Resin crafts have become increasingly popular in recent years. The clear, glass-like finish of resin makes it perfect for creating jewelry, coasters, decorative boxes, tabletops, and much more. While resin on its own has a beautiful, glossy look, many crafters enjoy adding color and visual interest by incorporating paints. Acrylic paint is a common choice, but how suitable is it for resin projects? There are a few factors to consider when using acrylics with resin.
The Pros of Using Acrylic Paint in Resin
There are some advantages to choosing acrylic paint for resin coloring:
- Acrylics are versatile – They come in just about any color imaginable, from primary colors to neon to metallics and more. You can mix custom colors as needed.
- Acrylics are affordable – Good quality acrylic paints are readily available at craft stores for low prices.
- Acrylics dry fast – Acrylic paint dries quickly, which means you can move ahead with your resin pour faster.
- Acrylics are accessible – No special tools or storage conditions are needed. You can find acrylic paints easily at local craft stores or online.
Potential Issues Using Acrylics in Resin
However, there are also some challenges you may encounter when combining acrylic paint and resin:
- Acrylics can stay tacky – The plastic-based acrylic paint may not fully cure when mixed into resin.
- Colors can cloud resin – Pigments may not dissolve fully, leaving specks of color rather than clear tinting.
- Cracking can occur – Too much paint in resin makes it brittle and prone to cracking as it cures.
- Bubbles can form – Using more acrylic paint or medium increases the chance of bubbles in the resin.
How to Use Acrylic Paint in Resin Successfully
While acrylic paint does present some challenges with resin, you can take steps to use it successfully:
- Use soft body or fluid acrylics – These have a thinner consistency than standard acrylics.
- Limit paint to 10% of resin – A good rule of thumb is no more than 1 part paint to 10 parts mixed resin.
- Mix paint thoroughly – Take the time to properly incorporate the paint so no globs remain.
- Pour carefully to limit bubbles – A slow, thin stream of resin will minimize bubble creation.
- Seal painted areas – Paint around the edges of molds and seal with resin to prevent leaks.
- Allow proper cure time – Give resin at least 72 hours to fully harden and cure when using paint.
Acrylic Painting Techniques for Resin
You can also use certain acrylic painting techniques specifically suited for getting good results in resin:
- Inks and washes – Thinned acrylics resemble transparent stains when mixed into resin.
- Dry brushing – Drag a dry brush over textured areas to lightly tint peaks.
- Alcohol inks – Special acrylic inks use alcohol solvents to create colorful cells and patterns.
- Pour painting – Swirl colored acrylics before pouring over a base layer of tinted resin.
- Paint pens – Draw or write directly on cured resin with acrylic-based paint markers.
Alternative Paint Choices for Resin
While acrylics are handy, they aren’t the only option. Other paint types also work well to color resin:
| Paint Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Epoxy pigments | Specifically designed for resin, mix well with no clouding |
| Oil paints | Translucent colors, long work time |
| Enamel paints | Glossy finish, durable, fast drying |
| Spray paints | Easy to apply, versatile metallic colors |
Getting Great Results Coloring Resin
Here are some top tips for achieving eye-catching colored resin projects with acrylic or other paints:
- Make sure all materials – paints, resin, and molds – are room temperature before mixing.
- Work in a dust-free space to prevent debris in the resin.
- Stir paints and resin thoroughly and scrape sides of containers to fully incorporate.
- Use measuring cups for precise 1 part paint to 10 parts resin ratio.
- Mix slowly to limit creation of air bubbles.
- Strain paint-resin mixture through a fine mesh sieve or pantyhose.
- Let resin fully cure 72 hours before demolding.
- Gently release cast resin from mold and polish with a microfiber cloth for best clarity.
Conclusion
Acrylic paint can be used to tint and color resin for gorgeous jewelry, art, and home decor pieces. However, acrylic’s quick dry time and plastic composition means it requires careful mixing and curing techniques for the best results in resin. Following the 10% paint to resin ratio guide, using soft body or fluid acrylics, and taking steps to limit bubbles allows acrylics to work well. But you can also explore resin-specific pigments or alternatives like oils, enamels, and spray paints for different looks. With the right strategies and experiments, you can achieve beautiful custom colored resin projects with acrylics and other paint types.