Introduction
Adding colour is one of the most exciting parts of resin crafting. With the right pigments, you can create everything from soft translucent tones to bold opaque designs and shimmering metallic effects.
However, there are several different types of resin colourants available, and each one behaves slightly differently.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most common resin pigments and colourants, and how they can be used in both epoxy resin and eco resin projects.
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links or brand partnerships. I only recommend products I personally use and trust.
Mica Powder
Mica powders are one of the most popular colourants used in resin art.
These powders create shimmering, metallic and pearlescent effects that look beautiful in coasters, trays and decorative pieces.
Why makers love mica powder
• easy to use
• vibrant colours
• beautiful shimmer effects
A small amount goes a long way, so start with a tiny quantity and mix thoroughly.
Mica powders work particularly well in both epoxy resin and eco resin, making them one of the most versatile pigments for resin projects.
Pigment Pastes
Pigment pastes are highly concentrated colourants that create strong opaque colours in resin.
Unlike mica powders, which create shimmer, pigment pastes produce solid colour finishes.
Best uses for pigment pastes
• bold colour designs
• geode-style resin art
• layered resin pieces
Because they are very concentrated, only a small amount is needed.
Alcohol Inks
Alcohol inks create translucent colour and organic flowing patterns in resin.
They are commonly used for:
• petri dish effects
• abstract resin designs
• layered colour techniques
Alcohol inks spread easily in resin, which creates beautiful natural movement in the finished piece.
Liquid Resin Dyes
Liquid resin dyes are another popular option for adding colour.
These dyes create transparent or semi-transparent colours and mix easily into resin.
They are particularly useful for beginners because they blend smoothly and are easy to control.
Which Pigments Work Best for Eco Resin vs Epoxy Resin?
Different types of resin can react differently with pigments, so it’s useful to understand which colourants work best with each material.
Pigments for Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resin is very versatile and works well with most resin colourants.
Popular options include:
• mica powders – great for shimmer and metallic effects
• pigment pastes – ideal for bold opaque colours
• alcohol inks – used for flowing or petri-dish effects
• liquid dyes – perfect for translucent colour
Because epoxy resin cures slowly, pigments have time to disperse evenly and create a wide range of artistic effects.
Pigments for Eco Resin
Eco resin behaves differently because it is water-based and cures much faster than epoxy resin.
The best pigments for eco resin are typically:
• powder pigments
• mineral pigments
• mica powders
These mix well into eco resin and create soft, stone-like colour effects.
Alcohol inks and liquid dyes usually work better in epoxy resin, as eco resin's water-based formula may cause colours to behave unpredictably.
Glitter and Decorative Additives
In addition to pigments, many makers add decorative elements to resin pieces.
These can include:
• glitter mixes
• foil flakes
• crushed glass
• dried flowers
These additions can create texture, sparkle and unique visual effects in resin projects.
Tips for Using Resin Pigments
When working with pigments, a few simple tips can improve your results.
Start with small amounts — pigments are usually very concentrated.
Mix thoroughly to ensure the colour spreads evenly through the resin.
Avoid adding too much pigment, as this can sometimes affect curing depending on the resin used.
Recommended Resin Supplies
If you're building your resin toolkit, I’ve put together a list of the tools, pigments and supplies I personally use in my resin studio and workshops.
You can explore them here:
👉 My Recommended Resin Supplies & Starter Kits
https://www.krystalsresinkitchen.com/pages/my-recommended-resin-supplies-starter-kits
Final Thoughts
Experimenting with pigments is one of the best ways to develop your own resin style.
Different colourants create very different effects, so exploring a variety of pigments can open up new creative possibilities for your projects.
With practice, you’ll discover which pigments and techniques work best for the designs you want to create.
Read Next
If you're learning resin techniques, these guides may also help:
- Resin Art for Beginners: Everything You Need to Start
- Essential Resin Tools for Beginners
- Common Epoxy Resin Problems (And How to Fix Them)
Until the next pour! 💖
Krystal x
Founder | Krystals Resin Kitchen
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