Epoxy resin has become an increasingly popular material for creating jewelry, art, and even home decor projects. Its high gloss finish and ability to fully cure make it an attractive choice. Acrylic paint is also a versatile medium used by many artists and DIYers.
So what happens when you combine these two popular mediums? Can you successfully mix acrylic paint with epoxy resin? Continue reading to find out.
The Short Answer
Yes, you can mix acrylic paint with epoxy resin. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind when combining these materials.
Acrylic Paint Properties
To understand how acrylic paint and epoxy resin interact, it helps to first look at the properties of acrylic paint:
- Acrylic paint is water-based and composed of pigment particles suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion.
- It dries through evaporation of the water from the emulsion.
- Once dry, acrylic paint becomes water-resistant.
- It can have a matte, satin, or glossy finish depending on the acrylic polymer composition.
Epoxy Resin Properties
Epoxy resin has different properties:
- It is composed of an epoxy polymer resin that is mixed with a polyamine hardener.
- The epoxide groups in the resin react with the amine groups in the hardener, causing the resin to cure.
- This is an exothermic chemical reaction that results in a rigid, highly durable plastic material.
- Epoxy resin naturally has an ultra-glossy finish when cured.
Mixing Considerations
When mixing acrylic paint and epoxy resin, the following factors need to be taken into account:
1. Cured vs. Uncured Paint
Only use cured acrylic paint when mixing with epoxy resin. Uncured acrylic paint contains water which will prevent the epoxy from curing properly. Make sure the acrylic paint is completely dry before mixing.
2. Paint Volume
Add only small amounts of acrylic paint to the epoxy resin, no more than 10% of the epoxy volume. Too much paint can decrease the strength and clarity of the cured epoxy.
3. Paint Solubility
Since acrylic paint is water-based and epoxy resin is solvent-based, the paint pigments may not fully dissolve in the resin. Stir thoroughly and test curing on a small scale first.
4. Paint Texture
Thick or textured acrylic paints can leave bumps, cracks, or clouding in the cured epoxy resin.
5. Paint Shelf Life
Avoid mixing old acrylic paint with epoxy resin as it may have started curing or separating already.
6. Color Shifting
Some paint pigments shift color when mixed into epoxy resin. Test first before using paint on a final project.
How to Mix Acrylic Paint Into Epoxy Resin
Follow these steps when combining acrylic paint with epoxy resin:
- Allow acrylic paint to fully cure first. Let it dry for at least 24 hours.
- Mix a small ratio of no more than 10% paint to resin. Too much paint can prevent proper curing.
- Choose soft body or fluid acrylics. Heavy body or textured paints can leave bumps.
- Stir the paint and epoxy mixture thoroughly to distribute the pigment.
- Test curing first by pouring a small amount into a silicone mold or plastic cup. Allow to fully cure before proceeding.
- If satisfied with the test cure, mix paint into the remaining epoxy resin following the same ratio and process.
- Pour resin into chosen molds. Allow to cure fully.
- Remove cured resin from molds. Polish if needed for high gloss.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint as Coloring for Epoxy?
Yes, acrylic paint can be used to color clear epoxy resin. Here are some tips for using acrylics to tint epoxy:
- Use soft body or fluid acrylics as they will mix in more smoothly.
- Limit paint to 1-5% of the epoxy volume for sheer color tints.
- Stir thoroughly and test curing prior to final use.
- Add paint dropwise when coloring epoxy. Adding too much at once can cause clumping.
- Metallic acrylic paints will give a shimmering effect when mixed into epoxy resin.
What Are the Best Acrylic Paints to Mix with Epoxy?
When selecting acrylic paints to mix with epoxy resin, good options include:
- Soft Body Acrylics – These have a smooth, fluid consistency that mixes into epoxy resin easily.
- Professional Artist Acrylics – Higher quality pigments disperse well without clumping.
- Fluid Acrylics – Low viscosity acrylics blend seamlessly into resin.
- High Flow Acrylics – These pour smoothly and leave less brush strokes.
Avoid cheap craft acrylics as they may contain fillers that don’t mix well into resin. Stay away from heavy body acrylics that have very thick textures.
