Theo Nash
Alcohol inks and resin pigments are both used to colour resin, but they have different properties and require different application techniques. Alcohol inks are fast-drying, waterproof, highly pigmented, and alcohol-based. They can be used on a variety of surfaces and offer transparency and custom colours. Resin pigments, on the other hand, usually come in a concentrated form, so a little goes a long way. They provide opacity and body to the resin and can create a distinct cellular look when the resin sets. While alcohol inks can be dropped directly onto the surface, resin pigments often need to be mixed with the resin before application. It's important to note that overusing alcohol inks can cause curing issues and discolouration, especially with certain colours like purple.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Alcohol ink can be used on a variety of surfaces. Resin dye is suitable for epoxy resin material. |
| Transparency | Alcohol ink offers transparency and custom colours. Resin dye offers mass coloration. |
| Consistency | Alcohol ink is fluid. Resin dye is liquid. |
| Application | Alcohol ink is dropped on the surface and spread with a brush. |
| Drying | Alcohol ink is fast-drying. |
| Waterproof | Alcohol ink is waterproof. |
| UV-resistant | Alcohol ink is not UV-resistant. |
| Discoloration | Alcohol ink can become discoloured when exposed to heat. |
| Curing | Alcohol ink can disrupt curing if overused. |
| Compatibility | Alcohol ink is not compatible with urethane resins. |
| Concentration | Resin pigment comes in a concentrated form. |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol inks are alcohol-based and can be used on a variety of surfaces
Alcohol inks are ideal for colouring resin because the alcohol base quickly evaporates, leaving the pigment behind without disrupting the curing process. This makes them a popular choice for resin jewellery making, as they offer a translucent effect that is often preferred over the opaque look of resin pigments.
When using alcohol inks in resin, it is important to start with a small amount and gradually add more to achieve the desired colour intensity. Additionally, certain colours, such as purple, may become discoloured during the curing process, so testing is recommended.
Alcohol inks can also be used in conjunction with other materials, such as mica powders, to create unique effects. For example, adding a small amount of non-metallic white pigment powder can create an opaque colour while still allowing light to pass through the resin.
Overall, alcohol inks provide a wide range of custom colours and transparency options, making them a versatile choice for various resin projects, including resin painting and jewellery making.
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Resin dyes are liquid dyes used for epoxy resins
Resin dyes are often used for colouring large batches of dice resin. They are also used for creating the \"petri\" effect, which involves floating drops of resin dye on the surface of the resin to create a dirty pour that keeps the colour true.
Resin dyes are typically highly concentrated, so only a small amount is needed to colour a large batch of resin. They are also heat-resistant and UV-resistant, making them suitable for use in outdoor applications.
When choosing a resin dye, it is important to consider the type of resin being used. For example, alcohol-based inks can be used with epoxy resins, but water-based inks can disrupt the curing process. It is also important to use the correct amount of resin dye, as too much can inhibit curing or create a mushy mess.
Resin dyes are a popular choice for colouring epoxy resins due to their ease of use, versatility, and ability to create a wide range of colours and effects.
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Alcohol inks are transparent and can be made opaque with white pigment
Alcohol inks are ideal for colouring resin because they are alcohol-based. The alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving pigment without disrupting the curing of the epoxy resin. The transparency of the colour can be controlled by the number of drops of ink added to the resin. A few drops will result in a light but vibrant transparent colour, and adding more will increase the saturation.
To make the colour opaque, a physical barrier is needed for the ink to bounce off and retain its colour. A non-metallic white pigment powder can be used for this, allowing light to pass through the resin and the coloured ink. This can be done by adding a tiny amount of base white mica powder that is not metallic. This will result in a solid colour that is not see-through.
It is important to note that alcohol inks are sensitive to the heat generated by curing resin and can become discoloured. Additionally, they are not UV resistant, so if left outside or near a window, the colour will fade. Alcohol inks are also not compatible with urethane resins because they contain water, which reacts badly with urethane.
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Resin pigments are super chunky or opaque
Alcohol inks are ideal for colouring resin because they are alcohol-based. The alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving the pigment behind without disrupting the curing of the epoxy resin. Alcohol inks are also highly pigmented and can be used on a variety of surfaces. They are transparent, and the transparency can be controlled by the user. A few drops of alcohol ink in a resin cup will result in a light but vibrant transparent colour. Adding more ink will increase the vibrancy and saturation of the colour.
However, if an opaque colour is desired, a physical barrier can be added for the ink to bounce off of and retain its colour. A non-metallic white pigment powder can be used for this, allowing light to pass through the resin and the coloured ink.
Resin pigments are often sold in extremely concentrated form, so one drop goes a long way. They can be mixed with clear resin to create unique texture designs and add depth to the resin.
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Alcohol inks are sensitive to heat and can discolour
Alcohol inks are alcohol-based inks that are fast-drying, waterproof, and highly pigmented. They are versatile and can be used on a variety of surfaces such as Yupo paper, synthetic paper, ceramic, glass, metal, acrylic sheets, and plastic sheets. They are also commonly used for resin projects like jewellery-making.
To avoid discolouration, it is important to test colours before using them in a project. For example, it is recommended to pour some resin into a clear plastic cup, mix in the colour, and let it cure to see if there is any discolouration. Additionally, it is important to use alcohol inks sparingly, as using too much can inhibit curing and cause a mushy mess in the mould.
To create an opaque colour with alcohol inks, a tiny amount of non-metallic white pigment powder can be added. This allows light to pass through the resin and the coloured ink, giving it some body.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcohol inks are transparent and highly concentrated and can be mixed with epoxy resin to create nice droplet effects. Resin pigments, on the other hand, are available in powder or liquid form. Powder pigments do not dissolve completely, resulting in a slightly granular optical effect, whereas liquid pigments can be mixed easily with epoxy and dissolve completely, resulting in an even colour.
Yes, alcohol ink can be mixed with resin. Alcohol inks are transparent unless you add white or black. They can be mixed with epoxy resin or dropped into a mould, usually followed by white, to give it a vibrant and opaque colour.
No, not all pigments are suitable for colouring resin. It is recommended to use high-quality pigments specifically designed for use with resin. While some artists use acrylic ink or powder pigments, others add alcohol ink drops when the resin liquid is in the mould.
There are various ways to colour resin, and the best method depends on the desired effect. To create vibrant colours, artists might use alcohol ink or acrylic ink. For opaque colours, liquid or gel colourants like Alumilite white or Media Fluid Acrylics are suitable.
Yes, you can use nail polish to colour resin. However, it is important to avoid using white, very light colours, or clear nail polish with glitter as they may cause the resin to turn bright yellow.
