Resin Color Mixing Calculator
Calculate exact mica powder, pigment, and dye amounts for perfect resin colors.
Supports transparent tint to fully opaque finishes.
No sign-ups. Instant results.
💡 Tip: Always measure colorants on a digital scale. Shop mica powder sets for variety.
Example calculation
Let's calculate mica powder needed for a medium-intensity color:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Total resin batch | 100 grams |
| Colorant type | Mica powder |
| Desired intensity | Medium (6-7%) |
| Percentage used | 6.5% |
| Mica powder needed | 6.5 grams |
Calculation: 100g × 6.5% = 6.5g of mica powder
Color intensity guide
| Intensity Level | Percentage Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Transparent Tint | 2-3% | Light wash of color, see-through effects, layered pours |
| Light Color | 4-5% | Subtle color, semi-transparent, pastel shades |
| Medium Color | 6-7% | Good color visibility, slightly translucent, standard jewelry |
| Opaque / Solid | 8-10% | Full coverage, hide embeddings, solid color pieces |
| Highly Saturated | 11-12% | Maximum color intensity, metallic effects (mica only) |
⚠️ Never exceed 12% colorant by weight. Higher amounts can prevent proper curing.
Colorant types compared
| Type | Effect | Recommended % |
|---|---|---|
| Mica Powder | Shimmer, metallic, pearlescent | 6-10% |
| Pigment Powder | Matte, opaque, solid colors | 8-10% |
| Liquid Resin Dye | Transparent, vibrant, easy to mix | 2-5% |
| Alcohol Ink | Transparent, fluid art effects, swirls | 1-3% |
| Resin Tint | Semi-transparent, controlled color | 3-6% |
Perfect color mixing tips
📊 Measure by weight
Use a digital scale to measure colorant. Volume measurements are inconsistent for powders.
🎨 Add to Part A first
Mix colorant into Part A resin thoroughly before adding Part B hardener. This prevents streaks and ensures even color.
🧪 Make test batches
Mix a small 10-20g test batch to check color intensity before committing to your full project. Colors can look different when cured.
✨ Less is more
Start with lower percentages (4-5%) and add more if needed. You can't remove colorant once added, but you can always add more.
🛒 Shop colorants: Mica Powder • Pigment Sets • Metallic Powders
Color mixing calculator FAQs
How much mica powder do I add to resin?
For transparent tint, use 2-4% mica powder by weight. For semi-opaque, use 5-7%. For fully opaque colors, use 8-10%. For highly saturated metallic effects, use up to 12%. Always measure by weight on a digital scale for consistent results. Mica powder creates shimmery, pearlescent finishes.
What's the difference between mica powder and pigment powder?
Mica powder creates shimmery, metallic, pearlescent effects and is semi-transparent. Pigment powder creates solid, opaque, matte colors with no shimmer. Mica is best for jewelry and decorative pieces where you want sparkle, while pigment is better for solid color coverage where you want to hide embeddings or create flat matte finishes.
Can I mix different colors together in resin?
Yes, you can mix multiple mica powders or pigments to create custom colors. Mix dry powders together first before adding to resin for more even color distribution. Start with small test batches (10-20g) to achieve your desired shade before mixing large amounts. Keep notes on your ratios so you can recreate successful custom colors.
How do I prevent streaks when adding color to resin?
Add colorant to Part A resin before mixing with Part B hardener. Stir thoroughly for 2-3 minutes until completely incorporated with no streaks visible. For mica powder, sift it into resin while stirring to avoid clumps. For liquid dyes, add drop by drop while stirring continuously. Never add colorant after mixing Part A and Part B together—this causes uneven color distribution.
What happens if I add too much colorant to resin?
Adding more than 10-12% colorant by weight can prevent resin from curing properly. The chemical reaction needs proper resin-to-hardener ratio, and excessive colorant interferes with this reaction. Resin may stay tacky, cure soft, or not cure at all. Always stay within recommended percentages. If you need more intense color, choose a different type of colorant rather than adding more.
Can I use acrylic paint to color resin?
No, do not use acrylic paint in resin. Acrylic paint is water-based, and water prevents resin from curing properly. Use only colorants specifically designed for resin: mica powder, pigment powder, liquid resin dye, or alcohol ink. These are formulated to be compatible with epoxy resin chemistry.
How do I create pastel colors in resin?
For pastel shades, use very low percentages (2-4%) of white pigment powder mixed with your chosen color. Alternatively, use transparent dyes at 2-3% for light, airy colors. Test in small batches first as pastels can look different when cured. Mica powders generally don't create true pastels—use matte pigments for better pastel results.
Why does my resin color look different after curing?
Colors can shift slightly during the curing process. Some pigments darken, some lighten. UV exposure, heat from the exothermic curing reaction, and thickness of the piece all affect final color. Always make small test batches and let them fully cure (24-48 hours) before committing to large projects. Keep notes on your successful color ratios for future reference.