Coloring Resin: Pigments, Mica Powder, Alcohol Ink Explained
Mica powder gives a shimmery, metallic finish; liquid or paste pigments give flat, fully opaque colour; and alcohol ink gives translucent, blendable colour that creates natural "cell" effects. Keep total colourant under about 6% of your resin's volume to avoid interfering with cure.
Based on hands-on colour-mixing experience from practising Indian resin artists across jewellery and decor work.
The Three Main Colourant Types
- Mica powder — a finely ground mineral pigment giving shimmer and pearlescent effects; works translucent in small amounts, opaque in larger amounts.
- Liquid/paste pigments — resin-specific dyes for solid, flat, fully opaque colour; ideal for base coats and bold colour blocking.
- Alcohol ink — highly concentrated, translucent, and known for the organic "cell" patterns it creates when it interacts with resin.
How Much to Use
| Colourant | Starting amount (per 100g resin) |
|---|---|
| Mica powder | 1/4-1/2 teaspoon |
| Liquid pigment | 2-4 drops |
| Alcohol ink | 1-3 drops |
Always mix colourant in thoroughly before adding hardener where your resin's instructions allow it, and never exceed roughly 6% total colourant by volume — more than that risks incomplete curing.
Colour intensity and cell effects vary by resin brand and room temperature — a small test pour saves a large project from an unexpected result.
Combining Colourants for Effects
Layering a mica-powder base coat with alcohol ink dropped on top is a common technique for ocean-wave and geode-style pieces — the mica gives depth and shimmer while the ink creates the organic movement on the surface layer.
Ready to layer multiple colours?
See our full technique library for layering and finishing.