How Do You Mix Mica Powder With Acrylic Paint? Top 50 Best Answers

Creating your own color is a great way to cut costs while gaining more control over the hues and effects you want. Dry pigment powder can be combined with binders to make a variety of painting media, from oil to acrylic, and you usually only need a small amount of pigment. (Remember that the amount of binder varies depending on the pigment used.) However, as with paint, powders have a wide range of qualities to suit projects from crafts to fine arts. No matter which powder you prefer, you should always be careful with these particles and protect yourself from accidental inhalation. Check out our selection of the best powder pigments to find the one that suits your needs.

1. Sennelier Artist Dry Pigment Sennelier offers only high-quality pigments, formulated according to a tradition of rigorous research that has been cultivated since the late 19th century when the company created oils for its Post-Impressionist clientele. Artists can shop nearly 100 colors reflecting a mix of natural earth, inorganic and synthetic pigments, many of which are quite difficult to find. Case in point: Sennelier’s ultramarine blue light, created through a complex process that reproduces the light intensity of lapis lazuli. Sennelier also offers the most comprehensive brochure on its pigments, with each color accompanied by advice on its properties, compatibility with binders and even tips on maintaining color brilliance. These are pigments for serious artists who want to understand the properties of different binders and spend time learning more about their materials. Note that several pigments are toxic, such as Veronese Green, Chrome Yellow, and Flake White, which Sennelier still makes using ancient methods. Buy: Sennelier Artist Dry Pigment $25.50 Buy

2. Gamblin Dry Pigment These are the pigments used in the company’s oil paints, known for their brilliance and tinting strength. They dissolve well whether mixed with linseed oil or binders, casting media, epoxy resin, even wax. We’re also fans of how they have a nice, natural grain due to their grind. However, where Gamblin falls short is in the color choices, with only 22 colors available in four-ounce jars. Buy: Gamblin Dry Pigment $11.73 Buy

3. Schmincke metallic powder For special effects you should buy metallic powder from Schmincke. Known for its range of pure, traditional artists’ pigments as well as modern formulations, the German company also offers powders in gold, bronze and silver tones. They are finely sifted for a more even consistency and come in five colors and three different formulations for watercolor, acrylic or oil-based mixing. (Note that each formulation should be used with its appropriate medium, sold separately). Buy: Schmincke Metallic Powder $39.98 Buy

4. Jacquard Pearl Ex Powdered Pigments Looking for something more beginner- or kid-friendly? Jacquard’s set of non-toxic pearlescent pigments is versatile and ideal for craft afternoons. Made from pure ground mica – a stone mineral with a natural luster – these are extremely stable pigments that work well in any viscous medium. Mix them with oils, encaustic, acrylic or epoxy; use them for stamping; Dust them over polymer clay – the possibilities are almost endless. The superfine powder adds vibrant color and a subtle shimmer. You get 12 colors in this set of 0.1 ounce jars, including turquoise, flamingo pink, and misty lavender. Buy: Jacquard Pearl Ex Powder Pigments $25.15 Buy

I have used mica pigments for artistic purposes for many years. They are cheaper and less toxic than many other pigments.

mica color

Mica pigments are mineral-based powders in flat, flake-like shapes that impart an iridescent sheen. The mica pigments are so easy to disperse in almost any medium that in most cases they can simply be mixed by hand. Manufacturers take advantage of mica’s natural pearlescent qualities and modify them to create many different colors. Nonetheless, they can be further mixed and modified to achieve exactly the look you want.

Mica pigments are used in art and interior design, cosmetics, automotive paint, and even soap and toiletries. Their low price, low toxicity, and ease of use mean they are widely available online.

How to source mica pigments

With all the DIY craze on the internet, there is certainly no shortage of online suppliers to source mica pigments from. The key is knowing where to look. The largest selection will be among the suppliers who sell accessories for the production of cosmetics. Cosmetic suppliers probably have at least 100 different colors and the prices are cheaper than an artist pigment supply store. Amazon or eBay are also safe bets. I often buy 10 gram samples very cheaply on eBay to test a colour.

