How to Add Color to Epoxy Resin

Adding a touch of color is a simple way to get the most out of the epoxy resin you're using. Adding color lends depth and complexity to surface coats, and you can add colored resin between coats to mark a clear boundary, which comes in handy later if you have to sand off the topcoat. By adding just a little dye to a clear or white epoxy resin, you can achieve almost any effect you're going for.

Gather Your Materials

The first step in adding color to the epoxy you're working with is to gather and organize your materials. You need a clear or neutral-colored epoxy and hardening agent, preferably from the same brand. Have your colorant ready, and be sure to have a mixing tray and stirring stick at the ready. Once you begin mixing colorant with unsaturated polyester resins, it is important to finish the job in one sitting.

Mix the Dye

Add a drop of colorant to the mixing tray. If you are adding more than one color, add a drop of your second color to the first and mix them thoroughly. Experiment with proportions until your mixture is just the shade you want. Remember to add a little extra colorant to make the mixture a little darker than you want the finished product to be, as sunlight eventually bleaches some color out of epoxy resin and leaves it slightly yellowed.

Add the Colorant to the Epoxy

Once you have the color you want, measure out a quantity of the colorant and add it to the epoxy. For liquid agents, simply pour the colorant into the epoxy until you have something close to a 5 percent saturation. Dry agents, such as those added to colorant paste, do not fully dissolve in the resin, which creates a grainy appearance that is ideal for patching wood, so you can add these more liberally.

Adjust the Color

Most epoxy resins can accept colorant at a saturation between 5 and 20 percent. Add your dye to the resin until the whole batch is at your desired color. Use your stirring stick to fully blend the dye with the resin, and ensure an even distribution of color throughout the resin in your bucket.

Apply the Epoxy

Once your epoxy is fully mixed, you have several options for applying it. For flat surfaces, such as canvas, simply pour the resin over the top and allow it to find its own level. For other surfaces, a disposable roller or foam brush are ideal. You can also apply epoxy resin to surfaces with a spray gun. Avoid using paintbrushes, as the bristles do not usually apply the resin evenly.

How to Buy Epoxy Resin Dye Online

Regardless of the purpose you have in mind for your colored epoxy, Google has everything that you need to dye the resin just the way you need it. To find the specific colorant you want, type "epoxy resin colorant" into the search bar. If you need more than just the colorant, expand your search terms to "epoxy resin colorant supplies," which gives you more listings. Once you find the items you need, check the seller's feedback and either go through their website or call them to place an order.