Eye Candy pigments are the perfect choice to color your epoxy projects, offering a wide variety of vibrant colors and effects.

They can add shimmer to live edge river tables, inlays, and other unique touches, enhancing your resin art creations.

Available in various types, from metallic to color-shifting, these pigments elevate your epoxy resin projects with long-lasting shine.

What are Eye Candy Pigments?

Eye Candy Pigments are specialized colorants designed to enhance epoxy resin projects with vibrant hues and unique visual effects. These pigments come in a variety of forms, including metallic powders, color-shifting powders (also known as chameleon pigments), and neon mica powders. Metallic pigments provide a shiny, reflective finish, mimicking metals like gold, silver, and copper, perfect for creating luxurious and eye-catching designs. Color-shifting pigments contain multiple colors that shift depending on the viewing angle and light, adding a dynamic and mesmerizing element to resin art. Neon mica powders offer bright, intense colors that make projects stand out. Ideal for crafting live edge river tables, inlays, jewelry, and other decorative items, Eye Candy Pigments allow artists to add personalized touches and create colorful resin masterpieces.

Essential Safety Precautions

When working with epoxy resin and Eye Candy pigments, prioritize safety by taking essential precautions.

Ensure proper ventilation, wear gloves and a respirator.

Working in a Well-Ventilated Area

Epoxy resin can release fumes, so always work in a well-ventilated area to protect your health.

Ideally, choose a workspace with open windows and good airflow to dissipate any potentially harmful vapors. If natural ventilation is insufficient, consider using a fan to circulate the air and direct fumes away from your breathing zone. Proper ventilation minimizes the risk of inhaling harmful chemicals, ensuring a safer and more comfortable crafting experience. Remember, respiratory health is paramount, so prioritize a well-ventilated environment whenever you work with epoxy resin and Eye Candy pigments. A safe workspace is a happy workspace, allowing you to focus on your creative endeavors without compromising your well-being. In situations where adequate ventilation is not possible, it becomes even more critical to use respiratory protection.

Using Gloves and Respirator

Protect your skin and respiratory system by wearing gloves and a respirator when working with epoxy resin and Eye Candy pigments.

Gloves prevent skin contact with resin, which can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Choose gloves made of nitrile or other chemical-resistant materials for optimal protection. A respirator is essential for filtering out harmful fumes released during the mixing and curing process. Select a respirator with appropriate cartridges designed for organic vapors. Ensure the respirator fits properly to create a tight seal around your face, preventing inhalation of fumes. Remember, safety is paramount, and these precautions will help you avoid potential health risks associated with working with epoxy resin. Prioritizing safety allows for a more enjoyable and worry-free crafting experience, ensuring you can fully immerse yourself in your creative projects. Always consult the manufacturer’s safety data sheets for specific recommendations.

Mixing Instructions: Resin and Hardener

Properly mixing resin and hardener is crucial for vibrant color distribution with Eye Candy pigments.

Manufacturer’s Specified Ratios

Adhering to the manufacturer’s specified ratios for resin and hardener is paramount for a successful epoxy resin project. These ratios are carefully determined to ensure proper curing and optimal strength of the final product. Always consult the product instructions provided by the manufacturer of your chosen epoxy resin. Deviation from these ratios can lead to incomplete curing, resulting in a soft, tacky, or brittle finish that compromises the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of your creation. Using the correct ratios guarantees the chemical reaction between the resin and hardener occurs as intended, leading to a durable and visually appealing result. It’s essential to measure the resin and hardener precisely, using measuring cups or scales, to achieve the recommended proportions. Remember, accuracy in measurement is key to a professional and long-lasting finish in your epoxy resin projects. Ignoring the manufacturer’s instructions can lead to wasted materials, time, and effort. Therefore, prioritize reading and understanding the manufacturer’s guidelines before beginning your project.

