colour over time.
There are several options for colouring resin, including glitter, ink, and paint. Alcohol ink is a popular choice for creating rich saturation, but it's important to remember that alcohol is flammable and can compromise the non-toxicity and food safety compliance of the resin. Acrylic paint is another common choice, offering a wide variety of colour options, but it typically dries with a matte finish that can take away from the glossiness of the resin.
When colouring resin, it's important to use a small amount of colourant to avoid disrupting the curing process. The general rule is to not exceed 5% of the total project's volume with additives. Always refer to the manufacturer's directions for mixing clear resin, including safety and application instructions.
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Safety precautions
Safety should always be a priority when working with resin. Here are some precautions to take when adding colour to plastic resin:
Prepare your workspace — Cover the surface of your worktable with plastic sheeting or a plastic trash bag. Ensure there are no holes in the plastic. Anything that is not covered by plastic can be ruined if resin gets on it. Prepare loose paper towels and have them within easy reach in case of spills or accidents.
Protect yourself — Put on protective gear, including gloves, goggles, and a respirator or breathing mask. Open any windows to assist with ventilation. Resin is toxic, and its fumes can be harmful.
Follow manufacturer instructions — Before you begin, familiarise yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing the clear resin, including safety and application directions. Ensure you follow the recommended mixing ratios and preparation times.
Choose the right colourant — Not all colourants are non-toxic. Some colourants can alter the resin's non-toxicity, non-flammability, and food safety designations. Choose a non-toxic and non-flammable colourant. Avoid using alcohol inks with resin, as alcohol is flammable and acts as a solvent, compromising the resin's non-toxicity. Do not use a flame torch on resin that contains alcohol. Also, avoid water-based paints, as water can negatively affect the mixing ratio between resin and hardener.
Use the right amount of colourant — Resin is a chemical, and adding too much colourant (more than 5-6% of the total volume) can change how the resin reacts and cures, creating a sticky mess. Start with a small amount of colourant and add more as needed.
Test before use — Before committing to a colourant, test a small batch first to ensure that the combination does not affect the resin's curing process or produce unexpected results.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a variety of materials to colour plastic resin, including glitter, mica powder, alcohol ink, acrylic paint, and epoxy resin dyes.
It is important to use a small amount of colourant when colouring plastic resin, as using too much can disrupt the curing process and create a sticky mess. Additionally, not all colours have sufficient light resistance, so it is important to check with the manufacturer about the colourant's UV resistance if you are working with UV resin.
Popular brands of epoxy resin include Pro Marine Resin and Art Resin. ArtResin offers a highly pigmented epoxy paint called ResinTint that mixes well with their formula.
It is recommended to avoid using nail polish, glitter paint, glitter glue, latex paint, oil paint, watercolour paint, spray paint, and food colouring to colour plastic resin as these can affect the curing process or create a cloudy appearance.
