How to use pigment powders in epoxy and learn all the facts about Mica Powders, Metallic
pigments, pastes, dyes, inks, etc. Well, you are at the right place, as here at RESINZWOOD, Resin Wood Tables NZ, we have all the info for you.
Pigments like Pearl Mica are the standard type used to achieve truly unique effects, such as multi-tones and blended tones, which offer endless possibilities for creativity.
Types of Pigments Available
RESINZWOOD primarily uses and sells Mica pigment on our site, including Color Passion's shimmering, deluxe, and pearl range. Here, we are also looking at the other types of pigments that we may stock soon—powders in epoxy, Mica, and Colour glitter. When you are thinking about the pigments with such an extensive range available, it can be hard to decide what to get, as each range has a lot of different colours. First, determine what type of look and effect you want for your artistic piece.
- Colour Pigments achieve an evenly solid or semi-translucent colour effect. Organic pigments are currently synthesized from aromatic hydrocarbons.
- Colour Passion Powder Pigments are multi-dimensional, and our range has the best prices.
- Metallic Pigments are very similar to Mica pigments as they create that pearlescent or
The iridescent effect looks multi-dimensional. Metallic pigments contain flakes or platelets of aluminium, copper, copper-zinc alloys, zinc, and other metals. These flake pigments or pastes can provide uniquely attractive aesthetics (with high metallic brilliance, strong colour flops, etc.) in various coating applications. The downside with these metallic pigments is that the turner on the lathe will wear your tools out very fast due to this metal content. - Glitters are a whole different kettle of fish, as they are made up of large metallic flakes that are colour-coated. However, you can get superfine glitters as well, and once again, these are not that suitable for the turner in mind. Glitters like Glitter Pimp Glitters are great for all forms of Resin Art here in NZ as creative artists come up with some fantastic pieces; these can be seen by looking through our INTL site on Facebook.
How Much Pigment Should I Be Using?
For a general rule of thumb, powders in epoxy, one teaspoon per litre, are a good starting point for smaller projects that can be used as basic guidelines. Remember, you can always add more but not subtract once added. To get the desired effect that we aim for here at RESINZWOOD, Resin Wood Tables NZ when doing large volumes, we measure out, say, half a litre of resin into a clear plastic container, then using a metric teaspoon as a guide, we gradually add the pigment, dye or metallic till we get the colour and degree of translucent or opaque that we are looking for. Once this is done, we will calculate from there based on the volume of resin we will be using.
To avoid curing imperfections when adding pigment, ensure it is no more than 3% of your epoxy mixture by volume and 10% by weight.
- For a Translucent opacity, use 1/16 tsp/Litre
- Medium Opacity: ¼ tsp/Litre
- Solid Opaque opacity: ½ tsp/Litre
How Should I Add Mix in my Pigment?
Gradually add your pigment, stirring constantly and scraping the sides of your container. For large volumes from 5 to 20 litres, for example, once we know the volume of pigment needed in each for this example, say, 20-liter bucket, we pour half a litre into a separate container, gradually adding our Colour Passion Powder whilst mixing it in slowly. Once thoroughly mixed, we pass through a strainer to remove or break down any lumps left, then pour into our primary bucket for final blending. Passing through a fine strainer is a new thing we are doing with pastes premonitory as powders we are not overly concerned about as some micas are heavier.
Colour Testing - Are pigments the same colour dry as when wet/mixed,
If you are new to Resin Art or Resin work, remember that what you see in the container will change once liquid is added. A safe and inexpensive way to check is to add some of your pigment to water, accurately representing what your colour will look like.
Thanks for reading our information. We are here to help anytime so that you can contact us on our site. Are you looking for pastes, dyes, inks, etc.? Well, you are at the right place. At RESINZWOOD, Resin Wood Tables NZ, we can answer your questions via Facebook, email, or call Paul on 021966387.
