Mica Powder & Pigment Calculator
Enter how much resin you are coloring and the look you want. The calculator gives the amount of mica powder or pigment paste in grams, and warns you before you add more than most resins can take.
Add about
– g
–
| Resin weight | – |
| Upper limit (6%) | – |
Next steps
Work out how much resin you need firstSplit the resin into Part A and Part BPigment amounts for each lookHow to use this calculator
- Enter the amount of mixed resin (resin plus hardener) you are coloring.
- Choose a look, or type your own percentage.
- Weigh the pigment on a scale that reads to 0.1 g for small batches. Teaspoon amounts are only a rough guide.
- Add a little less than shown, stir, check the color on a stick, then add more if needed.
How the calculation works
- Resin weight = volume × density (1.1 g/ml for typical mixed epoxy)
- Pigment = resin weight × percentage
Teaspoon amounts assume about 2 g per level teaspoon of mica. Powders vary a lot, so use a scale whenever you can.
Pigment amounts for each look
For 16 fl oz (about 520 g) of mixed resin:
| Look | % of resin | Pigment |
|---|---|---|
| Sheer, see-through tint | 0.5% | 2.6 g |
| Standard color | 1% | 5.2 g |
| Strong, opaque color | 2% | 10.4 g |
| Heavy shimmer or metallic | 4% | 20.8 g |
| Upper limit for most resins | 6% | 31.2 g |
Tips for even color
- Mix the pigment into a small amount of resin first to make a paste, then stir it into the rest. This avoids clumps.
- For several colors, split the mixed resin into cups before adding pigment.
- Alcohol inks are measured in drops, not grams. Add a few drops at a time; too much ink can leave resin soft or sticky.
- Write down the grams and percentage of colors you like, so you can match them next time.
Frequently asked questions
How much mica powder should I add to resin?
Start with about 1% of the mixed resin weight for a standard color, and 2% for a solid, opaque look. Many resin makers advise staying under about 6%, because more powder can weaken the cure.
How much mica powder per gallon of epoxy?
A gallon of mixed epoxy weighs about 4.2 kg. At 1% that is about 42 g (1.5 oz) of mica, and at 2% about 83 g.
How much mica for a small batch, like 1 ounce of resin?
One fluid ounce of mixed resin weighs about 32.5 g, so 1% is only about 0.33 g, a small pinch. Small batches need very little powder.
Can too much pigment stop resin from curing?
Yes. Large amounts of powder or liquid pigment change the chemistry and can leave the resin soft or sticky. If you want a stronger color, use a more concentrated pigment rather than more of it.
Should I add pigment to Part A or to the mixed resin?
Mix resin and hardener completely first, then stir in the pigment. Adding it to one part only can upset the ratio when you measure by volume.