The Epoxy Custom Colour Mixing Guide: How to attain the right shade
Colour is everything when it comes to epoxy resin. You can be making a glossy river table, colourful jewellery, or even a statement counter top, and the capability of making your own shades provides an endless ability to design. Although it is convenient to use the pre-mixed pigments, you can only master the art of custom colour mixing to get the results that will be unique. In this guide, we will take you through all you require to know about the mixing of custom colours in epoxy resin and how you can always get the right shade.
The importance of Custom Colour Mixing.
Every project is different. Light in a room, the surface under resin and your vision as an artist has a contribution in how your final piece will appear. Ready-made colours are not always able to reflect the exact effect that you desire, custom mixing guarantees:
- Personalization: There are no two alike.
- Precision: Recreate current decor, brand colours or natural colours.
- Creativity: Discover exotic shades and mixes that are not part of the usual range.
Materials You will Need
before you start, prepare the correct pieces of equipment:
- Epoxy resin / hardener you can select a high quality, clear base
- Colorants: liquid pigments, powdered pigments, pastes or alcohol inks.
- Mixing cups & stir sticks
- Pipettes or droppers to measure the pigment accurately.
- Personal protective equipment gloves, apron and mask.
- Test surfaces small silicone moulds or sample boards on which to test colours before investing a lot of money in a large project.
Types of Colorants for Epoxy
Different pigments have different behaviours. Here is a quick breakdown:
1. Liquid Pigments
Liquid form, good with homogenous colours. Ideal in the case of translucent or opaque effects.
2. Pigments in Powdered form (Mica powders)
Give a glossy metallic or pearlescent appearance. Liked jewellery and river tables.
3. Alcohol Inks
Produce dynamic, fluid effects and patterns. More frequently applied to abstract works of art.
4. Pigment Pastes
Deeply rich, really saturated, colours. Exceptional with intense, solid paints.
Pro Tip: Never use pigments that are meant to cure epoxy resin as they will not cure.
How to mix custom colours step by step:
1. Start with a Clear Base:
Combine epoxy resin and hardener as it was instructed by the manufacturer. Always make sure it is mixed well prior to the addition of pigments.
2. Choose a Primary Color:
Choose your base colour, this will be the base of your mix.
3. Add Pigments Gradually:
Start small. Add in a drop or pinch and mix. Keep in mind a dark or saturation can always be brought down or made stronger, but an already saturated mix is difficult to de-sat.
4. Test Samples:
Use a little and pour in a silicone mould or on a clean surface and allow to dry. After being cured colours become darker or brighter.
5. Adjust the Shade:
Make your changes using the colour wheel:
- To darken: add a bit of black or a darker complementary colour.
- To lighten, add in either white or transparent base.
- To neutralise: add little of the opposite colour.
5. Record Your Formula:
Record the precise quantities (drops, grammes or scoops) of the shade that you can reproduce in the future.
Following the Colour Wheel.
Your friend in resin art is colour theory. A basic color wheel helps you:
Blend harmoniously: Mix adjacent colours (e.g. blue + green) to achieve natural blends.
Make contrasts: Complementary colours (e.g., red + green) will have bold effects.
Add or remove tones: Add or remove little bits of warm or cool tones to get the piece into the desired mood.
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
Color too dark?
Add more opaque epoxy or whiten with white paint.
Color too dull?
Add a grain of mica dust or a bit of a matching bright colour.
Uneven mixing?
Test and scrape sides of the cup so that there are no streaks.
Unexpected curing color?
Always do a test sample. Certain pigments undergo slight alteration on curing.
Suggestions on Consistency and Professional Performance.
- It is always good to mix in small test batches before getting yourself into a huge pour.
- Repeatability Use accurate measurements.
- Label and store remaining resin samples to use at a later date.
- Add depth by using transparent and opaque colours.
- Do not excessively saturate epoxy with pigment (generally not more than 5-7 percent of total mix), because this can retard the curing.
Creative Effects You Can Try
- Ombre Blends: Gradually moving between two colours.
- Marbling: Blend colours softly to resemble a stone.
- Pearlescent Depth: Apply mica powders to give a shimmer and multi-dimensional effect.
- Translucent Layers: Construct layers with tinted resins, which are slightly coloured.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Epoxy Resin Colour Mixing
Can you mix different colours in epoxy resin?
Yes. Different resin-safe pigments can be mixed to create custom shades. Add colours gradually and test small batches before using the mixture on a large project.
What pigments can be used in epoxy resin?
Liquid pigments, mica powders, pigment pastes, and suitable alcohol inks can be used depending on the desired effect. Always make sure the colourant is compatible with epoxy resin.
How much pigment should you add to epoxy resin?
Add pigment gradually rather than adding a large amount at once. The guide recommends generally keeping pigment to around 5–7% of the total mixture, as excessive pigment can interfere with curing.
How do you make epoxy resin a lighter colour?
You can lighten a resin colour by adding a small amount of white pigment or more of the clear resin base. Make adjustments gradually until the desired shade is achieved.
How do you make epoxy resin darker?
To darken epoxy resin, gradually add a small amount of black pigment or a darker complementary colour. Test the shade as you go to avoid making the mixture too dark.
Why does my epoxy resin colour look different after curing?
Some pigments can change slightly as the resin cures. Always make a small test sample and allow it to cure before committing to a large project.
Can mica powder be mixed with epoxy resin?
Yes. Mica powder can be mixed into epoxy resin to create metallic, pearlescent, or shimmering effects. It is particularly useful for jewellery, decorative pieces, and river-table designs.
How do you prevent uneven colour in epoxy resin?
Mix the resin thoroughly and scrape the sides and bottom of the mixing cup while stirring. This helps distribute the pigment evenly and reduces colour streaks.
Can too much pigment stop epoxy resin from curing?
Yes. Excessive pigment can interfere with the curing process. Add colourants gradually and avoid excessively saturating the epoxy mixture.
Should you test epoxy resin colours before a large pour?
Yes. A small test batch allows you to check the colour, transparency, pigment behaviour, and cured appearance before using the mixture on a larger project.
How do you create custom colours in epoxy resin?
Start with properly mixed clear epoxy, choose a base colour, and gradually add compatible pigments. Test the mixture, adjust the shade, and record the quantities used so you can reproduce the colour later.
Can you create an ombre effect with epoxy resin?
Yes. Ombre effects can be created by gradually transitioning between two or more resin colours. Using transparent and opaque shades can also add depth to the finished design.
Conclusion
Mixing of epoxy of custom colours is an art and a science. With the correct pigments, equipment and some practise your creations with resin can be truly spectacular and will take your projects to the next level. Keep in mind: be patient, precise and creative. Next time you make a batch of resin, then you need not be afraid to experiment, you can make your own ideal shade by combining two or more colours.
Mix boldly, pour confidently, and let your colours tell the story of your creativity.