How to make paint with mica powder

In this article, I will discuss several options that can be used successfully to produce a metallic iridescent color in virtually any medium. Mica pigments can be applied as semi-opaque or almost completely transparent coatings for multi-layer depth effects. The methods of making metallic and pearlescent coatings are as follows:

For different colors, simply mix 2 or more micas Adding dry pigment powder to pearl white mica Tinting a colored mica with universal tints or pigment dispersions Adding a pigment to interference mica Adding artist’s paint

Method 1: Mix two different colors of mica

The easiest way to make custom color pearl paint is to mix two colored micas together. This is the same as with any paint color and basic knowledge of color theory applies here. For example, a blue mica and a red mica should yield a violet or violet mica depending on the brightness and purity of the original colors.

Color Theory with Mica Pithy Art Blog

Method 2: Mix dry pigment powder with pearl white mica

White pearl mica is available in different grades. Some are very fine, iridescent pearly white powders. Other grades consist of fairly large flakes with an enhanced sheen. In any case, add some dry pigment powder to the pearl white pigment and thorough mixing yields a dry colored mica ready for any painting medium.

The best results are achieved with transparent or translucent pigments. Opaque inorganic oxides can be used somewhat but sparingly to prevent loss of the iridescent quality of mica pigments.

Method 3: Color a colored mica pigment with universal ink

Mica pigments are widely available in a seemingly endless range of colors. Sometimes you want to tweak the color a bit for a specific look rather than buying a completely different mica pigment. Universal tints are concentrated colors without paint binders, which are available in liquid form and can be added to many coating materials. In the example below a more light purple mica is dispersed in an alkyd tinting base and a violet mixol tint is added drop by drop to create a darker, pearlescent violet based violet colour.

Pearl Ex Mica Pigment and Mixol 11 Violet Universal Tint Jason Bosh

Pearl Ex Pigment in Alkyd Enamel tinted with Violet Universal Tint Jason Bosh

Method 4: Adding pigment to interference mica

Interference micas are white micas with a thin coating of tin oxide that diffracts light to produce a shimmer of a specific color. The thickness of the applied layer determines which color is produced. These pigments “come to life” when applied to a black or dark surface. Mixing a small amount of a dark colored pigment also has the same effect. Adding a color with a similar hue to the interference pigment creates an enhanced pearlescent color. Complementary colors to the interference pigment can create interesting effects.

Method 5: Add artist paint

Sometimes a pigment dispersion or dry pigment can be too big a capital investment when you just want to slightly adjust the hue of a mica-based paint. Small tubes of acrylic or oil paint are cheap and readily available at any craft store.

NOTE: When working with oil or solvent based metallic paints it is very important that you make sure the metallic pigment is NOT aluminum! Aluminum powder is completely opaque and any pigment or color you want to add will just disappear. Don’t ask me how I found out!

Rebekah on July 21, 2020:

Thanks very much! That really helped. I had been waiting weeks for my 50g to arrive in the mail and was worried it wouldn’t be enough, but that would be exactly 5%.

Jason (Author) from Indianapolis, IN. US on July 13, 2020:

Rebecca,

As a sculptor, I am very familiar with mica pigments. So with these words I will give some tips. If you want a transparent to translucent metallic effect, add 5% or less mica by weight to the acrylic medium. For a more opaque metallic finish I would mix 12-16% mica pigment by weight. You can also base your finish with a similarly colored primer. B. using a matte magenta base coat under light fuschia mica pigment. You could tone down that fuchsia by using a maroon base coat. I hope it helps!

Jason (Author) from Indianapolis, IN. United States on October 23, 2019:

aurelio,

It would for sure. You need to think about how you would normally paint plastic models. For water based acrylic paints simply use a spray primer that will bond to plastic and then mix mica with acrylic emulsion medium and apply the primer. With solvent-based paints, you can add mica pigments to the clear coat and spray. You may also be able to add mica to model colors if they are not too opaque. A little experimentation will help you learn. Oh I leaned I should mention that a white primer might need many coats of mica paint to hide it. You can choose a solid base color to match the color of your mica metallic paint or you can also try tinting the base coat.

Aurelio Locsin from Orange County, CA on October 23, 2019:

Very interesting. Do you think this would work on plastic models? (I’m interested in model railroading and can see some of that finish on some of the cars and structures.)

Working with pigments is just as easy as working with tinting pastes.

Pigments simply need to be mixed with water to form a paste before being added to paint or plaster. We recommend using soft water like purified water. This step-by-step guide will help you get started with toning pigments.

