Glitter Guide for Epoxy Resin
What Is Glitter in Resin Art?
Glitter is one of the most fun and versatile additives in epoxy resin art. It adds sparkle, dimension, and personality to a piece in a way that no other colorant can replicate. Unlike mica powder which creates an all-over shimmer baked into the color, glitter creates individual points of light that catch and reflect from within the resin.
At Trayz N Beyond, glitter is used as a secondary element layered on top of or within a mica base to add depth and visual interest to every piece.
Types of Glitter Used in Resin
Fine Glitter
Fine glitter has very small particle sizes, typically under 0.015 inches. When mixed into resin, fine glitter suspends evenly throughout the pour and creates an all-over sparkle effect that looks almost like the piece is lit from within. It is the most versatile glitter type and works beautifully in any piece.
Chunky Glitter
Chunky glitter has larger particle sizes that are heavier and tend to sink to the bottom of the mold during curing. Since the bottom of the mold becomes the top surface of the finished piece, chunky glitter naturally settles into a concentrated layer right at the surface. This creates a bold, eye-catching sparkle effect on the face of the piece.
Holographic Glitter
Holographic glitter is coated with a special film that diffracts light into a rainbow spectrum. Rather than reflecting a single color, holographic glitter creates a prismatic, multi-color sparkle that shifts as the viewing angle changes. It works in any size from fine to chunky and adds an especially dramatic effect under direct light.
Iridescent Glitter
Iridescent glitter shifts between two or more colors depending on the light source and angle. It is softer and more ethereal than holographic glitter and pairs beautifully with pastel or neutral mica bases.
What Glitter Is Safe for Resin?
Not all glitter is created equal when it comes to resin. Craft glitter made from dyed mylar or paper can bleed color into your resin, especially in lighter pours. The dye leaches out during the mixing and curing process and can muddy your color or create unwanted tinting.
For resin work, always use polyester glitter or cosmetic-grade glitter. Polyester glitter is chemically stable, will not bleed, and holds its color and shape permanently within cured resin. It is the industry standard for resin art and the only type I use in Trayz N Beyond pieces.
How to Add Glitter to Resin
Mix your resin fully before adding glitter. Once Part A and Part B are thoroughly combined and your mica color is incorporated, add your glitter and stir gently. Adding glitter after the mica ensures even distribution without disrupting your base color.
For fine glitter, stir it in and pour as normal. For chunky glitter, you can stir it in and let it settle naturally during curing, or sprinkle it directly onto the surface of a freshly poured piece for a more controlled placement.
There is no strict ratio for glitter. Start with a small amount and add more to taste. Too much glitter can make the resin feel gritty or affect the surface finish, so use it as an accent rather than a primary colorant.
Glitter and Curing
Polyester glitter does not affect the curing process of epoxy resin. It is chemically inert and will remain stable throughout the full cure. Your piece will cure on the same timeline regardless of how much glitter is used, as long as you are not overloading the resin with additives.
Caring for Glitter Resin Pieces
Glitter is fully encapsulated within the cured resin and will not shed, fade, or rub off. Clean your pieces with a soft damp cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the surface and dull the glitter effect. The high-gloss topcoat on all Trayz N Beyond pieces protects the glitter layer and keeps it looking brilliant over time.
Learn More
Glitter is one of five colorants and additives I use in my work. Explore the full Color Choices Guide to learn about mica powder, alcohol ink, foil flakes, and glow pigments. Have a question? Contact me directly or shop all products to see glitter in action.