How to Color UV Resin the Correct Way: Pigments, Inks & Mica Explained

Coloring UV resin is one of the easiest ways to make your jewelry and craft projects stand out. But if you’ve ever ended up with cloudy pieces, uncured sticky surfaces, or dull colors that didn’t turn out the way you hoped — you’re not alone. Not all colorants work the same in UV resin. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll explore three popular options — pigment dye, alcohol ink, and mica powder — and share tips for using them successfully with RWAtelier UV resin to get that perfect finish.

The 3 Types of Colorants for UV Resin

1. Resin Pigment Dye

These are specially formulated liquid dyes made for resin. They blend well and come in tons of vibrant colors. A little goes a long way — just a drop or two per 10g of resin is usually enough.

✨ Best for: Solid colors, bold jewelry pieces, and layering.

⚠️ Tip: Too much pigment blocks UV light and can stop your resin from curing properly.

2. Alcohol Ink

Alcohol ink gives a more fluid, dreamy look. It’s semi-transparent and can create beautiful marbled or watercolor effects.

✨ Best for: Abstract styles, galaxy designs, and ‘petri dish’ looks.

⚠️ Caution: Alcohol can slow down curing or weaken the resin if used in excess.

3. Mica Powder

Mica is a fine shimmer powder that adds sparkle and dimension to your resin. It doesn’t affect the curing process and mixes in easily.

✨ Best for: Shimmer finishes, metallic effects, and layered detail.

⚠️ Tip: Stir thoroughly so you don’t end up with clumps. For extra depth, combine it with pigment dye.

How to Mix Color Into RWAtelier UV Resin

1. Put on gloves and protect your work area.
2. Pour your desired amount of RWAtelier UV resin into a clean mixing cup.
3. Add your colorant little by little (pigment, ink, or mica).
4. Stir slowly and evenly with a toothpick or stick — avoid whipping in air.
5. Check the consistency and color. If you can still see light through it, you’re good.
6. Pour into your mold and cure under your UV lamp as usual.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

– Using too much pigment or ink — this blocks UV light and leads to sticky or soft pieces.

– Not sealing inkjet prints if you’re coloring on photo paper — they can bleed.

– Mixing in water-based colors — never add water to resin. Ever.

Final Thoughts

Coloring UV resin is creative, satisfying, and lets you make each piece your own. RWAtelier UV resin works great with all three colorants — just remember to start small, mix thoroughly, and keep things clean. Experiment with combos, have fun with textures, and don’t be afraid to mess up. That’s half the joy of crafting.