We use pigments because

they can be used universally

they can be kept indefinitely

They contain no preservatives or other additives

they are alkali resistant

authentic earth pigments have a certain charm

The reason we use pigments and not color pastes is because to preserve pastes, preservatives or additives must be used, which is contrary to our company philosophy.

Powdered products must first be mixed with the specified amount of water without pigments.

This example shows a 1:1 mixing ratio B of lime paint as a mixed shade with spinel green and iron oxide black.

1. Weigh the pigments 1. Weigh the pigments 2. Add water – about half the pigment weight (e.g. 500 ml water to 1 kg pigment) 2. Add water – about half the pigment weight (e.g. 500 ml water to 1 kg pigment) 3. Mix the pigments with a hand mixer or a wooden mixer until the pigment mixture is smooth and thick. 3. Using a hand mixer or wooden mixer, mix the pigments together until the pigment mixture is smooth and thick.

4. Using a wooden stirrer or similar at the bottom of the container, stir the pigments until they form a smooth paste. A wooden mixer alone can also be used without a hand mixer. 4. Using a wooden stirrer or similar at the bottom of the container, stir the pigments until they form a smooth paste. A wooden mixer alone can also be used without a hand mixer. 5. Add the pigment mixture to the paint. 5. Add the pigment mixture to the paint. 6. Stir the pigment mixture evenly into the paint with the stir stick. 6. Stir the pigment mixture evenly into the paint with the stir stick.

7. Apply paint and let dry. 7. Apply paint and let dry. 8. Pigments in Kreidezeit wall paints and plasters become significantly lighter during the drying process. This is an example of exactly the same color, freshly applied on the left and fully dried on the right. 8. Pigments in Kreidezeit wall paints and plasters become significantly lighter during the drying process. This is an example of exactly the same color, freshly applied on the left and fully dried on the right.

The above information has been compiled based on the latest experience available to us. Due to the processing methods and environmental influences as well as the different types of substrate, a binding obligation to the general legal validity of the individual recommendations must be excluded. Before use, the processor must check the product for suitability for the intended purpose (sample coating).

In the case of new editions or product changes, the texts lose their validity.

Mica Powder is a lightweight, soft, and smooth material that creates a metal-like finish on any surface. Adding to resin is a technique used to add depth and complexity to the cured coating. It is the best alternative to other dyes (pigments, ink) for crafts that require a special level of delicacy and delicacy.

Thinking about art projects that you can use mica powder on? Here are some tips:

Art Magazine

Here’s a tip: mix mica powder in water and spray it onto your paper. This will make the pages of your journal or scrapbook shiny and shimmery. Have fun!

painting

Mix the mica powder with your mediums such as oil or acrylic. It adds a whole layer of depth and quality to the painting. You can be as creative as you like. Mica powder works best for nature-inspired painting like the sea, forest, sky or any other landscape.

volume

There are two ways to use mica powder in clay. First you can mix it with the raw clay. Another option is to mix it with a pigment and then seal it with a finish. You can also apply mica to a metal surface to add shine.

Glass

Applying mica powder to glass is quite complicated. You must first mix it with a glass adhesive (or Bullseye Glastac) and rubbing alcohol. Mix together 2 parts mica, 1 part Glastac, and 1 part rubbing alcohol. Use this mixture to paint a pre-cleaned glass before placing in the oven at 1325°F.

soap

Yes, you heard that right – mica powder can also be used to color soap. All you have to do is add mica powder to your melt. When you see mica bubbles floating to the top, spray them with alcohol. Once the powder is properly incorporated into the melt, you can pour the soup into the mold. Note: For a transparent melt, use ½ tsp mica powder per pound of melt.

furniture

Mica powder can also be mixed with waxes, varnishes, lacquers and other liquids to coat furniture surfaces. Use it to coat bar surfaces, tables, chairs and doors to create stunning works of art. Your guest will definitely envy you for your facility!!!

Mica powder is a very versatile colorant. It will add a magical glow to any surface you paste it on. What is your favorite project that uses it?

