Tinting Resin - What Works and What To Avoid

You can use a variety of materials to color clear epoxy resin, however each material has advantages and disadvantages you'll want to be aware of.
By itself, ArtResin is a water-clear formula that is used to coat paintings, photos, wood, puzzles, etc. But you can use ArtResin for so much more than just clear coating artwork.
ArtResin looks beautiful when it's tinted and by adding color to clear epoxy resin, you can create colorful flow art, ocean art, geode art, petri dish art, jewelry from silicone molds, and the list goes on.
We're going through the most common resin colorants and sharing which ones work well and, more importantly, which ones don't work at all. We're also going through a few guidelines that apply to all colorants and providing plenty of tips along the way!
For full written instructions, please see our blog How To Color Clear Epoxy Resin:
www.artresin.com/blogs/artres...
Thanks for joining us and enjoy!
Buy ARTRESIN: www.artresin.com/collections/...
Buy RESINTINT: www.artresin.com/collections/...
Buy ALCOHOL INK: www.artresin.com/products/art...
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.
www.artresin.com

[@katatomik3496]

I use nail polish ALL of the time in my geode/marble mobiles- I never use more than 4% volume, and it is hands down THE VERY BEST WAY to acquire a matte/non-shimmery deeply tinted hue to incorporate into my resin pour. I particularly enjoy the reactions between the different densities of resin. It is true that the more glittery or even heavily glittered pigments/powder concoctions will sink to the bottom of the pour so the aforementioned layering technique is the obvious solution-HOWEVER, what everybody fails to mention when offering that solution is that PLACEMENT in your desired location then becomes tricky and. Is often prone to cattywompus overlapping that detracts from the end result you were hoping for… in most cases you’re not looking to have a floating ring that intersect, overlaps, or obscures desirable aspects of the initial pouring. To prevent this, the depth of the second level needs to be PAPER THIN. Additionally, when you mix your resin, divide the mixed product into clear coat and whatever glitter mixes you intend on adding- you will need the clear mix to adjust the placement of your glitter mixes- keeping in mind how THIN you want it to be. If your glitter deposit should be a solid center piece, just surround the area you want it in with clear rung PRIOR to pouring your center, or pour less in the center than you think you need(you should be pouring less in this scenario to start with anyways- as u can always add more, but if you pour too much, there is no going back) and then surround it with a ring of clear. Any other rings of color should be added in sequence following this same system. The clear will be used to move the colored resin to its desired location- this is the only way, unless using boundary epoxy to designate a location for your mix. I do not re comment using epoxy on an over layer, however, because it defies the thin prerequisite& will make it look far too 3D, diminishing the focal points of the under layer& ability to see the piece as a whole& not separate floating layers. ❤

[@Artresin]

Thanks for sharing that information :).

[@kermann-bv8um]

I am so glad you explained how to blend colors without them bleeding into each other. I see this all the time, but no one explained how it is done.

[@Artresin]

So glad you found this helpful! Thanks for tuning in :)

[@JenniferGieg]

SO helpful! Great overview of all the ways to color resin.

[@robwarner9371]

Many thanks for putting all the colourant options into one video with comments on leaving the resin for ten minutes before adding alcohol ink. Very useful indeed! 👍

[@Artresin]

Thanks, Rob! Glad you found it helpful!

[@jewels64628]

Thank you SO MUCH for combining all of this crucial information in one easy to understand video. It is excellent !

[@soniaadams6849]

Valuable information for a newbie like me. Thank you!!

[@ManfredGerads]

Extremely informative. Thank you!

[@alto.r.5238]

This video answered all my questions, thank you!

[@alisafox2135]

This information was very helpful. Thank you

[@appleoneill5135]

This was very useful, thank you for the tips

[@indicamberr]

This was pretty helpful and I like that your resin is nontoxic. 👌🏼

[@janfranklin9659]

Great explanation on each method of coloring the resin. Thank you!

[@TupmaniaTurning]

A very helpful video - thank you!

[@lydvincecruz824]

Thanks a lot for sharing all the information.I appreciate it very much.

[@karenbaldry8096]

Thank you for this video it’s been so helpful 😀

[@anndwandner3664]

Fantastic video. Just what I needed

[@juliangeisterfer9522]

Awesome video. Thankyou!

