How to Pick the Right Color Medium to Use in Your Resin Art

Adding color to resin is where the magic happens. The clear, glass-like resin acts as a blank canvas. With the right pigments, powders, or inks, you can transform it into a dazzling ocean scene, a swirling galaxy, or a keepsake bursting with vibrancy.

But here’s the catch: not every color medium works the same way in resin. Some give you shimmer, others provide transparency, and some can even ruin your piece if used incorrectly. This guide explains the main types of resin colorants, how to use them properly, and which effects they create—so you can pick the right one for your project with confidence.

Understanding Resin Color Mediums

Resin by itself is crystal clear. Adding color mediums allows you to personalize your work. Here are the most common types you’ll see:

• Mica Powders – fine shimmering powders that add depth. Mica powder,

• Alcohol Inks – vibrant, flowing liquids that create abstract patterns. Alcohol Ink Kit
  Indian Ink set

• Acrylic Paints – widely available and budget-friendly. Acrylic Paints

• Resin Dyes and Pigment Pastes – specially made for resin, offering professional finishes.
  Resin dyes
  Resin pigment paste

Each has its own benefits, limitations, and “sweet spots” for use. Choosing the right one depends on the effect you want and the type of project you’re working on.

Mica Powders – Shimmer and Depth

Mica powder is a favorite among resin artists because of its ability to create pearlescent shimmer. Made from ground natural stone, these powders catch the light and create a sparkling finish.

How to Use Mica Powder in Resin:

1. Start with a small scoop—use a clean popsicle stick or mini spoon.

2. Sprinkle into mixed resin and stir slowly until fully blended.

3. Adjust amount depending on effect:

   • Light shimmer: Use less powder for a subtle pearl effect.

   • Solid metallic look: Use more powder for bold coverage.

4. For layered depth (like ocean waves or geodes), use multiple shades in one pour.

Pros:

• Easy to control intensity.

• Doesn’t interfere with resin curing.

• Long shelf life—doesn’t dry out.

• Huge variety of colors, including metallics and pearlescent tones.

Cons:

• Not UV-stable on its own (can fade outdoors).

• May look too subtle unless combined with another pigment.

💡 Pro Tip: Dust mica powder directly inside your mold before pouring resin for a unique surface effect. This works especially well with jewelry or coasters.

Alcohol Inks – Bold and Fluid

Alcohol inks are highly pigmented liquids that spread beautifully in resin, creating dreamy, flowing patterns. They’re especially popular for “petri dish” style coasters, where drops of ink expand and interact as the resin cures.

How to Use Alcohol Ink in Resin:

1. Mix resin and pour it into your mold.

2. While resin is still liquid, add drops of alcohol ink.

3. Use a stick or toothpick to move the colors if you want patterns.

4. For petri dish effects, add white ink after colored drops—this pushes color deeper into the resin, creating 3D looks.

Pros:

• Extremely vibrant, eye-catching colors.

• Easy to create unique, unpredictable designs.

• Blends well with clear resin for transparent effects.

Cons:

• Can fade in sunlight without UV protection.

• Unpredictable—colors may spread differently than expected.

• Overuse can weaken resin, causing brittleness.

💡 Pro Tip: Always use alcohol inks sparingly. A few drops go a long way. Seal your piece with a UV-resistant topcoat to prevent fading.

Acrylic Paints – Accessible and Affordable

Acrylic paint is often the first thing beginners reach for, since it’s cheap and easy to find. It can be mixed with resin in small amounts to create opaque, solid color.

How to Use Acrylic Paint in Resin:

1. Add a pea-sized amount of paint to your mixed resin.

2. Stir slowly until the paint is completely blended.

3. Do not exceed 5–10% paint-to-resin ratio. Too much paint can prevent resin from curing properly.

4. Test small batches first to see if the paint reacts well with your resin brand.

Pros:

• Affordable and accessible.

• Comes in endless colors.

• Great for beginners learning color mixing.

Cons:

• Can make resin cloudy.

• May interfere with curing if used in excess.

• Not designed for resin, so long-term durability is less reliable.

💡 Pro Tip: Use high-quality acrylics for better results. Avoid craft paints with fillers, as they can create bubbles or streaks in resin.

Resin Dyes and Pigment Pastes – Professional Finish

These colorants are specifically formulated for resin art. Resin dyes (liquid) produce translucent, stained-glass effects, while pigment pastes (thicker) deliver bold, opaque finishes.

How to Use Resin Dyes and Pigment Pastes:

1. Shake or stir the product before use to ensure even pigment distribution.

2. Add a few drops (for dye) or a pea-sized amount (for paste) into your mixed resin.

3. Blend thoroughly until color is even.

4. Adjust intensity by adding more or less pigment.

Pros:

• Reliable, professional-quality results.

• UV stability is often built in.

• Wide variety of transparent and opaque options.

• Designed to mix seamlessly with resin.

Cons:

• More expensive than other options.

• May not be necessary for casual or experimental projects.

💡 Pro Tip: Combine resin dye with a touch of mica powder for a stunning translucent shimmer effect.

Tips for Choosing the Right Color Medium

Here’s a simple way to match the medium to your project:

• For shimmer and metallic looks: Use mica powders.

• For abstract, flowy art: Use alcohol inks.

• For opaque, affordable color: Try acrylic paints.

• For professional, durable finishes: Choose resin dyes or pigment pastes.

Also consider:

• Sunlight exposure: Alcohol inks fade quickly outdoors. Resin dyes and UV-stable pigments are better for longevity.

• Budget: Acrylic paints are cheapest, resin dyes are pricier.

• Skill level: Alcohol inks are unpredictable—fun for advanced experimentation, but tricky for beginners.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make with Resin Color

• Adding too much paint or ink. This can stop resin from curing properly.

• Not mixing mica powder fully. This leads to streaks or clumps.

• Ignoring UV protection. Alcohol inks and cheap pigments fade fast in sunlight.

• Using random household items as colorants. Nail polish, food coloring, or makeup can cause sticky resin disasters.

Avoiding these mistakes will save you wasted resin and ruined molds.

Final Thoughts – Bring Your Resin to Life with the Right Colors

There’s no universal “best” resin color medium—it depends on your project. Mica powders shimmer, alcohol inks flow, acrylics are accessible, and resin dyes give professional, polished results.

The best approach is to experiment in small batches. Try each medium, take notes on how they behave, and decide what fits your creative style. With practice, you’ll quickly learn how to match the right color medium to the look you want—and your resin pieces will shine because of it.