Mix Your Own Color Mixing your own color is like a rite of passage. It is the next step in your education in using phosphorescent paint. It is also not complicated and very easy to learn. Once you understand the basics, you can mix colors for countless different uses. Why mix your own color? There are many good reasons why you should learn to mix your own paint: Cost

The cost of mixing your own paint often saves you over 50% of the cost of purchasing pre-mixed paint.

application

The pre-mixed water-based paints I’ve used from the suppliers are all quite thick. This causes problems when trying to use the colors to create special effects where a thinner color would be better.

Loading pigments

Premixed paints are not only thicker, they are generally all 2 pounds of pigment to 1 gallon of medium, or a 1:4 ratio. This will ensure that the paint applies a generous amount of pigment. Again, this load can be too high for certain effects.

longevity

Some pre-mixed paints just don’t have the durability expected. If you use up the paint in a short time, this is not a problem. However, if the paint sits for many months, the paint can and will sometimes separate and flood you with a useless glass paint. When these colors separate, it is often not possible to mix them again. I’ve seen the problem with white more than any other, but I’ve also read posts from people who have experienced breakups with other colors. Basics of Color Well, I’m not a materials scientist, so this is a very basic chapter on what constitutes color. Pigment This is the phosphorescent powder that provides the color and shine. It can be purchased in various forms. For water-based media, you need powder listed as “coated” or “hydrolysis resistant.” Uncoated powders decompose in the presence of water. Powders are also available in different particle sizes. In general, the smaller the particle size, the shorter the annealing time. Particle size is more important when attempting to use an airbrush where larger particles will clog the airbrush. Most premixed paints use the largest particle size available to produce the longest lasting colors. Medium The medium is the binder in which you put the pigment. It essentially serves as an adhesive that fixes the pigment to the surface you are painting on. Mediums come in different thicknesses from liquid to toothpaste. They are also available in different finishes from matte to glossy. The thickness of the medium also determines how well the pigment is suspended. Luminous powder is a very large pigment compared to traditional color pigments. Therefore, combining luminous powder with a medium that is too thin will cause the powder to sink and settle to the bottom. Usually you can just stir the pigment back into the medium. Sometimes, if the powder is left for a very long time, it can congeal on the underside, rendering the paint unusable. Thinner Thinner is a media-appropriate liquid that allows the user to dilute the media without ruining it. For water-based media, you must use an acrylic or latex thinner. Using water works if you use the paint right away but don’t store it well. Thickener You can buy powder that you can use to thicken paint that is too thin. I’ve only come across thickeners that add a matte finish. So the best option here is to add a thicker medium to the paint. Which products? Choosing the right products is important. Here you have the opportunity to make decisions that not only affect all aspects of color from burn time, durability, application and final appearance. Choosing the Right Powder As I mentioned earlier, it is best to choose a powder that is compatible with water-based media. However, you can use uncoated powders if you plan to make small batches of paint that you will use right away. Quality Best powder type Longest burn time Largest particle size available Durability Coated / Waterproof Airbrush / Sprayer Smallest particle size. Choosing the right medium The medium is the make-or-break decision. Not only does it affect how you can apply the color, but how well the powder glows and how the color looks during the day. Most pre-mixed paints use a fairly thick medium that dries to a glossy finish. This is ideal for most applications. However, if you were to paint a large Milky Way across the ceiling, you might notice a sheen during the day where the paint was applied. Stars, on the other hand, should always use a glossy color to maximize the shine of the color. There are two types of media I use: Artist gels

These are available in different strengths and designs. They are best for creating colors that you use to paint stars. Diluted with the right thinner, they have an extremely long shelf life and the powder doesn’t sink to the bottom. Faux Glaze While not technically a medium, it is actually an additive that is very useful for making small batches of paint to create special effects. Use it with sponges, rags or any implement you like. If it’s sealed well, it’ll last a long time, although you’ll have to stir it up all the time. (I’ve sealed 4 ounces of frosting mixed with GlowInc’s Ultra Blue powder in a jar for about 8 months and it’s still good after stirring.) Quality Best Medium Brightest Stars Soft Gel (Shiny) Muted Effects Soft Gel (Matte) Effects on matte, eggshell or satin finishes Effects on matte, eggshell or satin finishes Soft Gel (matte) Faux Glaze (matte) Choosing the Right Thinner or Thickener There is only one choice for each of these: Thinner Thickener Acrylic/Latex Paint Conditioner Soft gel (Gloss or matte depending on the base medium used) Tools and supplies for mixing paints It’s not rocket science, but using the right tools and supplies is important. What I have here from left to right, top to bottom is: Golden Paints Regular Soft Gel (Gloss)

Assortment of GID pigments.

