How Much Pigment Should I Use in Resin?

Balancing vibrant colour and the quality of your resin casting depends on using pigment in the right amount. Too little results in pale colour, but overdoing it risks problems during curing. Here’s how to get it just right.

How Much Pigment Should You Use?

For most resin projects, it’s recommended to use a pigment loading below 5% of the resin’s total weight. This guideline applies to both concentrated pastes and liquid dyes. Excess pigment can interfere with the proper curing of the resin, making it remain tacky or preventing full hardening. Begin by adding a very small amount—just a few drops or a tiny scoop—then gradually increase until you achieve the desired colour intensity.

For subtle, translucent effects: Start with just a drop or two per 100g of resin.
For bolder, opaque finishes: Increase the amount cautiously, but never exceed 5% by weight.

Mixing Tips for Consistent Results

Always mix your pigment into the resin thoroughly, scraping the sides and bottom of your mixing container to ensure uniform distribution. Some colourants, like the Colourfun liquid resin colourants, are highly concentrated and only need a very minimal dose for vivid results. Test a small amount before committing to your full batch, as even a slight overdose can affect resin clarity or curing.

When Precision Matters

Getting pigment dosage right is especially vital when working on clear, jewel-like projects or casting with deep layers. If you want glass-like transparency—such as when using the Magic Crystal range—keep pigment additions to a minimum for optimal clarity. For projects requiring solid opacity, opt for a high-coverage colourant and keep track of the dosage to maintain durability and appearance.

Related guides

How To Colour Resin Objects

By measuring pigment carefully and choosing products suited to your resin, like the Colourfun or Magic Crystal colourants, you’ll achieve consistently beautiful results in your coloured resin objects. For more creative guidance, discover our tips on how to colour resin objects.