Most Common Pigments Used with Epoxy Resin and Their Effects

Epoxy resin is a highly versatile medium, and choosing the right pigment can transform your project’s final look. Below is a guide to the most commonly used pigment types — each offering unique visual effects and creative potential:

🎨 Solid or Opaque Pigments

• Available in powder or paste form.
• Provide strong, non-transparent colour that blocks light.
• Ideal for bold, high-coverage finishes in art, furniture, or solid-colour pours.
• Great for:
  ✅ Letter molds
  ✅ Colour-blocked trays
  ✅ Resin inlays

💧 Liquid or Transparent Dyes

• Designed to create clear, stained-glass-like tints.
• Maintain the transparency and depth of resin.
• Excellent for layered pours, water effects, or projects where light should pass through.
• Great for:
  ✅ Ocean-themed art
  ✅ Petri dish effects
  ✅ Tinted jewellery

✨ Metallic or Mica Pigments

• Made from shimmery mica particles or metallic powders.
• Offer a reflective, radiant finish with pearlescent or glittering effects.
• Can be swirled or layered to create dynamic movement and shine.
• Great for:
  ✅ Geode-style pieces
  ✅ River tables
  ✅ Abstract resin art

🌟 Neon or Fluorescent Pigments

• Incredibly bright and vibrant, often reactive under UV/black light.
• Offer a bold, high-energy visual ideal for eye-catching artwork.
• Can glow subtly under ambient light or dramatically under UV.
• Great for:
  ✅ Statement jewellery
  ✅ Kids’ art
  ✅ Modern home decor

🌌 Glow-in-the-Dark Pigments

• Absorb light and then glow in darkness, slowly releasing stored energy.
• The glow effect can last several hours depending on light exposure.
• Use in small doses or mixed with other pigments for hidden nighttime effects.
• Great for:
  ✅ Nighttime wall art
  ✅ Coasters & trays
  ✅ Unique gift items

🧴 Pearl or Iridescent Pigments

• Contain coated mica flakes that shimmer subtly and shift colour with light and angle.
• Provide a luminous, pearlescent quality — ideal for elegant and layered effects.
• Often translucent, they work best with clear resin and light backgrounds.
• Great for:
  ✅ Jewellery
  ✅ Ornaments
  ✅ High-end finishes

🌿 Natural Pigments

• Sourced from minerals, plants, or earth tones.
• Offer organic, rustic, or earthy colours that suit nature-inspired or minimalistic themes.
• Typically matte, giving a more grounded, natural finish.
• Great for:
  ✅ Wood-resin combinations
  ✅ Decorative trays
  ✅ Handmade homewares

📌 Creative Considerations

• Pigment concentration, resin clarity, and lighting all impact the final look.
• Mix and layer different pigments to create custom effects.
• Always test in small batches and keep notes for reproducibility.