A lot of folks in the DIY space want to play with the look of their projects. Color makes things pop. Some people spot acrylic paint on the shelf and wonder if this cheap bottle might actually do the trick in their epoxy. Years back, I remember grabbing acrylic out of habit while working on some river tables. It was right there, cheap, and easy to find. But once that resin cured, the finished look and long-term durability did not match what I had in mind.
Epoxy resin cures through a chemical reaction. If that balance shifts, the results start to disappoint—cloudiness, streaks, uneven hardening. Acrylic paint isn't made for this type of reaction. Most paints use water or other additives that interrupt things inside the resin. Even a small amount can throw off the ratio. Resin that turns tacky or remains soft will never set right. Pieces might feel gummy or shed color over time.
There’s a science to this. Epoxy is essentially a plastic, and it needs a stable formula. Water and resin do not mix. Acrylic paint introduces moisture, so the cure goes sideways. Sometimes I see people on social media recommending a few drops "just to test." It might seem to work for thin jewelry or coasters, but those pieces take a shortcut at the cost of performance. Sunlight, handling, or seasonal changes pull that color back out, or worse, it fades or cracks.
Resin-specific colorants exist for a reason. Powders like mica stand up to the resin’s chemistry. Alcohol inks, made for resin, blend smoothly and won't disrupt curing. Liquid dyes from reputable brands deliver strong color punch without pitfalls. I’ve used these myself when making resin art panels—no haze, no unexpected softness, and every color stays bold for years.
I often get asked if there’s a budget route that can deliver the same results. Some artists stretch their pigments by buying resin-safe pastes or even repurposing eyeshadows with good results. None of these options disrupt the reaction process. In my workshops, people see firsthand that you get consistency and lasting brightness for not much more money.
Trying to save a few bucks on supplies sometimes ends up costing more. Uncured or poorly mixed resin pushes out chemicals over time, which can affect air quality or cause skin irritation. If you want a project to last—a serving board, jewelry piece, or table—using the right products matters for both health and finish.
I’ve tracked how long resin pieces last and how the finish looks down the line. Using proper colorants has always made those projects shine brighter and last longer. Facts back up those outcomes, and people in the crafting business know clients trust that standard—no one wants a handmade piece turning sticky after a few months.
To get rich colors and lasting shine, choose pigments designed for resin. These products keep the chemical balance right and support the creative vision. If you want to experiment, run a small test batch and check the results over a few weeks instead of days. Most folks who’ve built a business or a hobby out of resin work choose this route for peace of mind and real satisfaction.
