Choosing Vibrant Red Pigments for Coloring Epoxy Resin Projects

Choosing the Best Red Pigment for Epoxy Resin Projects

Epoxy resin has become an incredibly popular material for creators, DIYers, and hobbyists. When cured, epoxy resin forms a high-gloss, crystal clear finish that allows underlying colors and patterns to show through vividly. Adding a red pigment to epoxy resin can take your projects to the next level by producing a rich, eye-catching red color.

What is Epoxy Resin?

Epoxy resin is a two-part polymer compound that consists of an epoxy resin and a polyamine hardener. When these two parts are combined, a chemical reaction called polymerization occurs, causing the liquid resin to harden into a solid plastic material. This curing process happens at room temperature and does not produce any volatile byproducts or heat.

Benefits of Coloring Epoxy Resin

Coloring epoxy resin with red pigments offers several advantages:

• Allows you to achieve an intense, saturated red color
• Opens up many possibilities for creative designs and patterns
• Enhances the visual depth and dimension of finished pieces
• Matches to exact hues needed for logos, themes, and branding

Choosing a Red Epoxy Pigment

When selecting a red pigment for epoxy resin, you'll want to consider several factors:

Pigment Type

Epoxy pigments come in organic and synthetic varieties. Organic pigments tend to produce richer, more vibrant colors. Common organic red pigments include carbazole violet, perylene red, and benzimidazolone.

Color Tone

Reds can range from warm, yellowish reds like scarlet through cooler bluish reds like crimson. Decide whether you want a warm, bright cherry red or a deeper burgundy.

Color Intensity

The more concentrated the pigment, the deeper and more opaque the red color will be. Lower concentrations yield translucent reds.

Mixability

Look for epoxy pigments designed to mix thoroughly and evenly throughout the resin without settling or clumping.

UV Resistance

Epoxy pieces used outdoors need pigments with excellent UV resistance to prevent fading. Indoor pieces have more flexibility here.

Recommended Red Epoxy Pigment Products

Here are some top-rated red pigment options for coloring epoxy resin:

1. Art 'N Glow Red Epoxy Pigment Paste

This rich primary red epoxy pigment delivers stunning cherry red tones in any clear epoxy resin. It strikes a perfect balance between warm and cool red undertones.

2. Super Pigment Red Epoxy Colorant

Formulated to mix evenly with any brand of epoxy, this pigment produces a fire engine red color that really pops. It's highly concentrated for brilliant opaque color effects.

3. Ruby Red Mica Powder Pigment

This dry powder pigment adds a dazzling shimmery dimension to red epoxy resin creations. It incorporates beautifully into the epoxy for a seamless sparkly finish.

How to Add Red Pigment to Epoxy Resin

Once you've selected the right red epoxy pigment for your project, you'll want to incorporate it properly into the epoxy resin to achieve the intended color results:

1. Prepare your epoxy resin according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Add a small amount of pigment and mix thoroughly with a stir stick.
3. Add more pigment gradually, stirring constantly, until you achieve your desired red shade.
4. If mixing by volume, add no more than 10% pigment to maintain optimum resin properties.
5. Pour colored resin mixture into molds before it begins to cure.

Tips for Best Results

Follow these tips when coloring epoxy resin with red pigment:

• Mix resin, hardener, and pigment very thoroughly to prevent uneven pigment distribution.
• Stir mixture slowly to minimize air bubbles.
• Use a blowtorch briefly on the poured resin to pop surface bubbles.
• Maintain a consistent brand and type of epoxy resin with each pigment to ensure compatibility.

Inspiring Red Epoxy Resin Ideas

Adding a red epoxy pigment opens up endless creative possibilities for jewelry, art, woodworking, and other applications. Here are some eye-catching ways to use red tinted resin:

Dazzling Red Jewelry

Encapsulating objects in vivid red resin makes for stunning statement jewelry pieces like pendants, rings, bracelets, and earrings.

Vibrant Abstract Art

Colorful red fluid art resin paintings with swirling organic shapes have an intense modernist vibe.

Rich Coffee Table Finishes

Applying a deep red tint to live-edge, river-style coffee tables creates a dramatic focal point in any living space.

The opportunities are endless once you incorporate one of these top red pigments for epoxy resin into your next creation!

FAQs

What is the difference between organic and synthetic pigments?

Organic pigments are made from plant or animal materials and provide more vibrant, natural colors. Synthetic pigments are manufactured chemically and tend to have a lower color intensity.

Should I use liquid or powder pigments?

Liquid pigment dispersions mix into resin easier than powders. However, powders offer more color variety. Use powders by pre-mixing into a small amount of resin before adding to your full resin batch.

How much pigment should I add to resin?

Start by adding a small amount of pigment and gradually increase until you reach the desired color intensity. Generally add no more than 10% pigment by volume to maintain optimum resin properties.

Why are my resin results uneven or blotchy?

Inconsistent color likely means the pigment was not fully incorporated. Always mix thoroughly for 4-5 minutes to evenly distribute pigment particles throughout resin.

How do I prevent air bubbles in colored resin?

Avoid introducing bubbles while mixing. Use a blowtorch briefly on the poured resin to rise bubbles to the surface before hardening. Or place resin container in a vacuum chamber to evacuate bubbles.