Find a variety of colors online or at your local craft store. It’s hard to say exactly how much pigment to add to how much resin because there’s no set formula for achieving certain shades or colors. Your best bet is to practice adding a small amount (a single drop or a similarly-sized amount of powdered pigment) to resin and adding more until you get the right shade. [2] X Research source
A resin expert recommends making a “stock solution” with powdered pigments: take a small amount of resin and add the powdered pigment to it. Stir it up so it’s completely dissolved. Then, add that small batch back into the rest of the resin and mix it up. It’s easier to dissolve the powder this way. [5] X Research source While you should always wear a mask when working with resin, it’s especially important when using a powdered pigment—you don’t want to inhale any of the powder.
A great rule to follow is to add 1 part paint to every 10 parts resin. [7] X Research source
Make sure you’re wearing gloves while you use alcohol ink! It will absolutely stain your hands and anything else it gets on.
Your best bet to find this type of pigment is online. Some craft stores might carry it, but call ahead to check that it’ll be in stock. Mix 1 part pigment to 10 parts resin to start, and add more if you want a deeper color. Adding too much pigment can make your resin clumpy. [12] X Research source
Since making jewelry is an art, the best way to find out what works best is to experiment. You’ll get different effects from simple adjustments to ratios and kinds of color. With glitter, you can add as much as you want, as long as its total volume doesn’t make up more than 6% of the mixed resin. Adding too much will mess up the finish. [14] X Research source
Molds Resin and hardener Coloring options Disposable cups and spoons Toothpicks
Foil or cardboard also works well to protect your workspace. [17] X Research source
By gloves, we mean rubber or disposable gloves, not the kind you wear in the winter.
Using the wrong proportions creates a resin that is either sticky or too soft. [20] X Research source
This can be especially helpful if you’re not sure of the color of a particular pigment or if you want to try mixing multiple colors.
Check out the last section of this article for techniques on making different patterns in your jewelry.
Remember to use a new toothpick for each color.
If you’re not using silicone molds, spray them with a mold-release product. With it, your jewelry will pop right out of the container once it has cured. [25] X Research source It usually takes 24 hours before a piece is cured. Consider covering your molds with a domed lid while they cure to protect them from dust. [26] X Research source
The syrup-like consistency is very important! If the clear resin is really thin, the colored resin will bleed into it and won’t retain any shape.
For example, use white resin and 2 shades of blue resin to create a realistic-looking cloud in your jewelry. Or, use different colors for a more vibrant, eclectic approach.
Use black, brown, and white on the first layer to make the drops and streaks. Try not to let the first layer completely cover the bottom of the mold. Use green resin for the second layer after the first one cures. It’ll look lovely peeking through the other colors and will give your piece that traditional camouflage look.
