How to Color Epoxy Resin: A Guide to Pigments

Epoxy resin is a versatile material that can be used for a wide range of applications, from art and crafts to home décor and even industrial use. One of the most attractive features of epoxy resin is its ability to be colored to suit your needs, adding a touch of customization and personality to your projects. But, with so many different pigments available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this article, we’ll guide you through the world of pigments and show you how to color epoxy resin like a pro.

Understanding Pigments

Pigments are small particles that are suspended in a liquid medium and used to add color to epoxy resin. They come in various forms, such as powders, liquids, and even pastes, and can be made from natural or synthetic materials. While the type of pigment you choose can affect the color and consistency of your resin, it’s important to choose a pigment that is specifically designed for use with epoxy resin.

See all Liquid Pigment colors Available

Avoid Dyes and Water-based Pigments

It’s important to steer clear of dyes and water-based pigments when working with epoxy resin. Dyes can often bleed or fade over time and can affect the curing process of the resin. Additionally, water-based pigments can cause the resin to become cloudy or milky in appearance, affecting the clarity of your finished project.

Use Epoxy-based Pigments

The best pigments to use with epoxy resin are those that are specifically designed for use with this type of material. Epoxy-based pigments are available in a wide range of colors and are designed to be suspended evenly in the resin, resulting in a consistent and vibrant color. They are also highly resistant to fading and bleeding, ensuring that your projects will look great for years to come.

Choosing the Right Pigment

When choosing a pigment for your epoxy resin project, it’s important to consider a few key factors. The first is the color you’re trying to achieve. It’s always a good idea to have a sample of the color you want handy, so you can compare it to the pigment you’re considering. You may also want to consider the size of the pigment particles, as larger particles can give your resin a more textured or grainy appearance.

See all Liquid Pigment colors Available

Measuring and Mixing Pigments

Once you’ve chosen your pigment, it’s time to measure and mix it with the resin. The amount of pigment you’ll need will depend on the desired color intensity and the size of your project. As a general rule of thumb, a small amount of pigment, such as a few drops, is typically enough to color a small project.

When measuring the pigment, it’s important to be precise and use a scale if possible. To mix the pigment with the resin, simply add it to the resin and stir thoroughly to ensure that it is evenly distributed. Be sure to work quickly, as epoxy resin sets fairly quickly, and you don’t want the pigment to settle before the resin has fully cured.

Tips for a Perfect Finish

When working with epoxy resin, there are a few tips that can help ensure a perfect finish. First, make sure that your work surface is clean and free from debris. Next, ensure that your mixing tools are clean and free from any residue from previous projects. Finally, make sure to work in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes from the resin can be strong.

Conclusion

Coloring epoxy resin can be a fun and creative process, but it’s important to use the right pigments in order to achieve the best results. The most common mistake people make is using cheap dyes, which contain water or alcohol and are not compatible with the epoxy resin. Over time, this can cause the color to fade and disappear.

In order to achieve pure and long-lasting color, it’s recommended to use epoxy-based pigments, such as CHILL DROPS™, which are 100% reactive and completely compatible with CHILL EPOXY™. These pigments are also non-toxic and odourless, meeting the RoHS standard, and come in a vast selection of pure colors.

It’s important to note that the viscosity of the pigment may vary in different temperatures, so it’s recommended to determine the amount of pigment to use by gradually adding a few drops to the mixture A/B.

For the best results, make sure to shake the CHILL DROPS™ well before use and wear latex gloves to prevent staining your hands. Also, be sure to wipe the bottle with POLYCLEANER™ or isopropyl alcohol to keep it clean.

In conclusion, by using the right epoxy-based pigments and following these tips, you can achieve beautiful and long-lasting color in your epoxy resin projects.