How Much Colourant to Use in Epoxy Resin

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How Much Colourant Should I Add to My Resin?

Getting the colour just right with epoxy resin is about balance. Add too little, and the shade may look washed out; too much, and it could affect resin performance. Let’s explore how much colourant is best to add for vibrant, reliable results.

Guidelines for Adding Colourant

For most resin projects, it’s recommended not to exceed 5% colourant by weight of the total mixed resin components. Start by adding pigment or dye slowly, mixing in small increments until you reach your preferred shade. This careful approach helps prevent over-saturation, which can interfere with curing or lead to uneven texture.

Measure resin and hardener before adding pigment.
Begin with a minimal amount—just a few drops if using highly concentrated liquid dyes such as Colourfun Liquid Colourant.
Stir thoroughly before assessing the colour. Resin often looks lighter in liquid form, so check test pieces if unsure.

Customising Colour Intensity

Both liquid and paste colourants allow for transparent, translucent, or opaque effects. The more you add (within the limit), the deeper and more solid the colour will appear. Mix colours together for unique results—sets like the Colourfun Set let you experiment with endless variations, while Magic Crystal dyes are perfect for achieving tinted and glass-like finishes without settling.

Why Less Is Sometimes More

Using too much pigment risks compromising resin clarity, finish, and durability. Staying within the 5% guideline preserves not only the desired colour but also the resin’s self-levelling and curing characteristics. This is especially important for projects where a high-gloss, bubble-free result is essential, such as in jewellery making or clear art panels.

When This Matters

Precision matters most in casting thin layers, transparent art, or functional items where colour consistency and resin strength are essential. Always test on a small batch if unsure—this helps ensure the final outcome meets your expectations before using larger quantities.

Related guides

How Do You Colour Two Component Resin

Choosing the right amount of pigment takes the guesswork out of colouring two-component resin. By following these balanced guidelines, you’ll achieve brilliant, reliable results across all your resin projects. For more tips, see our main guide on how to colour two-component resin.