Most people don't like the yellow hue that comes from the lack of added colorants in the glue.Adding liquid or powdered colorant to the epoxy will give it a pleasing look that can be used to enhance do-it-yourself projects or add color to furniture around the house.You can use traditional colorants, such as paints and ink, or experiment with household items to make your resin more colorful and artistic.
Step 1: Purchase a paint or tint that is specifically designed for use in resins.
Most of the paints, inks, and tints on the market are not intended to be used to color.Purchase a paint or tint that bonds with the resin and brings out saturated colors.An artificial dye is used to change an object's color.There are some examples of tints that are meant to be used with resin.You can buy it online or in a store.
Step 2: If you haven't already, mix it with the other stuff.
Adding your colorant will need to be mixed with a hardening agent.If you follow the instructions on your container, you will be able to determine the ratio of hardener you should use.To protect your eyes and skin during this procedure, be sure to wear goggles and rubber gloves.You can skip this step if you have already mixed your resin and want to color it.
Step 3: A small amount of the stuff is put into a cup.
If you want to make sure your colorant produces a color that you like, you need to test it with a small amount of resin.For easier measuring, use a mixing container that has volume measurements on the side.A small measuring cup used for cough syrup testing would work well.
Step 4: Add your colorant to make up 2%-6% of the mixture.
Slowly add the paint, ink, or resin tint to the mixing container, using a toothpick or other small stick to stir the mixture as you go.You can either estimate how much to add or use a scale to weigh the mixture.Adding this much colorant might disrupt the delicate chemical process that takes place in resin and that is necessary for it to be properly used, so don't go over the 6% weight limit.Adding less than 2% of the mixture's weight is not a problem.This may not be enough to produce a different color.If you don't know how much colorant to add, add less than you think you want.You can always add more if it isn't enough.
Step 5: Make sure there are no bubbles in the mixture by stirring it for a short time.
You will want to make sure that the new color is applied throughout the mixture.If you want a smooth finish, stir the resin until it is smooth and without air bubbles.
Step 6: The amount of colorant you use will be adjusted.
Add more colorant to the mixture if it isn't as colored as you wanted.If the color is more than you want, restart the process and add less colorant to the mixing container.If you don't like the results you get from changing the amount of colorant you use, consider using a non-liquid colored substance from around the house.
Step 7: You can repeat this process for the rest of your epoxy.
Once you have achieved the results you wanted in the small container, you can repeat the process safely.You should use the same amount of colorant as you used with the 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) mixture.The amount of colorant you added to the mixing cup should be divided by 8 to determine the total amount.
Step 8: You need to make sure your epoxy is mixed.
If you haven't already mixed your resin with a hardening agent, you need to.You need to follow the instructions that came with your resin in order to get the right ratio.You should wear safety goggles and rubber gloves to protect your eyes and skin.
Step 9: There is a container with a 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of resin in it.
You will want to test your colorant in a separate container before adding it to the whole mixture.If you want the best results, use a container with volume measurements on the side.A small measuring cup with cough syrup is a good container to use.
Step 10: Particles can be left in the finished mixture with powdered pigments.
You can use powdered colorants like chalk, toner powder, and even herbs and spices to enhance your project by producing a grainy finish.If you want your colored resin to have a smooth finish, you should not use powdered pigments.It is possible to experiment with other spices in your kitchen to see which works best for you and your project.
Step 11: A smooth, more consistent finish can be achieved with liquid pigments.
Children's watercolor paint or dyes for home use can be used to color.If you want a smooth finish in your resin, these are the ones for you.Alcohol and nail polish are used to color.
Step 12: The colorant should be less than 6% of the mixture.
You want to make sure that the colorant you use doesn't disrupt the chemical reaction that takes place in the resin.Stirring as you add the colorant will make up 2%-6% of the finished mixture.If you don't know how much colorant to add, start with a small amount and increase it until you get a satisfying color.Make sure there are no bubbles in the end when you stir the mixture.
Step 13: You should repeat this process for the rest of your material.
If you want a color effect, add more colorant to the resin.Make sure to use the same proportion of colorant as you used with the 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) mixture if you want to get a nice color.If you can't achieve the effect you were hoping for, consider using a different type of colorant.