Epoxy Resin on the Sunshine Coast is available from the Timber Slabs Warehouse. They stock these products and have the knowledge and expertise to be able to advise what you need for your project.
In our previous article we talked about how epoxy resin creates a magnificent finish for woodworking projects. Now we are going to go through the process of how to colour Epoxy Resin.
How to Colour Clear Epoxy Resin
You start by obtaining rubber gloves, safety goggles, and respirators to protect yourself. Be sure to do the mixing of these products in a well-ventilated area.
The goal is to mix the colours in a uniform manner. As well as maintaining the intensity while achieving the opacity and hue that you desire.
Start by pouring the colourants into a mixing container, then add the hardener component before you mix in the epoxy resin. This provides an even distribution of colour while avoiding air bubbles.
Stir until the colours are uniform. You can use the epoxy swirl technique if you want to make the mixture appear more creative and unique. Or you can add glitter.
Just remember that it can sink into the bottom of the resin.
Achieving the Right Colour Intensity, Opacity, and Hue
You must find the balance point of adding enough pigment to achieve the vibrancy you desire. This is to be done without adding too much which will affect the strength of the timber resin itself.
The colourants you add should not be more than 5% of the volume of the epoxy.
Liquid dyes can easily oversaturate the mixture, so add them in slowly. For powder-based pigments, the more you add will increase the shimmering effect and increases opacity, but at the cost of clarity.
There are additives which can alter the hue and opacity of the mixture. Natural colourants may not be stable enough or cause unwanted shading to occur.
However, you can add powdered pigments, aniline dyes, and acrylic paste pigments to alter the hue and opacity to achieve a desired effect.
Dyes are better for creating opaque shades. Items such as tempera paint, solid pigments, and coloured tile grout are solid choices when maintaining a clear epoxy resin.
A shimmering effect can be achieved when you mix mica powders. But be careful with glitter as it might sink to the bottom. Instead, add the glitter to the top of the layer that is partially cured so it holds it in place.
If you want swirls, use toothpicks or bamboo sticks to manipulate the colours and create intricate designs. While multiple tones can be performed by pouring them in layers of epoxy that has different colours, achieving a vibrant effect.
How to Pour the Epoxy Resin on the Sunshine Cost
Pouring the Epoxy Resin can be tricky so always have your PPE on and follow directions of the product. Our warehouse is on the Sunshine Coast so come in and we cand advise you on the mix and pour.
There are issues that may creep into the final product, so be careful when mixing and pouring the colours into the epoxy.
- Be sure the wood is fully dry before you begin
- Limit exposure to sunlight as the UV rays can damage pigments and paint.
- Avoid bubbles by thoroughly mixing the resin and hardener before adding the colourants
- A heat gun can break up bubbles that are stubborn
- Proper mixing for at least two minutes can even out the colours
You can try food colouring to tint the resin, but you must add white pigment to achieve the right opaque colour. You may also try mixing acrylic paint with the resin to achieve a powerful colour effect.
Creating colourful epoxy coatings from clear epoxy resin can bring out the best in your woodwork project. The timber epoxy resin finish added to your work can truly make it your own on the Sunshine Coast.
Timber Slabs Warehouse are on the Sunshine Coast and can deliver these products Australia wide. Contact the team, they can advise you on the colour and pour of this epoxy resin. Call them on 0415 811 905
