Since we started offering our unique brand of mica powder pigments here at UltraClear Epoxy, we've received a variety of questions regarding its use and quality. In this guide, we'll answers those questions in detail.
If you're here because you already have a project in mind that requires mica powder for resin, you can head straight to our powder pigments section.
However, if you have general questions about mica powder or want to know more about what it actually is, read below as we share our knowledge of these remarkable minerals.
What is mica powder?
To start, mica is the name given to a particular group of silicates, which belong to a large category of minerals that make up much of the earth's outermost layer.
Minerals in this group tend to have a shiny, reflective appearance, often described as metallic. It's this appealing trait that has led to mica being used for a variety of aesthetic purposes.
Mica powder generally consists of a few different ingredients mixed together, the most prominent being mica itself, which is crushed and ground into fine particles.
While Mica alone does exist in a variety of different hues, it must be combined with other ingredients in order to fully cover the wide range of color that most people are familiar with.
These additional ingredients are usually variants of a chemical group called oxides. There are a number of oxides of different colors that get mixed with the ground mica to form a mica powder pigment.
There are also a few non-oxide ingredients that are used to attain some specific vibrant colors.
Common uses for these epoxy pigments include epoxy countertops, river tables, epoxy coasters, and resin jewelry—as well as many other types of arts-and-crafts projects.
How do you use mica powder with resins like epoxy?
Dispersing mica powder into a liquid resin mix such as epoxy is relatively straightforward.
Though there are different methods, for a two-part resin like epoxy we generally add the powder to the hardener component, which is thinner and will more easily spread the mica evenly throughout the batch.
You can also simply add the mica powder after mixing the hardener and resin components together—just be sure to not take too long, as once they've been mixed they slowly start to cure and harden.
When using mica powder for resin, you'll want to add a small amount at a time, stirring it in until it looks the way you like. You can then add more as desired.
Once you've got it looking the way you want, you can apply the resin mixture like you normally would.
Aren't there also liquid pigments?
Yes, in a sense—there are liquid resin dyes that serve a very similar purpose.
These liquid dyes are highly potent, often applied with the goal of changing something to a fully solid color. The depth of the color depends on the amount of dye added. Adding more dye will provide a deeper, more saturated appearance.
In our store, we offer premium-quality resin dyes by Pigmently.
We chose to carry Pigmently products in our store because they're high quality, providing consistent results from a wide selection of different colors to choose from.
What is the best place to buy mica powder pigments?
There are numerous sellers of mica powder pigments these days. Many of them are good; some of them are not. It's hard to know which brands you can trust to not cut corners for profit.
At UltraClear Epoxy, we take pride in the quality of our products. We offer selections of mica powder pigments by Pigmently that are high quality and uncompromised.
When you order from us, you'll be receiving a curated product of the quality you deserve and the peace of mind that comes with buying from a credible store that prioritizes customer satisfaction.
Additional Resources
Below, we've listed some additional resources you may find useful:
- Epoxy: Proper storage, shelf life, and preventing "yellowing" - Methods for proper storage of epoxy resin, as well as tips on how to prevent yellowing.
- Our guide to coloring epoxy resin - Our guide to using epoxy pigments and resin dyes. Learn how to apply them to your epoxy for optimal results.
- Guidelines for cleaning epoxy surfaces - Various techniques for cleaning epoxy surfaces. Get the most out of your epoxy by keeping it looking good as new.
In our store, we also offer our unique brand of premium-grade UltraClear Epoxy resins.
These epoxy resins are formulated to last a minimum of 7 years with proper care, are safe to use, and are 100% made in the USA.
Have questions about mica powder? Contact us!
At UltraClear Epoxy, we strive to provide first-rate customer service for each of our patrons.
If you have any questions about mica powder pigment or related topics, or if you're planning a project and would like assistance, please reach out to us. Our epoxy experts are ready to help!
You can contact us via phone or email here.
You can also text chat online with one of our resin specialists by clicking on the Help button at the bottom right of your screen.
