How to Colour Resin: Mica Powder, Alcohol Ink and Glitter

Posted by

Haanz Team

2026-10-18

On 2026-10-18

Haanz Art GuideFree, practical advice from the team at Haanz Art & Craft Materials

Clear resin is beautiful, but colour is what makes a coaster, pendant or keychain your own. This guide explains how to colour resin with the three colourants our customers buy most: mica powder, alcohol ink and glitter. You will learn what each one does, how much to use, and the mistakes that stop resin curing properly.

The three main ways to colour resin

Mica powder is a fine, shimmering pigment. It gives resin a pearly or metallic colour and, used in larger amounts, can make it more opaque.
Alcohol ink is a vivid, fast-drying liquid colour. It keeps resin see-through and is known for flowing, cell-like effects, such as in petri dish art.
Glitter adds sparkle without colouring the resin itself. It can be mixed in or sprinkled into a layer.

Resin colourants we stock

Mica Powder Small Bottle and the larger Mica Powder Bottle 10g: fine shimmering pigment for resin, soap and craft. A little goes a long way.
Alcohol Ink 10ml Bottles: 28 colours, from Turquoise and Peacock Blue to Saffron, Ebony and White.
Bicolor Glitter Powder: fine glitter that shows two tones as it catches the light.
Glitter Dust in individual colours and the handy Glitter Dust Bottle for resin, cards and decorations.

Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price. Browse all resin materials or the full range of resin supplies.

How to colour resin step by step

Measure and mix your resin exactly as the label directs. For FUJIN epoxy, that is equal parts resin and hardener by volume, such as FUJIN Epoxy Resin 100ml + 100ml.
Pour a small amount into a separate cup, such as a silicone cup, for each colour you want.
Add the colourant a little at a time: a pinch of mica on a stick, or a single drop of alcohol ink.
Stir slowly and gently for a smooth colour with fewer bubbles.
Check the colour on a stick against the light, and add more only if you need it.
Pour into your mould and finish the project as the resin label directs.

How much colour should you add?

Less than you think. Mica and alcohol ink are strong, so start with a tiny amount and build up. Adding a lot of any colourant, especially liquid ones, can upset the resin’s mix and leave it soft or sticky. Always follow the resin maker’s instructions and test a small batch when you try a new colour.

Colouring UV resin

UV resin hardens when UV light reaches every part of it. Strong or dark colour, and thick layers, block that light, so the inside can stay soft. Use light, see-through colours, work in thin layers, and cure each layer fully. Our UV resin guide explains curing and layering in more detail. For larger epoxy projects, see our resin art guide for beginners.

Tips for clean, bright colours

Wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated space.
Keep a separate stick for each colour so they don’t mix by accident.
For a marbled look, swirl two colours together gently instead of stirring them fully.
Let glitter settle where you want it: add it to a thin first layer if you want sparkle at the front of a moulded piece.
Close bottles tightly after use. Alcohol ink dries quickly once it’s exposed to air.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use acrylic paint to colour resin?

It’s better to use colourants made for resin, such as mica powder or alcohol ink. Water-based paint can affect how resin cures.

Will mica powder make resin opaque?

A small amount gives a see-through shimmer. Add more and the resin becomes more solid in colour.

Can I use alcohol ink in UV resin?

Yes, in small amounts. Keep the colour light and the layers thin so the UV light can cure the resin all the way through.

Do you deliver islandwide?

Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Not sure what to choose? WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you choose the right resin and colours for your project.

More Haanz Art Guides