[@cindyorgill6619]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@angiebcraftsdesign]

Very informative on various resin colorants, thank you!

[@Artresin]

Thank you!!

[@elenaplesa510]

Thank you. Needed this info.

[@vrindabandishte5166]

I like your simple and easy way of demonstrations and explainations, no nosense talk either. Keep it up.

[@richardhance4243]

Very detailed and impressive video. Well done and extremely helpful!

[@esthertosin1794]

This was so helpful. Thank you

[@Carole_Williamson]

Thank you for all that info. And I love your shirt

[@milamila3452]

Thanks for this amazing video 😍

[@sandyburdette1036]

this was great for a beginner like me thanks!

[@alicesimonian2879]

Super helpful tips thank u.

[@sudhasingh6839]

Thank you so much for your knowledge about resin I want to know more tips about resin products making

[@193therman]

What an informative video. I learned so much. Thank you.

[@Artresin]

Thanks for taking the time to watch :)

[@joyceblackburn6431]

Very interesting!! Thanks!

[@Kathy-Carr]

Fantastic tips…thank you! I learned a few things, which I appreciate! Thank you!

[@Artresin]

thanks Kathy!

[@lagurichardluke8515]

Great and Generous. Thanks Big

[@ArtbySusanKing]

Thanks for this video, very informative!. I am a beginner so I need this kind of help and I'm glad I found your video. Thanks so much. ❤

[@laticiawalker7672]

Thank you I'm a beginner your info is so helpful

[@aquagasaccounts2389]

As a novice with resin art, that was really helpful and informative.Thank you!

[@Artresin]

Thats great to hear, please reach out anytime with questions :)

[@KLee-ci3gt]

Yes,I thank you very much. I am just getting started working with Resin and epoxy,and looking forward to it. From Me,K-Lee,and my oh,so Unsinkable Molly Brown.🐕🏳️‍🌈 We do everything with PRIDE🤑

[@Mara_1337]

Thanks, this was exactly what I needed! I don't work with it myself but wanted to gift someone who only has worked with clear resin some colours! This helped me decide. Since it's a present, might aswell go for the resin tints, they can always get acrylic paints by themselves:)

[@Artresin]

Thats a fun gift!!

[@Auburnabstraction]

great video, thank you so so much for all the info :)

[@margaretzuelke9761]

Thank you for the info!

[@savvivixen8490]

This was the exact info I was looking for; tyvm!

[@Artresin]

So glad you found this helpful!

[@christinawingfield3997]

Interesting to hear your views on using oils. I use oils in all my works with great success, you just need to add a small amount of paint into your cup and add mixed clear resin little at a time, using a small flat spatula, until you achieve the correct ratio. Oils glow so beautifully in resin. Also I find alcohol ink tinted resin floats to the top and can leave harder lines. So for dreamy, ethereal, softly blended effects I use mica powders and oils, which disperse more evenly. You can also apply alcohol ink directly onto 12-24hr cured resin and soften the tone by dabbing with pure rubbing alcohol on a paper towel, or flick the pure alcohol onto the surface to create stunning watercolour like effects. It dries in a few seconds and can be poured over without rising to the surface. Also, it's so important to be aware that any titanium white based pigment WILL make your resin yellow over time. So I would recommend purchasing whites specifically for resin without titanium dioxide.

[@Artresin]

Hi Christina, thank you so much for sharing this information! We may have to go back and experiment more with these techniques :)

[@Kliffot]

The oil binder will yellow not the titanium white pigment itself which is super lightfast. That's why premium oil brands use poppy, safflower or walnut as they yellow less than linseed.

[@ArtbySusanKing]

Cool! do you have any tutorials or a KZbin Channel?

[@marycasasnovas5710]

Very helpful 👍🏼❤️

[@RoboCNCnl]

Thanks for sharing !

[@korean_foot_traveler8655]

It sounds really interesting for me.😀👍👍

[@sefman86]

great video i had a few questions and you answered them all so think for the great info

[@Artresin]

Perfect!

[@simritkaur2253]

Thanks for d information.

