Collection: The Pigmently Resin Color Blog

A collection of abstract paintings that were made with paints and mica powder pigments. They're hanging on a wall.

10 Interesting Ways to Use Powder Pigments by Pigmently

Introduction to Pigmently

Welcome to Pigmently, our online store for high-quality mica powder pigments and liquid dyes.

Pigmently was founded on the idea that artists of any skill level should have a trustworthy place to acquire colorants for their artwork and craft projects. As artists ourselves, we know how important it is to have consistency in the quality of our supplies.

All of our Pigmently products are produced to strict standards using well-refined formulas and premium-grade ingredients. This is how we are able to provide vivid, high-quality colorants time and again, with reliable results.

We believe when an artist knows that the pigments they buy aren't going to change unexpectedly, they can have more confidence in their craft and reliably achieve better and better results as they continue to improve.

What are Powder Pigments?

So, what exactly are powder pigments?

At their core, powder pigments are finely ground particles that give color to paints, inks, plastics, cosmetics, and more. They are like the lifeblood of color, infusing our world with vivid shades that ignite our senses.

Pigmently powder pigments are derived primarily from mica, a group of silicate minerals with a natural shine. These minerals exist in a wide variety of colors and are perfect for the creation of pigments.

Mica powder pigments are created by first mining the mica minerals, then cleaning them, and finally grinding them into a fine powder. Various mica minerals can be mixed together to create different hues, but mica itself does not naturally reach some of the more intense colors, such as purples and bright blues.

To expand the color range of mica powder pigments, ground mica is often combined with other minerals or compounds. These additives can be synthetic or natural, and they significantly increase the range of pigment tones available.

What truly sets mica powder pigments apart is their versatility. They can be mixed with various mediums, manipulated to achieve different effects, and used in a  diverse array of art forms. And this is what brings us to the fascinating craft of using powder pigments.

An epoxy resin tray made using wood, two metal handles, and Pigmently's Emerald Green Powder Pigment.

The Art of Using Powder Pigments

The use of powder pigments is an art that dates back to our earliest civilizations. These early artists recognized their power to create vivid, lasting colors and used them in everything from cave paintings to elaborate murals. Mica itself has been used for thousands of years in the creation of art, and the finely ground powdered form has existed since at least the 11th century.

Today, the art of using these powder pigments continues to evolve, with artists finding innovative ways to harness their potential.

Ten Interesting Ways to Use Powder Pigments

The beauty of mica powder pigments lies in their adaptability. Here are ten interesting ways to apply these powder pigments in your art:

  1. Mixed Media Art: By incorporating powder pigments into mixed media art, you can create stunning, multidimensional pieces that truly pop. Think of things like hiding lights within your creations to illuminate them—or even something as simple as using combining pencil art with paint imbued with mica powder for a distinct contrast.
  2. Resin Art: Powder pigments work wonderfully in resin, creating mesmerizing swirls of color and depth. In fact, they're one of the best options for coloring any type of resin art.
  3. Candle Making: For a bold, lasting color, try using powder pigments to color your candles.
  4. Cosmetics: Powder pigments are the secret behind many vibrant cosmetics, from nail polishes to eyeshadows and even lipsticks.
  5. Ceramics: You can mix powder pigments with clay before firing to create beautifully colored ceramics.
  6. Paper Marbling: By sprinkling powder pigments onto a liquid surface, you can achieve the stunning effect of marbled paper.
  7. Calligraphy: Mixing powder pigments with a binding medium can create vibrant inks for calligraphy.
  8. Soap Making: Add a dash of color to your homemade soaps with powder pigments. This will typically involve applying them to the soap base.
  9. Epoxy Decor: You can apply mica powder pigments to epoxy while mixing it to infuse it with distinct colors to create beautiful river tables and table tops.
  10. Painting: Perhaps the most conventional use is to simply combine it with paints. Using the mica powder this way will give your paintings a shimmering effect that allows you to draw attention to particular sections of your art pieces.
A mixed media art piece made using seashells, sand, epoxy resin, and several Pigmently Powder Pigments.

Powder Pigments Tips: Best Practices

Working with powder pigments can be a joy, but it's essential to follow some best practices to ensure you get the most out of your pigments. Here are a few tips I've picked up along the way:

  • Always wear protective gear. Powder pigments can be messy and may irritate your skin or eyes.
  • Store your pigments appropriately. Choose a cool, dry place to maintain their quality and longevity.
  • Test your pigments. Always do a test patch before applying pigments to larger projects.
  • Experiment. Try different mediums and techniques to discover new ways to use your pigments—don't be afraid to mix pigments to create your own unique hues.

Pigmently: Your Trusted Source for Premium Powder Pigments

At Pigmently, we've dedicated ourselves to being a dependable place for artists of any skill levels to source their powder pigments. Each of our pigments is created with a unique formula, and we only use top-notch ingredients to ensure consistent, potent results. That's how we maintain our high standards of quality assurance.

You'll find a stunning selection of colors in the Powder Pigments Section of our store.

Whether you're a beginner considering our cost-effective Pigment Bundles to try powder pigments for the first time, or an expert creator making your 50th order of Deep Blue Wonder, Pigmently is here to provide you with the level of quality you deserve and expect.

So come take a look at what we have to offer, and get ready to raise your art to new heights with Pigmently Powder Pigments!

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