Color Choices Guide
How Color Works in Epoxy Resin
Color is one of the most exciting parts of working with epoxy resin. Every Trayz N Beyond piece is made to order, which means you have real input into the color story of your piece. This guide breaks down the different types of colorants and additives I use, what they do, and how they affect the final look.
Mica Powder
Mica powder is my primary colorant. It is a finely milled mineral pigment that gives resin a rich, metallic, or pearlescent shimmer. Mica blends smoothly into resin without affecting the cure and produces a deep, luminous finish that catches light beautifully. It is available in hundreds of shades from warm golds and bronzes to cool silvers, jewel tones, and pastels. Most of the base colors in my pieces are mica-based.
Best for: bold color with shimmer, metallic finishes, opaque or semi-opaque pours.
Glitter
Glitter adds sparkle and dimension on top of or within the resin. I use polyester glitter, which is epoxy-safe and will not bleed or fade over time. Fine glitters suspend throughout the pour and create an all-over sparkle effect. Chunky glitters tend to sink and settle at the bottom of the mold, which becomes the top surface of the finished piece. Holographic glitters catch light from every angle and create a prismatic effect.
Best for: added sparkle, layered depth, statement pieces.
Alcohol Ink
Alcohol ink creates fluid, watercolor-like effects in resin. It is highly transparent and moves freely through the resin, creating organic swirls, blooms, and gradients. Unlike mica, alcohol ink does not add shimmer. It adds vivid, translucent color that allows light to pass through. Alcohol ink works best in clear or lightly tinted pours where the movement of the color can be appreciated.
Best for: fluid art effects, translucent color, abstract swirl patterns.
Foil Flakes
Foil flakes are thin metallic leaf fragments that are added to resin for a luxurious, high-end look. They create irregular, organic metallic patches that catch light differently than glitter or mica. Gold, silver, rose gold, and copper are the most popular options. Foil flakes are placed into the resin after pouring and can be manipulated with a toothpick or skewer to create intentional patterns.
Best for: editorial, luxury aesthetics, accent details, gold leaf effects.
Glow in the Dark Pigment
Glow pigment is a photoluminescent powder that charges under light and glows in the dark. It is mixed directly into resin like mica powder. During the day it appears as a soft off-white or pale color. In the dark it emits a green, blue, or aqua glow depending on the pigment used. Glow pieces are a conversation starter and work especially well in lamp bases and coasters where the effect can be appreciated in low light.
Best for: unique gifts, statement pieces, lamp bases, night-use items.
Combining Colorants
Many of my pieces use a combination of these colorants. A typical pour might include a mica base color, a complementary glitter, and foil flakes for accent. The key is balance. Too many competing elements can muddy the final look. I design each color story intentionally so every element works together.
Choosing Your Colors
When you place a custom order, you will select a mica color and a glitter color. If you have a specific vision in mind, including a mood, palette, or occasion, reach out before ordering and I will help you build the right combination.
Contact me to discuss a custom color combination or shop all products to see current color options in action.