Epoxy Resin Brands That Work Well with Acrylic Paint
Some epoxy resin brands that acrylic paint mixes well into include:
- Smooth-On Clear Casting Epoxy
- TotalBoat Clear Epoxy Resin
- Art ‘N Glow ClearCast Epoxy Resin
- Incredible Solutions Ultra Clear Epoxy Resin
- East Coast Resin Crystal Clear Epoxy
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s mixing instructions. Mix paint into Part A first before adding the hardener. Test curing on brands you haven’t worked with before.
Tips for Mixing Acrylic Paint and Epoxy Resin
Follow these useful tips when combining acrylic paints with epoxy resin for best results:
- Stir the paint into the epoxy thoroughly – use a plastic mixing stick or toothpick.
- Mix in paint very slowly to prevent bubbles forming.
- Tap mold gently on table to release air bubbles after pouring.
- Use a blowtorch briefly on the poured epoxy to pop bubbles.
- Allow paint to cure for longer time prior to mixing if possible.
- Avoid mixing paint and resin in humid, cold, or hot temperature conditions.
What Can You Create By Mixing Acrylic Paint and Epoxy Resin?
Combining acrylic paints with epoxy resin opens up endless creative possibilities! Here are some projects you can make:
- Colorful abstract art paintings
- Ocean-inspired epoxy resin art with acrylic marine paints
- Custom jewelry with colored epoxy resin
- Geode tumblers using acrylic paint to tint the resin
- Paint pour coasters sealed with clear epoxy resin
- Acrylic paint drip effects suspended in clear epoxy
- Metallic colored tabletops and bar tops
The options are unlimited for mixing the vibrant colors of acrylics with glossy epoxy resin!
Common Problems When Mixing Acrylic Paint and Epoxy
Sometimes mixing acrylic paint and epoxy resin does not go smoothly. Here are some common issues and how to avoid them:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Epoxy not curing | Too much uncured paint added | Ensure paint is completely dry before mixing in |
| Soft sticky surface | Incorrect ratio of paint to epoxy | Limit paint to max 10% of epoxy volume |
| Paint clumping | Poor mixing technique | Thoroughly stir paint into epoxy |
| Bubbles in cured epoxy | Trapped air while mixing | Gently tap mold after pouring to release air |
| Cracks in cured resin | Curing conditions too cold | Maintain room temperature of 72-77°F while curing |
Safety Tips When Working with Epoxy and Acrylic Paint
Take the following safety precautions when using epoxy resin and acrylic paint:
- Work in a well-ventilated area to minimize fume inhalation.
- Wear gloves to avoid direct skin contact with epoxy.
- Avoid contact between epoxy resin or hardener with eyes.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling epoxy products.
- Read and follow all manufacturer safety warnings and directions.
- Keep epoxy containers sealed when not in use to prevent accidental spills.
Acrylic paints are generally low in odor and toxicity compared to oils or solvents. However, avoid ingesting and use proper ventilation when spraying acrylic paints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does acrylic paint work with epoxy resin?
Yes, acrylic paint can be mixed into epoxy resin as long as the paint is completely dried/cured first. The best results come from mixing in soft body or fluid acrylics into the resin slowly.
Can you mix acrylic paint into resin for tumblers?
It is possible to mix acrylic into epoxy resin for tumblers or cups. Choose fluid acrylics and limit the amount to 1-5% of the resin volume. Metallic acrylics work great for creating a shimmer effect.
Does acrylic paint epoxy resin stick to plastic?
When acrylic paint and epoxy resin are fully cured, the mixture will adhere well to plastics like PVC, ABS, acrylic, and polycarbonate. For best bonding, the plastic surface should be lightly sanded first.
Can you use acrylic paint instead of epoxy pigments?
Yes, acrylic paint can substitute for epoxy pigments to color resin. Use a ratio of 1-5% paint to epoxy for sheer tints. Ensure the acrylic paint is compatible with epoxy resin first by testing a small cure sample.
Is it better to mix acrylic paint in resin or paint canvases?
For resin art paintings, mixing acrylics directly into the epoxy binder prior to pouring creates beautiful cells, patterns, and color effects. For traditional canvas painting, it is better to apply acrylic paint straight onto the primed canvas surface.
Conclusion
Acrylic paint can successfully be combined with epoxy resin to create vibrant colored art, jewelry, tumblers and other projects. Pay attention to the ratio of paint to resin used, proper mixing technique, and compatability of the acrylic paint brand with the chosen resin formula. Test curing on a small sample first before mixing paint into large resin volumes. When the right products and methods are used, acrylic paint mixes beautifully into epoxy resin for endless creative possibilities.