Have you considered trying your hand at a colored epoxy project but don't quite know where to start? Don't worry. It's easy once you know what look you are going for. First, determine the scale of your project and what type of epoxy you need to use for it. After that is sorted out, choosing the right color and look should be fun and exciting. This is your chance to be creative. We hear from lots of customers taking this first step. Most questions boil down to two main concerns: 1) the type of colorant to use; and 2) the amount required. Let's take a look at the different choices available for coloring epoxy so you can choose between Eye Candy Pigments and Mixol Tints.
Pigment Vs. Tint
Before we get started, if you have questions about choosing the right epoxy for your project, be sure to take a look at our Blog, Choosing And Using MAS Epoxy. It should make this part of your project much easier. Now, adding color to any epoxy is done by adding either a pigment or tint to the epoxy during the mixing process. If you choose a pigment, the finished product will be more solid-looking. If you choose a tint, the epoxy will be more transparent. Here at Infinity, we carry Eye Candy pigments and Mixol tints. These are high-quality products designed to work perfectly with epoxies for achieving your desired look.
Eye Candy Pigment
Let's start with Eye Candy Pigments. Eye Candy is a mica-based pigment. Mica is a natural shiny mineral that absorbs dye incredibly well. What makes mica pigments unique is they retain their shine and can be used in creative ways to add amazing three-dimensional effects to your epoxy project. If you have seen a river table with a swirling or boiling look, Mica pigment is almost certainly what was used. Eye Candy pigments go a long way. A 50-gram jar can easily color up to 2 gallons of epoxy. Just how far you can stretch a jar of Eye Candy of course depends on the look you want for your project. Keep in mind the thicker the epoxy layer, the more swirl and movement you can add.
Mixol Tint
Mixol is a tinting paste that can be used in all sorts of applications. Unlike mica pigments, Mixol will add color but still leave the epoxy transparent. I call it the rock candy effect. Just like the tint film on a car window, you can adjust how light or strong the tint is by adding more or less Mixol to your epoxy. Mixol is strong stuff and usually is measured in drops. Mixol also creates what is known as a flat color. meaning that it will have a consistent look with no movement or shimmer. Think colored glass. While we're thinking of it, here's a pro tip we'll tell you for free: if you want to make a totally clear (non-tinted) epoxy project, it can still be a good idea to add a drop or two of black Mixol. This will give the epoxy a slightly smoky look that counteracts non-tinted epoxy's natural tendency to yellow, while still retaining a mostly clear quality.
A Little Goes a Long Way
One of the most exciting things about both Eye Candy and Mixol is how far they go. Surprisingly, this can be measured in drops or pinches. With Mixol, a drop or two can easily tint a quart of epoxy. Likewise, a dollop of Eye Candy on the end of a popsicle stick can do the trick. For better or worse, there is no hard and fast mixing ratio for either of these colorants. Yeah, it may sound like a clichéd cop out, but it truly is more of an art than a science. Start out sparingly when mixing. You can always add a little more. Another great tip is to do a small sample project. Because the thickness of the epoxy will affect how the project will look, I recommend doing a practice pour if possible.
We also took the time to make a MAS Deep Pour sample. This can really show just how different the exact same epoxy mix is affected by the thickness of the epoxy layer. Also, while all of our samples were made using Maple, the color of the wood you are using can make a huge difference. If you have the time to do a small sample with an offcut, you can really dial in your desired look.
Mix and Match
You can also use Eye Candy and Mixol together. We had some leftover Tabletop Epoxy and decided to experiment. We mixed Ocean Blue Mixol and 14k Gold Eye Candy together and poured it over a board from the scrap bin. The result was pretty exciting. The thin layer of epoxy on top of our scrap piece of oak shows how much the combination can change in appearance. This offcut was cupped, causing the epoxy to be thicker in the middle. This created a color shift from almost clear, to green, to blue. The whole time having the Gold Eye Candy sparkling through like glitter.
Hopefully, we've made it clear that colored epoxy projects can be fun and easy. Mixol will produce beautiful transparent shades. Eye Candy will shimmer and produce pearlescent looks. Use them individually or together to create unique and exciting projects. For a great selection of MAS Epoxy, Eye Candy pigments, and Mixol tints be sure to visit us at Infinitytools.com.
