Prepare a clean, small test batch
Before mixing a full project, check that the resin system is intended to be coloured and follow its own ratio, safety, and working-time instructions. Protect the work surface, use the recommended gloves and ventilation, and set out clean, dry tools. Moisture, dust, or residue in a cup can affect a finish, so keep pigment and resin containers closed when they are not in use.
Start with a small amount of resin in a separate mixing cup. A test batch lets you see the finished colour and shimmer without committing the entire pour. Keep the resin and hardener measurements exact; pigment is an additive and should never be used to change the manufacturer's resin ratio.
Disperse the powder before the main pour
Mica powder can gather in dry pockets when it is tipped into a large volume all at once. Sprinkle a little powder over the mixed resin, then fold and stir slowly, scraping the cup wall and bottom. A gradual addition makes it easier to spot dry streaks and gives the particles time to spread through the liquid.
If a small clump remains, press it gently against the side of the cup with a clean stirrer and continue mixing. Avoid whipping air into the resin. Follow the resin maker's guidance for mixing time and any rest period; different formulas behave differently, so there is no universal time that fits every product.
Build colour in measured steps
The colour in a cup can look different from a thin layer or a cured piece. Add pigment in small increments, record roughly how much you used, and compare a sample at the same depth as the intended project. This is especially useful when repeating a shade for a second coaster or tray.
A light test layer shows whether the effect is translucent, opaque, or more metallic than expected. If the colour is too strong, blend in a separately measured amount of properly mixed resin rather than adding extra hardener or solvent. Keep notes on the pigment and resin combination so the next batch starts from a known point.
Pour and finish according to the resin instructions
When the colour looks even, pour within the resin's stated working time and use a level surface. A slow, controlled pour helps reduce splashing and gives you a chance to distribute the mixture into corners. For layered work, confirm that the resin instructions permit another layer and specify when to add it.
Do not use open flame or a heat tool unless the resin manufacturer explicitly permits that method and you can use it safely. Some pigments, moulds, and resin systems respond differently to heat. Let the piece cure undisturbed for the time stated by the resin maker before demoulding or sanding.
Choose a mica set for the project
A multi-colour set is useful when a project needs several related shades or when you want to make small test swatches before choosing a final colour. The SEISSO 24-colour set is listed for resin and other DIY uses; check the current product page for the included colours and intended applications before ordering. See the SEISSO mica powder set details for the listed contents.
Keep each pigment dry and use a dedicated scoop to avoid mixing colours in their jars. A small labelled swatch card can record the resin type, approximate pigment amount, and finished appearance. For a new material combination, make another test piece rather than assuming the colour will match a previous project.
Common questions
Can mica powder replace resin dye? They create different visual effects. Mica adds a reflective, pearlescent look, while dyes may colour resin differently. Confirm compatibility and appearance with a small sample.
Why does powder settle? Particle behaviour depends on the resin, amount added, and working time. Mix gradually and follow the resin maker's instructions; a very heavy pigment load may not stay suspended in every formula.
Can I use the same mixing cup again? Only if it is clean, dry, and suitable for the resin. Residue from a previous colour can alter the next batch, so a fresh cup is often the simplest way to keep shades separate.
