Mixing colors into epoxy feels a lot like cooking — a dash of this, a bit of that, and sometimes you’re left with a beautiful mess. People want to stretch what they have on hand. Acrylic paint is cheap compared to pricey resin pigments. There’s temptation to squeeze a few drops from a tube and watch a swirl of color transform a project. I’ve done it myself, thinking savings or convenience would win the day.
Acrylic paint and epoxy resin both come as liquids, but they don’t always play friendly. Resin cures through a chemical reaction — acrylic brings in water and other additives. Water and resin set off alarm bells for those who read the fine print. That extra moisture can block the curing process or leave cloudy streaks. I’ve seen small canvas projects go cloudy overnight and stay gummy for hours longer than clear batches. Sometimes it works, especially if you keep the paint ratio low and the layers thin. More often, issues show up later: bending, warping, or tacky surfaces.
Not all paints mix safely. Additives can react with resin hardeners. People showing off their crafts on social media don’t talk much about fumes, but I’ve gotten headaches from mixing too much paint into my resin – an unmistakable sign to open some windows and check the label. Responsible product manufacturers warn about mixing unknown substances because fumes matter for your lungs, not just the art piece. If you sell these pieces, buyers expect them to last. Acrylic and resin don’t always create a durable marriage. Months later, colors can fade or separate. A trusted source, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), warns against improper resin additives for safety and longevity.
Coloring epoxy resin safely comes down to choosing the right pigments. Powdered mica, alcohol inks, and liquid tints designed for resin don’t have the moisture problem. They cost more but come with peace of mind. Reliable brands put out pigments that bond with the resin, holding color without clouding or peeling over time. I only buy from manufacturers that actually test and certify their products — a lesson learned after a sticky coaster project cost me a whole afternoon and wasted resin.
Hobbyists pinch pennies, and exploring options is part of the fun. Experiment in small batches first, and document the ratios you use. Sometimes a thin wash of acrylic works for an art piece that won’t get heavy handling. For jewelry or anything stressed, it’s worth using proper colorants. If you’re set on acrylic, let the paint dry fully and use it as a base. Pour the clear resin over the cured surface. That way, you keep both materials stable.
Online tutorials can give the impression that you can use anything around the house to color resin. That shortcut leads to wasted time, ruined supplies, and sometimes health risks. Look for guidance from trained artists, resin manufacturers, or organizations like ASTM and the Art and Creative Materials Institute. These groups spend real money on research and testing, and their advice comes from proven experience.
Everyone wants to save money, try new things, and use what’s around. Acrylic and epoxy resin don’t always make the best pair, especially for projects that require strength and clarity. Investing in the right supplies means fewer surprises, safer results, and lasting artwork. Sometimes the real hack is following advice from people who’ve made all the mistakes already — so you don’t have to.