[@saminaasghar9107]

Thanks very informative video

[@bigtimetorifan]

When I first started using resin, I was having such a problem with bubbles. And then I found out about a little hack of taking a spray bottle with some rubbing alcohol, and when you are done putting it over your piece, mist a squirt or two over it. What that does is breaks the surface tension, releases all the bubbles and I have fantastic results nowadays! So I’ve never had a problem with curing as far it ever “breaking down“ my resin

[@Artresin]

Many artists use a spritz of isopropyl alcohol to clear bubbles from the surface of their resin. Just be sure to use a high % alcohol and use it sparingly :)

[@aminah5202]

when should we spray rubbing alcohol? when the resin is wet ?

[@Artresin]

@@aminah5202 you spray the isopropyl alcohol when the resin is still wet.

[@bigtimetorifan]

@@aminah5202 yes when wet. As soon as I’m done. Then cover w/ a plastic box etc.

[@bigtimetorifan]

@@aminah5202 DO NOT TORCH if use alcohol!!

[@rickyserna1734]

The best explanation ever

[@Artresin]

Thanks Ricky!

[@anaramos6487]

Omg yes! I had not seen 1 video talk about it getting hard. So here I am thinking it will take forever to harden, i take my time and then when I try pouring the second layer my resin was no longer usable! It got super hard and tacky! So work fast and consider that leaving resin out for about 15 minutes or more makes it hard , easier for keeping it in one place but then it becomes hard to work with!

[@werhuman8798]

Very informative

[@curtriceennis2924]

So very glad I found this video. You have answered SO many questions I've had about working with resin. I've been wondering if you should immediately drop the inks in the resin or if you needed to wait a little while. Now I know about how long I should wait. I have never done any resin projects before, and, I can't really afford to waste any materials (who can, really ?) when I do finally make something. So, I need to find out all I can before making the first piece. TYSM for sharing this video with us. 👍👍👍

[@Artresin]

We are so happy to help!

[@ryanmartin4602]

This is great advice. One thing I noted was how to include imperfections on purpose to artistic effect. Example: I'm making a base for a model that's supposed to be rising from swampy water. by adding what could be described as a poor colorant will provide a dull and muddy look much like disturbed swamp mud. After curing I can apply a light coat of gloss spray for a wet look.

[@Artresin]

Thats a really great point! Sometimes we can use the "fails" in our artwork to our benefit!! Thanks for sharing that tip :)

[@TeacherMM]

Thanks a bunch

[@cynthiaciamarra3597]

This is amazing info! So happy I found you! Although I have a bit of a memory problem! Is there any way I can get back to this? Thank you

[@mdfaruk7402]

thanks mamvery good suggestion❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@kathleenpentiicost7097]

This is really good thanks for this video I wasn’t aware of the differences. When my fb group let’s do resin together I will

[@Only-Kiki-6]

Nice information

[@csbmb130]

Thank you so much for this video its really helpful. I just start do some work with epoxy,i am like beginner,living in FL my name is Alex Ur video really help me how to figure out add colors also help me what category of paint colors should i use. Thank you so much again THE GOD BLESS YOU 🙏

[@Artresin]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@andydrinkwater5337]

Castin Craft Color Pigment can be used in Epoxy and Polyurethane resins. Rit Dye (powder) can be used in Epoxy and Polyurethane resins. Mica Powders can be used in Epoxy and Polyurethane resins. Kitchen spices can be used with Epoxy and Polyurethane resins. you can use food coloring to color epoxy resin. However, you should ensure that the food coloring is oil-based, as water-based food coloring can cause the resin to become cloudy. It is also important to note that using too much food coloring can affect the curing process of the epoxy resin. Mixing paints and acrylics with epoxy is not recommended. Here's why... resin is a byproduct of oil. So acrylic-based, water-based and even some oddly blended oil-based pigments don't mix well.

[@Artresin]

Thanks for this information!!

[@janiethecraftprincess]

I love all of this information.....thank you 😊 Hugs.....Janie

[@Artresin]

Thanks for watching !

[@therevealing-studiesfromli4419]

Very Good Young Lady...

