You want to make a beautiful blue resin pendant. You grab blue food coloring from your kitchen. You pour. You cure. You get... muddy, brownish-purple.
What went wrong? You used the wrong pigment.
Let me save you from this frustration. Here's everything about resin colors—what works, what doesn't, and why.
The Color Mistake: Why Food Coloring Fails
Food coloring + epoxy resin = disaster. Here's why:
❌ Why Food Coloring Doesn't Work
Water-based: Food coloring has water. Resin + water = cloudiness, separation, failed cure
Bleeds: Dyes aren't formulated for resin. They bleed and muddy the color
Fades: Not UV-resistant. Sits in sunlight? Fades to tan/brown within weeks
Curing issues: Can inhibit proper polymerization. Resin stays sticky
The lesson: What works in baking doesn't work in resin. Different chemistry entirely.
What ACTUALLY Works for Resin Colors
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ RECOMMENDED
Epoxy-Specific Liquid Dyes
What it is: Pre-mixed liquid dye formulated specifically for epoxy chemistry. Compatible with resin molecules.
Why it works:
Oil-based: Mixes evenly with resin (no water = no cloudiness)
Vibrant colors: Designed to be vivid in resin
No bleeding: Stays put. Doesn't migrate or muddy
Easy mixing: Just a few drops creates rich color
Cost: $8-15 per bottle. Lasts forever (you use 2-3 drops per pour).
Best brands: ArtResin Colorants, Jacquard Alcohol Inks (some), Craft Resin Dye
Pro tip: Mix colors to create custom shades. Start light, add more drops if needed.
✅ Method 2: Mica Powder (BEST FOR SPARKLE)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ RECOMMENDED
Mica Powder
What it is: Mineral powder that's naturally resin-compatible. Adds color AND sparkle/shimmer.
Why it works:
Vibrant & shimmery: Catches light beautifully
Won't bleed: Mineral particles stay suspended
UV resistant: Won't fade in sunlight
Professional look: Makes every piece look premium
Cost: $5-10 per color. Small amounts go far.
Popular colors: Pearl white, rose gold, holographic, iridescent, metallic
Pro tip: Mix mica with epoxy dye for depth. Example: White mica + blue dye = gorgeous light blue with shimmer
✅ Method 3: Alcohol Inks (SOME BRANDS WORK)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ WORKS IF RESIN-SAFE
Alcohol-Based Inks
What it is: Art inks designed for fluid art. Some are resin-compatible, some aren't.
The problem: Not all alcohol inks are formulated for epoxy. You have to check the brand.
Safe brands: Jacquard Piñata Inks, some Ranger Tim Holtz inks (check labels)
Why some work: Oil-based carriers compatible with resin chemistry
Why others don't: Water content or incompatible solvents cause cloudiness/separation
Rule: If label doesn't say "epoxy resin compatible," don't use it.
What NOT to Use (Ever)
❌ Never Use These for Resin
Food coloring: Water-based. Causes cloudiness & failure
Acrylic paint: Water-based. Separates and floats on resin surface
Watercolor: Same problem. Water = enemy of resin
Fabric dye: Water-based, fades quickly
Highlighters: Wrong chemistry entirely. Causes yellowing
The Best Color Combinations
Pro colorists use combinations:
Rich Jewel Tones: Epoxy dye (dark blue/green) + mica powder (holographic) = stunning depth
Pastel Brights: Clear resin + mica powder (pearl white) + 2-3 drops epoxy dye = soft, shimmery pastels
Metallics: Mica powder alone (gold, silver, copper) + clear resin = luxe look
Ocean Effect: Blue epoxy dye + holographic mica + white mica layered = 3D ocean vibes
Ombre Fade: Pour light color first layer, partially cure, pour darker second layer = color fade effect
Coloring Tips for Perfect Results
Start light: Add drops slowly. You can always add more color. Removing excess is impossible.
Mix before pouring: Stir pigment thoroughly into resin. Uneven mixing = blotchy color
Test first: Make a small test pour before committing to full batch
Cure time matters: Epoxy dyes look different as they cure (usually deeper after 24 hours)
Buy quality: Cheap "resin dyes" from craft stores often bleed. Spend $10 on good dye vs wasting $30 in failed pours
Shopping List for Color Success
Get these and you're set:
- 1-2 quality epoxy dye kits (primary colors: blue, red, yellow) = $20-30
- 5-6 mica powder colors (pearl, gold, holographic, rose gold) = $25-40
- Small mixing cups (dedicated to resin) = $5
- Pipette or dropper for precise measuring = $3
Total investment: ~$50-80. This supplies 100+ projects. Worth every penny.
Master Resin Coloring & Advanced Techniques
Learn complete coloring strategies, color mixing theory, and advanced effects in our comprehensive coloring guide.
Read Full Coloring Guide →