Mica adds natural glimmer, similar to a metallic-flake paint on cars. That’s due to the natural mineral flakes in mica, which have light-reflecting properties. You can use mica powder for just about any epoxy project. Whether you’re working on deep-pour river tables, or smaller resin-casting projects like coasters or resin jewellery, mica adds a burst of vibrant colour and a shimmering, glowing effect

HOW MUCH MICA FOR SMALLER RESIN PROJECTS

For small volume resin projects, use 1 gram of mica powder per 1-5 ounces of epoxy. (One gram is about one-quarter teaspoon.) A 1-to-1 ratio will yield a darker, more opaque color, while a 1-to-5 ratio will result in a more transparent look.

Note that thinner resin castings, like a delicate piece of resin jewelry, typically require a higher volume of mica to achieve that rich, pearlescent shine.

HOW MUCH MICA FOR LARGER PROJECTS

With larger volumes over a half-gallon, aim for 1-3% mica powder in the total resin mixture by weight. For example, 1 gallon of epoxy equals about 9 pounds; Therefore, for a more opaque finish, you would use 3-4 ounces of mica powder per gallon of epoxy resin.

HOW TO MIX

Before you start, make sure the mica powder is completely dry. If any moisture is present in the mica, the resin won’t cure properly. Bluebird epoxy kit comes with two ingredients: Resin and a hardener.

Mix the resin and hardener according to the directions on the packaging. Usually, you’ll want to mix these ingredients for 5-7 minutes. Then, it’s time to add your mica powder. There are two ways to add mica to resin:

Stir-In Method:

You can mix mica into the resin by hand with a mixing stick. Mix thoroughly. You’ll want to evenly distribute the mica powder throughout the resin.

Pre-Mix Method:

It can be helpful to pre-mix the mica with a smaller amount of resin, especially for smaller-volume projects. To do this, apply a small amount of resin onto a wax surface or into a small cup. Mix the mica powder into the solution, until it is completely dissolved. Then add this to your main epoxy solution.

Mixing 2 or More Colors:

If you want to swirl two mica colours in resin, you'll want to mix two batches. Here's how: After mixing the resin and hardener, split your mixture in two smaller containers (or more if you want to swirl 3 or more colors). Mix your colors in and stir thoroughly.

Then, when you're ready to pour, start with your base color. This will be whichever color with the most volume. And then pour in each additional color. You can then use a toothpick to swirl the colors a bit, before letting the epoxy cure.

TECHNIQUES FOR USING MICA POWDER IN EPOXY RESIN

Here are some creative ways to use mica in resin projects:

1. DUSTING MOLDS

In resin-casting projects, this technique creates a glittery top coat. Simply dust the mold using a soft-bristled paintbrush. Aim for a thin layer of mica across the bottom of the mold, and then brush the mica until it is smooth and flush with the silicon mold. Brush away any excess mica.

Then, pour in your epoxy, and wait. The mica powder layer will adhere to the epoxy, and the result is a vibrant shimmery look. This is great for resin-cast jewelry, coasters, trays and other casting projects.

2. SWIRLING TECHNIQUE

This is a widely used technique on epoxy river tables. After you’ve poured your river, wait 5-6 hours for the epoxy to set-up (how long you wait really depends on the curing time of the epoxy). Then, with a stir stick, swirl through the half-cured epoxy. The result will be glimmering swirls in the epoxy.

3. ADDING DEPTH IN MOLDS

Here’s another technique for silicon molds. Dust areas of the mold that you want to be highlighted or shadowy to create depth. Then, pour in the resin. The effect creates depth and shadows on the finished project, and it is great for resin molds and jewelry casting. It’s especially useful if you want to create more realistic looking creations.

Similarly, if the mold has deep etching, you can dust the mold using mica, and then gently wipe away powder from the higher areas. This will help you color the deeper etchings and create depth to your project.

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