[@Geetotsav]

Very important video

[@mikebuck7621]

Thanks most infor.ative

[@shellygilboa8715]

ur very good love watching you

[@rasminkhanam2140]

Oowww Thnk uuu..

[@DahliaDesignsJewelryandMore]

Thank you. I tried dye-based ink refills (like for stamp pads). I found that if I mix it in with the resin/hardener already mixed and stirred well, it worked fine. However, if I just poured the mixed resin into my mold and then tried to do a polka-dot effect with the ink, it seemed to do okay until I removed from the mold. The ink went through the resin and left holes (so the ink poured out the holes when I removed the pieces and I got inky fingers). Lesson learned, only use dye based ink if you stir it well into the resin/hardener mix and then pour. Question: my hardener has turned yellow-ish; is it still okay to use? The resin still is clear.

[@Artresin]

Hi Dahia, the yellowing you are seeing is due to oxidization. We recommend using ArtResin within 12 months of the date of manufacture and within 6 months after opening for the optimal clarity. You can use the yellowed hardener in applications over dark backgrounds or when tinting a darker colour. Have a look at our blog: www.artresin.com/blogs/artresin/what-can-you-do-with-yellowed-hardener-and-resin?_pos=7&_sid=729855e7b&_ss=r

[@davbldblch4]

Thank you very much But It's very Cold is interesting

[@Kathy-Carr]

Re-watching this video, I was looking for any information on resin dye. Can it be used with resin tint? I used both in a coaster and it cured with a very oily residue on top. Thank you! ♥️

[@Artresin]

Hi Kathy, most colourants designed for use with epoxy resin will work just fine. Since different brands and different colourants can all be different we always recommend testing new products first to ensure you get the results you want. The oily residue you noticed can be a result of not mixing your ResinTint in thoroughly enough or using just a little too much.

[@karen5311]

Can you explain the difference between pigment powder and pigment paste. I want to try geode art, but not sure what to use.

[@MegStinz]

Thank you!!! What is that golden tin you used at the end of the video??

[@Artresin]

That is a metal tray from Ikea. These trays come in gold or silver colour and they look incredible when you pour ArtResin into them. Have a look at our blog that shows you a beautiful way to pour in these trays: www.artresin.com/blogs/artresin/how-to-make-resin-flow-art?_pos=1&_sid=6695f37e2&_ss=r

[@KennyFishbone]

Excellent explanation without becoming a brand commercial!

[@cour2knee]

I’ve officially lost my mind with my current (large-45sqft) resin project. I’ve pulled out my alcohol ink, leather paints (acrylic), gouache and water colors plus any old sample acrylics and spray paints I had. 50/50 chance I’ll hate it but 100% chance I’ll be closer to finishing in 24 hours. 🎨 😅🥰

[@Artresin]

Good luck :)

[@bubblemum]

I wish you would do a 6 month light challenge using your products, esp the alcohol inks, since they will fade from those brilliant colors to rather sad muted ones when exposed to sunlight. Just make 2 demo boards of the colors, put one on a windowsill and put the other, wrapped in a dark cloth in a dark drawer for 6 months. Then compare. No change? Go with what you used. Any change? Avoid it.

[@Artresin]

Regardless of brand, inks are going to be less lightfast than other pigments unfortunately.

[@adaperez4770]

Exactly what I wanted to say. Thanks

[@guyxx23]

Hello, would ArtResin be suitable for applying a finishing coat to clay items, like cups and flowerpots? Similarly to varnish

[@Artresin]

You could :) you would want to apply it in thin coats with a brush.

[@bigboy6969100]

Can I just use any paint or has to be alcohol paint

[@beansandwiched]

how does the food color fade? Does she mean out in the sun? I was thinking of using it on cutting boards. What coloring is best for that application? TIA

[@Artresin]

Food colour and some inks can be less lightfast meaning they will fade out quicker. If you choose a high quality pigment for your resin project you will find the colour will stay vibrant much longer.

[@ladytammy6886]

I've been wondering if I could use golden fluids in resin to slightly tint ... Just checking with water how much I'd need to make it just a slight colour but still transparent so I can see the flowers and glitter.

[@Artresin]

Most acrylic paints mix in well. Do not add any water to your resin mixture or you will end up with a cloudy mess. Acrylic paints often make more of an opaque finish, our ResinTints will give a beautiful translucent colour to your resin.