1 liter mixing bucket.

Lacquer thinner for latex.

Empty jars for storing paint.

Scale

Bamboo sticks for mixing. Mixing the Paint Preparing the Medium The medium is the foundation of your paint. It’s important to do this step right before adding the pigment. Depending on the type of paint you are making, use different ratios of medium and thinner. Pour the required amount of medium into the mixing cup, then add thinner. It is better to add the thinner slowly than all at once. This is because if you add too much, it’s much easier to continue thinning the paint than it is to thicken it back up. Adding the pigment Measure the correct pigment ratio. Add the pigment to the medium and stir in with a wooden or plastic stirrer. Stir gently and do not use metal tools to avoid damaging the pigment. Storing and Labeling I make sure to label every pot I put together. So I can see at a glance what’s in the pot and how I can make more of it. Even if the color eventually goes bad, I know what I used to do to determine what went wrong. Useful Recipes Starwall Paint to Use with Syringes This is probably the most common glow-in-the-dark paint you will need. I played around with different recipes but settled on this one. Medium: Golden Soft Gel (Gloss) Thinner: Acrylic/Latex Color Conditioner Pigment: Any pigment safe for water-based media. Mix the medium with the extender in a ratio of 8 oz medium to 1/2 oz extender. Get the medium right before adding powder and gradually add the thinner as it is easier to thin the medium than to thicken it if you add too much thinner. You’re looking for a consistency like ketchup. Mix the pigment with the medium at a ratio of 1 ounce pigment per 4 ounce medium. Stir well to ensure the glow in the dark powder is evenly distributed. Star wall color for effects. I used the thicker glow-in-the-dark paint for this, but you really have to be careful not to apply too much and that’s quite difficult with the thicker paints. I would always dilute the glow in the dark colors before use. Now I only make them thinner when I need them. If you store them the pigment will likely settle, but you should be able to stir the pigment back into the medium. To avoid this hassle, I simply mix up enough glow-in-the-dark paint for each job. Medium: Golden Soft Gel (matte) or Faux Glaze Thinner: Acrylic/Latex Color Conditioner Pigment: Any pigment safe for water-based media. Mix the medium with the extender in a ratio of 2 ounces of medium to 1 ounce of extender. Get the medium right before adding powder and gradually add the thinner as it is easier to thin the medium than to thicken it if you add too much thinner. I like it when it’s liquid so it’s easy to apply to rags and sponges. Mix the pigment with the medium at a ratio of 1 ounce pigment per 4 ounce medium. This is the one recipe I play with a lot. By increasing the medium to pigment ratio, you can more easily apply weaker effects. Note that to make an area appear less bright, we need to apply less pigment. The easiest way to do this is to add less pigment to the paint. You end up painting the ceiling with more medium than pigment, giving you more control over how you apply the pigment.

Mica powder is made from a natural stone mineral that has a metallic luster. When ground into a powder, it has the ability to add a light-catching extra to any craft. It can be mixed directly into oil or acrylic paint, or even mixed with other materials such as clay and plaster. However, all mica powders are not created equal and should be chosen carefully – especially if you intend to use it for a specific medium or project. Find every type of mica powder in almost every color of the rainbow ahead of time and let us help you find the best one for you.

1. Jacquard Pearl Ex Powder Pigments This mica powder set is sold as a set of the six most popular true metallic shades, with each jar measuring 0.75 ounces. They are highly pigmented, rust and tarnish resistant and suitable for indoor or outdoor use when mixed with paint or plaster. For canvas painting, they can be mixed with everything from acrylic and oil to gouache and varnish. And when it comes to clay, it can also be fired in a kiln that reaches up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Buy: Jacquard Pearl Ex Powder Pigments $26.71 Buy

2. Soap Shop Mica Powder Set If you’re looking for a wide range of colors for small projects, consider this set of mixed powder packets. Included in the kit are 24 different powder pigments in separate 3 gram bags. With those small pockets, this selection is great for small projects, be they small paintings, soap making or even home makeup creations. They can be used in cold or hot processes due to their ultra-fine grinding process, which makes them easy to dissolve in any solution. Buy: Soap Shop Mica Powder Set $8.99 Buy