Importance of Thorough Blending

Thorough blending of the resin and hardener is absolutely critical for a successful epoxy resin project, ensuring the mixture achieves a consistent and uniform consistency. Inadequate mixing can lead to uncured or partially cured spots in the final product, resulting in a sticky or uneven surface that compromises both the appearance and structural integrity of the piece. During the mixing process, ensure that you scrape the sides and bottom of the mixing container to incorporate all the resin and hardener completely. Use a mixing stick or paddle to gently stir the components together, avoiding the creation of excessive bubbles. Blend the mixture for the recommended time specified by the epoxy resin manufacturer, typically several minutes, until it appears clear and streak-free. A properly blended mixture guarantees that the chemical reaction between the resin and hardener occurs evenly, resulting in a strong, durable, and visually appealing final product. Neglecting this step can lead to significant problems down the line, so take the time to blend thoroughly and ensure a high-quality result.

Adding Eye Candy Pigments

Adding Eye Candy pigments to epoxy resin involves careful measurement and even color distribution for vibrant results.

Recommended Pigment Percentage

To achieve the best results when adding Eye Candy pigments to your epoxy resin, it’s crucial to adhere to a recommended pigment percentage. Too much colorant can weaken the epoxy resin, preventing it from properly hardening, which can ruin the result. Using exact measurements can help you avoid this problem. Whatever colorant you use should make up about five percent of the resin, so if you use eight ounces of resin, you’ll add in 0.4 ounces of mica powder. This will be enough powder to saturate your resin and provide color without weakening it. Start by measuring your epoxy resin. Depending on the size of the project you’re doing, you may use a little or a lot of epoxy resin. For resin beginners, we suggest starting small with a project like making coasters or jewelry. Once you know how much resin you’re using, such as eight ounces, you can measure your mica powder.

Achieving Even Color Distribution

Properly mixing epoxy resin with Eye Candy pigments is crucial for achieving vibrant and even color distribution. The process involves careful measurement and thorough blending of the components. After adding the Eye Candy pigment to your mixed resin and hardener, stir the mixture thoroughly. Ensure that the pigment is fully incorporated and evenly dispersed throughout the resin. Use a mixing stick or a similar tool to scrape the sides and bottom of the container, preventing any pigment from settling. Continue stirring until you achieve a uniform color throughout the mixture. You can use a toothpick to place or move additional embellishments or make sure the resin and color are properly spread through the mold. Avoid using excessive force while stirring, as this can introduce air bubbles into the resin.

Creative Applications and Embellishments

Eye Candy Pigments are perfect for river tables, inlays, molds, and adding unique embellishments to epoxy resin projects.

River Tables and Inlays

Eye Candy pigments excel in creating stunning river tables and intricate inlays. The pigments add depth and vibrancy, transforming ordinary woodworking projects into captivating works of art. Choose from a wide array of colors to mimic natural riverbeds or create fantastical, otherworldly designs. Metallic pigments provide a shimmering effect, while color-shifting pigments offer a dynamic visual experience that changes with the viewing angle. When using pigments in river tables, ensure even color distribution to avoid settling or streaking. For inlays, carefully pour the pigmented resin into the carved spaces, using a toothpick to guide the mixture into intricate details. The result is a seamless integration of color and wood, enhancing the beauty and value of your creations. These pigments allow for unique customization, enabling you to craft bespoke pieces that reflect individual styles and preferences. Experiment with different color combinations and layering techniques to achieve depth and visual interest. Whether you’re aiming for a natural, rustic aesthetic or a bold, modern design, Eye Candy pigments offer the versatility to bring your vision to life. With meticulous application and thoughtful design, these pigments elevate river tables and inlays into cherished heirlooms.

Molds and Additional Embellishments

Eye Candy pigments are incredibly versatile for use in various molds, allowing you to create stunning resin art pieces. From jewelry and coasters to decorative figurines, these pigments bring vibrant color and unique effects to your molded creations. When working with molds, ensure thorough mixing of the pigment into the resin to achieve even color distribution. A toothpick can be used to move the resin and color around, ensuring it properly spreads through the mold. For added visual interest, consider incorporating additional embellishments such as glitter, dried flowers, or small decorative objects. These embellishments can be carefully placed within the mold before pouring the resin, or gently added to the surface of the resin after pouring. Experiment with layering different colors and effects to create depth and dimension. Metallic pigments add a touch of elegance, while color-shifting pigments create a mesmerizing, dynamic effect. Remember to de-gas the resin after adding pigments and embellishments to remove any trapped air bubbles. With creative use of molds and embellishments, Eye Candy pigments transform simple resin into unique and personalized works of art. Explore different mold shapes and embellishment combinations to discover endless possibilities for your resin art projects.

