How to use mica pigment powder in epoxy resin

Black Diamond Pigments are fine mica powders that mix straight into epoxy resin. A little goes a long way, so the main rule is simple: start with a small amount and add more until you like the colour. This guide covers how much to use, how to mix it, and tips for the special ranges.

What you need

  • Your epoxy resin and hardener, plus the manufacturer’s instructions
  • Black Diamond pigment powder (a full pot or a variety pack)
  • Digital scales, mixing cups and stirring sticks
  • Gloves, and a dust mask when handling dry powder

How much pigment to use

As a starting point, use about 1–3% pigment by weight of the mixed resin: roughly 1–3 g of powder for every 100 g of resin and hardener combined.

  • Light shimmer, still see-through: about 0.5–1%
  • Rich, solid metallic colour: about 2–3%
  • Fully opaque: up to about 5% at most. Adding much more can affect how the resin flows and cures.

Thin coatings need a little more pigment than thick castings to look as strong. Always check your resin maker’s guidance on the maximum amount of colourant, especially for deep-pour resins.

How to mix it

  1. Mix the resin and hardener first, exactly as the manufacturer says, and stir thoroughly.
  2. Weigh out the pigment and add it to the mixed resin a little at a time.
  3. Stir slowly and thoroughly, scraping the sides and bottom of the cup, until there are no streaks or clumps. Stirring slowly keeps air bubbles down.
  4. Check the colour on a stick or a test piece, and add more pigment if you want it stronger.
  5. Pour within the resin’s working time. For several colours, split the mixed resin into separate cups and colour each one.

Tips for each range

  • Ghost: these look white or pearly on their own and show their colour over a dark background. Pour them over black or dark resin, or use them as a top layer.
  • Glow: glow-in-the-dark pigments need light to charge. Use clear or light-coloured resin so light can reach them, and use a little more than usual for a stronger glow.
  • Fluorescent: brightest in clear or white resin, and they really stand out under UV light.
  • Galaxy and Diamond: great for cosmic and ocean effects. Swirl two or three colours together rather than mixing them fully to keep the depth and movement.
  • Metallic lacing and cells: dust a little dry powder onto the surface of freshly poured resin, or mix a stronger batch of a light colour such as Silver Pearl or Pure White for lacing.

Other uses

The same powders work in soap, bath bombs, candles, slime, paint and many other crafts. Start with a small amount, test first, and follow the guidance for the material you’re colouring.

Good to know

  • Do a small test batch first: colours can look different once cured and under different lighting.
  • Keep the lid on between uses: the pots are resealable, and pigment keeps for a long time if kept dry.
  • Avoid breathing in the dry powder, and keep it away from children.

Not sure which colour to pick? Browse the full colour chart or get in touch and we’ll help.