I used too much of one type of colorant.
During a recent epoxy resin project, I used a mix of mica powders and alcohol inks to add color. While I've mixed the two different types of colorants before, I made a mistake that ruined half of my project.
Some Notes
In case it's important to mention, I used The Epoxy Resin Store's Premium Clear Epoxy Resin for this coaster craft project. This product's intended use is for large-scale projects (i.e., countertops, tabletops, etc.). I use it for large and small epoxy resin projects.
If you'd like a step-by-step guide on how to mix this two-part (1:1 ratio) epoxy resin, I recommend reviewing the 'Spooky' Skull Paper and Resin Coasters post. Scroll past the "Supplies and Stuff" section to see the steps I shared.
I also recommend reviewing the Five Takeaways From Almost Failing Resin Beach Coasters post. I shared lessons learned that would apply to most, if not all, epoxy resin craft projects.
However, I learned another lesson about coloring epoxy resin recently I wanted to share.
A Coloring Mistake
I had two cups of clear epoxy resin I wanted to make different colors. I mixed a light pink colored mica powder into one cup and a deep blue colored mica powder into the other cup. This is something I've done many times before without issues.
After mixing the colors, I decided the pink cup of epoxy resin was too light for my liking. I intended to add a few drops of alcohol ink (resin pigment ink) of a slightly darker color. Instead, I accidentally squirted too much of it into the cup.
I figured it was too late to remove the excess alcohol ink and proceeded to stir it well. Nothing unusual seemed to happen. I assumed all was well.
In fact, I decided I wanted the pink cup of epoxy resin to be brighter and bolder in color. I squirted more of a different colored alcohol ink and proceeded to stir it well. This decision was a mistake.
It never crossed my mind that I added too much alcohol ink. I proceeded to pour both cups of colored epoxy resin into four square coaster molds as I normally would.
The Result
I normally demold epoxy resin pieces after twenty-four hours, but I held off on this for four days. Two of the four pieces never fully cured. I think most of the alcohol ink spread to the edges and evaporated. Maybe it caused the epoxy resin to shrink around the edges. The only guarantee is that the bottoms were uneven, and the pieces were not full like they should've been.
There were areas where globs of alcohol ink remained on the surface. It was sticky to the touch as I demolded the pieces. I wiped off the excess alcohol ink with a paper towel. Unfortunately, doing so left dimples and indents where I didn't want them.
The two pieces that never fully cured were tacky and far too flexible. They're unusable. Fortunately, I was able to salvage the other two pieces after wiping off the excess alcohol ink. I added cork to the bottoms and kept them for myself.
My Thoughts
Lesson Learned: Don't squirt a lot of alcohol ink into epoxy resin. It's probably common-sense knowledge, but it never occurred to me as I continued to add alcohol ink to change the color in a cup of epoxy resin.
Did the alcohol ink have a negative reaction to the mica powder or vice versa? I don't know. I could do some experiments with colorant types and quantities, but resin craft is an expensive hobby to intentionally or accidentally mess up. Perhaps I'll write another epoxy resin tips and tricks post one day when I've done more research about my many mistakes.
Based on past projects where I successfully mixed the two types of colorants, or got lucky, alcohol ink is best used to tint epoxy resin primarily colored with mica powder, not modify the color significantly.
A mistake was made, but at least my epoxy resin project wasn't a complete failure. I salvaged a couple pieces that I've put to use.
What's Next?
I'll be completing a new resin craft project soon. If I learn a new lesson, I'll be sure to share my thoughts and experience with you.
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Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam
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