[@ladytammy6886]

@@Artresin oh that's awesome. No, no I didn't add any water as I know that it's not meant to be added at all. I added the paint to water just to test what it would look like if I added it to resin. It worked by adding the golden fluids to the resin but I needed a few more drops then what I did with the water as the resin is a completely different consistency then water. Thank you!

[@amandalierly1291]

I'm looking for some color to use on coasters, I see where they use the mica powder and they put it directly on The coasters. I'm looking for like a paint pen or something similar, I have coasters that have a plaid color to them. I am very new to this. The coaster does not have the depth to be able to pour different resin color without bleeding into one color to another. I've heard some people use acrylic paint pens I was just wanting to know a little input on that please. And thank you I'm enjoying your videos like I said I'm a newbie.

[@Artresin]

Hi Amanda, yes you can paint mica directly onto the silicone mold itself then pour the resin over. You can also use acrylic paint pens to draw your design on once the resin has cured. After you draw on your design, just give the piece a top coat of resin to seal the design on permanently.

[@amandalierly1291]

@@Artresin Thank you so very much. That really helps boost my confidence. If it has a design I can still use the Acrylic paint in to go over the raised edges?. Loving your videos, I've been watching one right after another very interesting and informative. ❣️❣️

[@rachels7615]

What is the white form you are pouring into around minute 3.05? Is it a mild or a permanent frame? It looks pretty shallow and like something in looking for.

[@Artresin]

That is just a liquid art panel that we had painted with white paint. Liquid art panels are just cradled wood panels with a 1/4" lip around the edge to contain liquid pours. You can find these online or at your local art supply store.

[@ketkivirani8277]

Can i mix mica powdere and acrylic paint both to achieve opaque and glittery effects?

[@Artresin]

Yes, you can use mica and acrylic. We always like to test a small amount first as different paints can have different effects, but in general yes--give it a shot!!

[@goovitoo]

Can you use black 3.0 in a resin project? Or a white 2.0 in a resin project? If not what is the blackest and whitest color you could use?

[@Artresin]

You can use whatever intensity of colorant you choose, we just recommend not adding more than 6% colorant to volume of mixed resin for best results.

[@kubilaygurbuz4546]

hi, I'm still very new to epoxy. I'm going to do a study and I want to get a very dark and matte sieh. Can you give me a colorant code that you can recommend in this regard.

[@Artresin]

We find that using acrylic paint as a colourant gives a very saturated colour, it also tends to result in a less glossy finish. Its a good idea to test first as different acrylic paints can act differently. Remember to add less than 6% of any colourant to avoid affecting the cure.

[@kellygajewski8072]

I’m finding that attempting to use mica powder with my Art Resin is resulting in extremely cloudy, washed-out colors regardless of how much I use, nothing like the rich colors in the video that I believe should be possible. Any idea what the issue could be? I am mixing 1:1 and stirring for 3 minutes per the other Art Resin video.

[@Artresin]

Hmm is it mica powder? It sounds like yours is getting ‘wet’. Can u try a different mica powder and see if this happens. Beautiful art with mica powder is made every day (probably every hour). You SHOULD get rush vibrant shimmery saturated Color!! Maybe yours is a sand material, which changes Color when wet!?

[@murphchris5670]

Hi I made a Gryffindor and Slytherin badge which are Gold and Silver. the resin cured and they look awesome however the colour didn't tun out well. I painted them with a mixture of pigment powder, paint medium/varnish and mod podge (matte) I made is this OK to put on cured varnish? cheers

[@Artresin]

Yes you can put ArtResin over a cured varnish. Water based varnish is best as you may have trouble if an oil based one is not fully cure.

[@gillesbray5394]

Hello... can you explain the difference between white pigment paste vs powder vs liquid????

[@Artresin]

It really is all preference and what effect you are going for. Using a lot of acrylic paint could yield a matte finish, some powders have a shimmer to them etc.

