ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PIGMENTS
What we Cover
- How to Achieve Different Pigment Opacities
- Testing your Opacity before pouring
- Mixing pigment
- Different type of pigments
Achieving Different Pigment Opacities
Transparent Effect: To achieve this look of only a slight colour tint and still being able to see through, you will want to make sure you only add in a small ratio of pigment in. Remember you can always add pigment but you can not remove it! Deciding on transparency level is subjective and up to personal preference.A safe way to start out is with 1/16 teaspoon of pigment to see how it effects the amount you are pouring and continue to add from there.
Opaque Effect: It is important to note when you are mixing in a container that the pigment will be more concentrated. Make sure you have added enough to reach your desired look before pouring it out into your project. If you begin to pour and you are not satisfied with what the colour looks like, immediately stop. Mix more pigment into your container throughly before you continue to pour it out.
Testing your Opacity before you pour
To get an idea of what the transparency level is, take a popsicle stick (or your stir device) and stick it into the container the depth of what you are pouring (IE if you are pouring 1.5" thick, put your popsicle stick 1.5" deep into your container). If you can see it, that means your pour will still be translucent and you will be able to see through the pour. Add more pigment until you can not see the end of the stir stick if you are looking for an opaque look. Make sure you throughly mix your liquid base before adding pigment. It's easiest to evaluate the true colour of the pigment when mixed in a clear container.
Mixing Pigment into your base
To measure the amount of pigment, we simply use measuring spoons (Purchase Here). A little bit of pigment goes a long way. We suggest to add a small amount to your pour and add a little bit at a time while thoroughly mixing in-between until you achieve the desired look. Make sure you are mixing throughly scraping the sides, bottom of your container and stir stick. You don't want the pigment to settle on the sides or bottom of your container leaving large amount of flecks not stirred into your liquid base.
Different Types of Pigment
Speciality Pigments:
Metallic Pigments: This is the most common type of pigment you see used in the wood working + resin projects. The small mica particles stay suspended in resin once mixed in giving your project vibrant colours and a pearlescent effect
Ghost: This collection is best used when combine with a dark pigment base.
Star: This series is best used on its own or combine with another pigment collection. It will give you a slight shimmer and sparkle effect to your resin project.
Chameleon: This series are all Colour Shift Pigments. In each product name we describe the two tone Colour shift effect you will get once poured.
Key Notes to Remember
Suggested : 1/8 teaspoon per 1 litre will give you a medium transparency effect.
When it comes to mixing pigments together there are NO Rules! Just like mixing paint to achieve different colours, you can experiment with any combination to create whatever effect you are looking for.