Finishing Techniques

Proper finishing enhances the beauty of your epoxy resin projects with Eye Candy pigments, ensuring a smooth and professional look.

Sanding and Polishing Woodworking Projects

When incorporating epoxy resin with Eye Candy pigments into woodworking projects, such as river tables or inlays, the finishing process requires careful attention to detail. Start by sanding the entire surface, including both the wood and resin portions, to achieve a smooth and uniform texture. Use progressively finer grits of sandpaper, beginning with a coarser grit to remove any imperfections or unevenness, and gradually moving to finer grits to refine the surface. This ensures a seamless transition between the wood and resin, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the piece. Once the sanding is complete, polishing is essential to bring out the vibrant colors and shimmering effects of the Eye Candy pigments. Apply a clear polish specifically designed for wood and resin, allowing the mica powder within the pigments to shine through. The clear polish will not only protect the surface but also enhance the depth and clarity of the colors, resulting in a professional and visually stunning finish. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific polish you choose, and apply multiple thin coats for optimal results. This meticulous sanding and polishing process will elevate your woodworking projects, showcasing the beauty of the wood and the captivating colors of the Eye Candy pigments.

Polishing Resin-Only Projects

For resin-only projects incorporating Eye Candy pigments, such as molded pieces or jewelry, the polishing process is crucial for achieving a professional and visually appealing finish. Unlike woodworking projects, resin-only pieces often require minimal sanding, especially if molds are used, as they typically produce a smooth surface. However, polishing is still essential to enhance the clarity and vibrancy of the Eye Candy pigments. Begin by cleaning the resin surface to remove any dust or debris. Then, use a specialized resin polishing compound and a soft cloth or polishing pad to gently buff the surface. The polishing compound will help to smooth out any minor imperfections and bring out the depth of the colors. Apply light pressure and work in circular motions, ensuring even coverage across the entire piece. For intricate designs or hard-to-reach areas, consider using smaller polishing tools or cotton swabs. Once the initial polishing is complete, you can apply a clear resin sealant or glaze to further protect the surface and enhance the shine. This final step will create a durable and glossy finish that showcases the beauty of the Eye Candy pigments. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific polishing compound and sealant you choose, and allow sufficient drying time between coats. With careful polishing, your resin-only projects will achieve a professional-quality finish that highlights the captivating colors and effects of the Eye Candy pigments.

Where to Buy Eye Candy Pigments

Eye Candy Pigments, renowned for their vibrant colors and exceptional quality, are available through several convenient channels. The most direct source is the official Eye Candy Pigments website, where you can explore their extensive catalog of mica powders, including metallic, iridescent, and color-shifting options. Purchasing directly from their website ensures you receive genuine products and access to the latest releases. Additionally, the website often features exclusive promotions and discounts for loyal customers. For those who prefer shopping on larger online marketplaces, Eye Candy Pigments are also available on platforms like Amazon and Etsy. These platforms offer the convenience of customer reviews and diverse shipping options. However, it’s essential to verify the seller’s authenticity to avoid counterfeit products. Many authorized retailers and distributors specializing in art supplies and epoxy resin materials also carry Eye Candy Pigments. Check with local craft stores, woodworking suppliers, and online retailers that cater to resin artists. These retailers often provide personalized advice and support to help you choose the right pigments for your specific projects. Before making a purchase, compare prices and shipping costs across different sources to ensure you get the best deal. Also, consider purchasing sample sets to test various colors and effects before committing to larger quantities. Whether you choose to buy directly from Eye Candy Pigments or through authorized retailers, you can be confident in acquiring high-quality pigments that will elevate your epoxy resin creations.