[@salgido]

Hi there, I have a question... Is there any way to fix color of, already poured and set resin? Or a technique that you know of? The color came out more red than the preferred purple? Would you just paint over it with acrylic or something? Thanks in advance

[@Artresin]

The best way to fix this would be to sand the surface lightly, then you could paint with acrylic paint and pour a clear coat of ArtResin overtop once dry, or you could pour a fresh layer of tinted ArtResin to correct the colour.

[@salgido]

@@Artresin that's a great idea. Thanks so much! ❤️❤️❤️

[@Nabi5488]

Hi can you use food coloring or acrylic paint?

[@Artresin]

You can use acrylic paint as a colourant, as far as food colouring goes--we did not find it a good choice. Not only is the dye in the food colouring not very lightfast and will fade out easily, often food colourants are set in water and do not mix in well. It is definitely worth testing on your own on a small amount first to see what works for you.

[@GiftOyimeh]

What about poster colors can they be used for resin?

[@Artresin]

You sure can! It usually is water based so just add accordingly to get your desired shade :)

[@jonathanhartfield533]

Does Art Resin works on Castin’Craft Transparent Resin Dye or no?

[@Artresin]

We have not tested this brand ourselves, however ArtResin is compatible with most quality colourants that are made for use with epoxy resin.

[@FilomenaDapaz]

lm new to all this l did started by found coastets but my question is how do l clean the tools?? and my hands .l washed with soap still messy

[@Artresin]

Have a look at our blog on how to clean up for some great tips: www.artresin.com/blogs/artresin/how-to-clean-up-epoxy-resin?_pos=1&_sid=5f22cc093&_ss=r

[@africats2]

Sage colored glitter, mica powder, etc please! That color is very difficult to find. Most people have lime or maybe mint, not true sage.

[@StellaShadowmoon]

If you want to mix resin better with no chunks, mix the amount of color you want with just a tiny bit of resin FIRST. It’ll blend a lot quicker and easier. Then add the rest of the plain resin and WALLA much easier Also if using eyeshadow.. use a pestle and mortar or maybe just throw it in a zip log bag and smash it down first.

[@Artresin]

wonderful tips! thanks for sharing

[@sengasengana]

My deep pour resin (72 hours curing time) reacted very badly to acrylic paint. It boiled up and fully cured in 45 minutes. I demolded it from my skull mold and it looks like lava rock. 😅

[@Artresin]

oh wow! It's always good to test new ingredients first to ensure they work for you. In this case it sounds like your resin flash cured which may be entirely unrelated to the addition of the acrylic paint, or it could have been something in the paint that made the resin overheat.

[@tlsanders]

Can you use RV resin with these color resintint

[@Artresin]

I am not familiar with RV resin, but ResinTint is compatible with most epoxy resin brands. It is always a good idea to test a small amount first to be sure you get the results you want :)

[@psrivastava82]

Which brand of color should be used in resin

[@Artresin]

We prefer using ResinTints as our colourant, they are richly saturated pigments developed for use in ArtResin. You can purchase them here: www.artresin.com/collections/colorant You can also use other colourants that are compatible with epoxy resin, mica powders or even acrylic paint to colour your ArtResin.

[@kymmcmaster1522]

What do you think of pigment pastes in resin?

[@Artresin]

Pigment pastes generally work well. We always recommend doing a small test first when using new materials just to ensure the results are what you intend.

[@user-ef1kq6ei4t]

Does it work when I mix in Watercolour Powder?

[@Artresin]

Yes :) Give it a try!

[@snehagowri2535]

Can we use enamel paint pigment for resin

[@Artresin]

Hi Sneha, I can't say from experience but it is worth testing out on a small amount of epoxy resin. Just mix in a small amount thoroughly to your epoxy and let it cure so you can see the finish it provides. Some colourants can impact the gloss and the texture of the epoxy resin.

[@keliosincantare]

I notice that you ArtResin is non-toxic--can it be used safely in jewelry like rings or to hold cosmetics? (Lipgloss, putty blush and foundation, liquid eyeshadow, that sort of thing.)

[@Artresin]

Yes it certainly can :) We have seen beautiful jewelry pieces and all sorts of holders.

[@kanchan4368]

Can I use soap color in resin

[@Artresin]

We haven't tested them all, but you can certainly use mica and powder pigments. Its always best to test a small amount first to be sure :)