3. Artisan Pigments Mica Powder 25 Color Set No matter what you want to mix your mica powder with, educators around the world can appreciate a kit that comes complete with smaller quantities of a wide range of colors. This special set is packed with the rainbow spectrum, with 25 different colors that can be mixed with everything from resin to acrylic paint, soap, clay and more. In addition, they are all safe and non-toxic, which is especially important when it comes to children’s art projects. Additionally, each pouch contains a whopping ten grams of each color, so it can be used on a variety of projects large and small before it runs dry. Buy: Buy Artisan Pigments Mica Powder 25 Color Set

4. U.S. Art Supply Jewelescent Mica Pearl Powder This mica powder has a slightly softer pearlescent sheen than a true metallic sheen, making it more subtle than other mica powders. However, it’s still just as highly pigmented when added to everything from cosmetics to paint, plaster, and resin. Each two-ounce container is sold in a single color, although the brand sells the product in a total of 24 different colorways. While this powder is safe and easy to use for children, it is also classified as a professional powder due to its reliability and finely ground texture that dissolves easily and unnoticed. Buy: U.S. Art Supply Jewelescent Mica Pearl Powder $9.99 Buy

I have used mica pigments for artistic purposes for many years. They are cheaper and less toxic than many other pigments.

mica color

Mica pigments are mineral-based powders in flat, flake-like shapes that impart an iridescent sheen. The mica pigments are so easy to disperse in almost any medium that in most cases they can simply be mixed by hand. Manufacturers take advantage of mica’s natural pearlescent qualities and modify them to create many different colors. Nonetheless, they can be further mixed and modified to achieve exactly the look you want.

Mica pigments are used in art and interior design, cosmetics, automotive paint, and even soap and toiletries. Their low price, low toxicity, and ease of use mean they are widely available online.

How to source mica pigments

With all the DIY craze on the internet, there is certainly no shortage of online suppliers to source mica pigments from. The key is knowing where to look. The largest selection will be among the suppliers who sell accessories for the production of cosmetics. Cosmetic suppliers probably have at least 100 different colors and the prices are cheaper than an artist pigment supply store. Amazon or eBay are also safe bets. I often buy 10 gram samples very cheaply on eBay to test a colour.

How to make paint with mica powder

In this article, I will discuss several options that can be used successfully to produce a metallic iridescent color in virtually any medium. Mica pigments can be applied as semi-opaque or almost completely transparent coatings for multi-layer depth effects. The methods of making metallic and pearlescent coatings are as follows:

For different colors, simply mix 2 or more micas Adding dry pigment powder to pearl white mica Tinting a colored mica with universal tints or pigment dispersions Adding a pigment to interference mica Adding artist’s paint

Method 1: Mix two different colors of mica

The easiest way to make custom color pearl paint is to mix two colored micas together. This is the same as with any paint color and basic knowledge of color theory applies here. For example, a blue mica and a red mica should yield a violet or violet mica depending on the brightness and purity of the original colors.

Color Theory with Mica Pithy Art Blog

Method 2: Mix dry pigment powder with pearl white mica

White pearl mica is available in different grades. Some are very fine, iridescent pearly white powders. Other grades consist of fairly large flakes with an enhanced sheen. In any case, add some dry pigment powder to the pearl white pigment and thorough mixing yields a dry colored mica ready for any painting medium.

The best results are achieved with transparent or translucent pigments. Opaque inorganic oxides can be used somewhat but sparingly to prevent loss of the iridescent quality of mica pigments.

Method 3: Color a colored mica pigment with universal ink

Mica pigments are widely available in a seemingly endless range of colors. Sometimes you want to tweak the color a bit for a specific look rather than buying a completely different mica pigment. Universal tints are concentrated colors without paint binders, which are available in liquid form and can be added to many coating materials. In the example below a more light purple mica is dispersed in an alkyd tinting base and a violet mixol tint is added drop by drop to create a darker, pearlescent violet based violet colour.

