Colour Mixing Guide — Pigments, Mica Powder, and Ratios

Adding colour is one of the most creative parts of resin art, but it's worth understanding how pigments and
mica powders interact with the resin-to-hardener ratio before you start experimenting.

The core principle: colourant is part of your total mix

Whatever ratio you're using for your product — 1:1 for Arts & Crafts and Table Top, or 2:1 for Deep Pour — that
ratio applies to the resin and hardener themselves. Pigments, mica powders, and dyes are added on top of an
already-correctly-measured resin and hardener mix; they aren't part of the ratio calculation.

The practical implication: adding a large volume of pigment or mica powder effectively dilutes the resin
mixture, which can affect how it cures. Keep total colourant additions to no more than 5% of your total
resin volume. Beyond that, you risk interfering with the resin-to-hardener reaction and ending up with a
soft or sticky result even though your resin and hardener were measured correctly. Always do a small test
batch with a new colourant, brand, or amount before committing to a full project.

Types of colourant

• Liquid pigments/dyes: designed to disperse easily through liquid resin; typically added in small drops and mixed thoroughly before pouring.
• Mica powders: fine mineral powders that add a pearlescent or metallic shimmer. Mix thoroughly to avoid clumping, and note that mica powders can settle if the resin sits before pouring — pour promptly after mixing in mica.
• Alcohol inks: popular for their vivid, blending colours; because they contain alcohol, use them sparingly, as excess can affect cure quality.

Mixing technique

1. Mix your resin and hardener to the correct ratio first, thoroughly, before adding any colourant.
2. Add colourant gradually, mixing well between additions, until you reach the shade you want.
3. Do a small test pour if you're using a new colourant, a new brand, or a new amount for the first time.
4. Pour promptly — some colourants (especially mica) can settle if left to sit.

If a coloured batch doesn't cure properly

If a heavily coloured or pigmented batch stays soft or sticky while an uncoloured batch from the same session
cures normally, the colourant volume was likely over the 5% limit. Reduce the amount next time — for example,
no more than 5 ml of colourant per 100 ml of total mixed resin — and retest with a small batch.

Related articles

• Mixing Ratio — How to Measure Resin and Hardener Correctly
• Sticky or Soft Result — Troubleshooting Incomplete Cure
• Arts & Crafts vs Table Top vs Deep Pour vs UV — Which Resin Do I Need?