Mica powder is an amazing product to use in your resin projects. It is fun to use and gives your art a beautiful shimmer. However, there is some confusion about what it is and how it works. We explain mica powder and answer your questions so you can use it with confidence!
When you are deciding what your next resin art project should be, you often have a clear picture in your head. The challenge is deciding what to use and which steps you should take to get the result you’re looking for. We want to help you understand all of the products available to you. Therefore, we have compiled some of the questions we get about mica powder and will give you the best answers we can. Armed with the right information, you will easily be able to incorporate mica powder in your resin art!
Mica Powder Explained: What You Should Know
What is Mica Powder?
People love mica because of its shimmer and shine! The powder comes from mica stone. Picture a piece of granite or slate, all those little shimmery bits that you see are mica. To collect the mica stone it is mined either in flakes or sheets. Next, it is ground into the powder that can be used to achieve the glittery effect it is famous for. Much of the mica stone (and therefore) mica powder comes from India. Most often the mica powder’s natural color will be off-white or have tones of gray, yellow, or light brown. Different oxides are added to achieve some of the bright and beautiful mica powders. To see some of the amazing shades available check out our Counter Culture DIY mica powders.
What is the Difference Between Mica Powder and Pigment Powder?
In some ways mica and pigment powders are similar. To add color to your resin project you could use either one. The difference is in the effect. As we said, mica powder is naturally glittery, it will give your art a beautiful shimmery finish. It’s coloring abilities aren’t always as bold as those of pigment powders however. Pigment powders are strictly designed to be colorants and they do their job well. They are bold and beautiful with a matte finish. By adjusting the amounts used, you can achieve any shade you are looking for. The images below show help illustrate the differences between the two powders.
Mica Powder (Teal)
Mica Powder (Mermaid)
Pigment Powder (Shaggy)
Can Mica Powder and Pigment Powder be Mixed Together?
Sure they can! The two powders are most often used separately but can be mixed together if done carefully. If you are trying for a certain color shade for your resin art but also want that beautiful mica shine, you can experiment with combining pigment powder and mica powder. One way to do this would be to add pigment powder to get your artist resin color just right. Next add your mica powder a little at a time until you get the look you want to achieve. You could also do this in reverse order. Start by mixing your mica powder with your artist resin and then add pigment powder in small amounts until your combination is just right.
Is Mica Powder Safe?
Mica powder is a natural substance and, while that doesn’t entirely ensure its safety, it is non-toxic. Mica powder is not inherently dangerous but, just as with anything you come in contact with, you should use basic precautions to avoid any potential risks. There have not been any side effects recorded for mica powder coming in contact with healthy skin. You should avoid contact, however, if you have a rash or any skin irritation. Breathing in large quantities of mica powder over long periods of time could pose risks to your lung health. Using mica powder in resin art, however, should not expose you to those risks. If you prefer to err to the side of caution, wearing a protective mask and gloves give you some added security.
What is Mica Powder Used For?
We focus on using mica powder for epoxy because that’s where our expertise lies. We use it in tumblers, jewelry, geodes, wall art…the list goes on and on. There are tons of different ways you can use it though! It is often used in cosmetics, bath products, and as an additive for many art supplies. You can also use it with clay, glass, and furniture projects. Chances are, whatever your artistic medium is, you can find a way to incorporate mica powder!
We hope that this answers your questions about a beautiful and versatile product. Using mica powder in your resin art will give you added brilliance and dimension! We can’t wait for you to see the amazing pieces you’ll be able to create with a little bit of practice and some fabulous Counter Culture DIY mica powders!
If you want more inspiration and information we have a Facebook group for that. Join us in Counter Culture DIY Artist Support where we, and other artists, offer ideas, answer questions, and support each other!
Do you have an art project using any of our products that you want to share? Send it to us at support@counterculturediy.com, and we can feature them here!