Pearl Ex Mica Pigment and Mixol 11 Violet Universal Tint Jason Bosh

Pearl Ex Pigment in Alkyd Enamel tinted with Violet Universal Tint Jason Bosh

Method 4: Adding pigment to interference mica

Interference micas are white micas with a thin coating of tin oxide that diffracts light to produce a shimmer of a specific color. The thickness of the applied layer determines which color is produced. These pigments “come to life” when applied to a black or dark surface. Mixing a small amount of a dark colored pigment also has the same effect. Adding a color with a similar hue to the interference pigment creates an enhanced pearlescent color. Complementary colors to the interference pigment can create interesting effects.

Method 5: Add artist paint

Sometimes a pigment dispersion or dry pigment can be too big a capital investment when you just want to slightly adjust the hue of a mica-based paint. Small tubes of acrylic or oil paint are cheap and readily available at any craft store.

NOTE: When working with oil or solvent based metallic paints it is very important that you make sure the metallic pigment is NOT aluminum! Aluminum powder is completely opaque and any pigment or color you want to add will just disappear. Don’t ask me how I found out!

Rebekah on July 21, 2020:

Thanks very much! That really helped. I had been waiting weeks for my 50g to arrive in the mail and was worried it wouldn’t be enough, but that would be exactly 5%.

Jason (Author) from Indianapolis, IN. US on July 13, 2020:

Rebecca,

As a sculptor, I am very familiar with mica pigments. So with these words I will give some tips. If you want a transparent to translucent metallic effect, add 5% or less mica by weight to the acrylic medium. For a more opaque metallic finish I would mix 12-16% mica pigment by weight. You can also base your finish with a similarly colored primer. B. using a matte magenta base coat under light fuschia mica pigment. You could tone down that fuchsia by using a maroon base coat. I hope it helps!

Jason (Author) from Indianapolis, IN. United States on October 23, 2019:

aurelio,

It would for sure. You need to think about how you would normally paint plastic models. For water based acrylic paints simply use a spray primer that will bond to plastic and then mix mica with acrylic emulsion medium and apply the primer. With solvent-based paints, you can add mica pigments to the clear coat and spray. You may also be able to add mica to model colors if they are not too opaque. A little experimentation will help you learn. Oh I leaned I should mention that a white primer might need many coats of mica paint to hide it. You can choose a solid base color to match the color of your mica metallic paint or you can also try tinting the base coat.

Aurelio Locsin from Orange County, CA on October 23, 2019:

Very interesting. Do you think this would work on plastic models? (I’m interested in model railroading and can see some of that finish on some of the cars and structures.)

Mica Powder is a lightweight, soft, and smooth material that creates a metal-like finish on any surface. Adding to resin is a technique used to add depth and complexity to the cured coating. It is the best alternative to other dyes (pigments, ink) for crafts that require a special level of delicacy and delicacy.

Thinking about art projects that you can use mica powder on? Here are some tips:

Art Magazine

Here’s a tip: mix mica powder in water and spray it onto your paper. This will make the pages of your journal or scrapbook shiny and shimmery. Have fun!

painting

Mix the mica powder with your mediums such as oil or acrylic. It adds a whole layer of depth and quality to the painting. You can be as creative as you like. Mica powder works best for nature-inspired painting like the sea, forest, sky or any other landscape.

volume

There are two ways to use mica powder in clay. First you can mix it with the raw clay. Another option is to mix it with a pigment and then seal it with a finish. You can also apply mica to a metal surface to add shine.

Glass

Applying mica powder to glass is quite complicated. You must first mix it with a glass adhesive (or Bullseye Glastac) and rubbing alcohol. Mix together 2 parts mica, 1 part Glastac, and 1 part rubbing alcohol. Use this mixture to paint a pre-cleaned glass before placing in the oven at 1325°F.

soap

Yes, you heard that right – mica powder can also be used to color soap. All you have to do is add mica powder to your melt. When you see mica bubbles floating to the top, spray them with alcohol. Once the powder is properly incorporated into the melt, you can pour the soup into the mold. Note: For a transparent melt, use ½ tsp mica powder per pound of melt.

furniture

Mica powder can also be mixed with waxes, varnishes, lacquers and other liquids to coat furniture surfaces. Use it to coat bar surfaces, tables, chairs and doors to create stunning works of art. Your guest will definitely envy you for your facility!!!

Mica powder is a very versatile colorant. It will add a magical glow to any surface you paste it on. What is your favorite project that uses it?