Stirring acrylic paint into epoxy resin sounds like an easy job, but it can throw up a load of surprises if you’re not careful. That first pour always looks good—until fifteen minutes later, a cloudy haze creeps in, or pieces flake off after curing. I discovered years ago the hard truth: not every art supply likes to be part of a resin project. People want vibrant color and durable finish, so there needs to be some respect for the chemistry happening here.
People chase intense color by tipping in more paint. Sometimes the piece comes out sticky, cloudy, or riddled with bubbles. Not every acrylic works the same way—some brands load up on fillers or clays, which foul up the chemical bond in resin. Too much pigment interrupts the way resin hardens. The general experience from community groups and pros lines up: stick below 10% acrylic paint to resin by volume, and don’t forget to test a sample before going large.
Industry resin manufacturers have said that going past 10% increases the risk of soft, bendy, or sticky results. That’s because excess water or extra binders in paint can fight the catalyst, slowing or even stopping the cure. If a project needs deep, opaque color, professional resin pigments work better.
Proper PPE cannot be forgotten whether pouring a coaster or casting a huge panel. Resin has fumes, and sanding releases micro-particles. Mixing in unknown brands just adds more guesswork. The internet is full of stories about surfaces yellowing under sunlight, with people scratching their heads six months later. Acrylic inherently isn’t made for embedding, since its binders can react over time and add to the risk of failure. It’s tempting to improvise, but for professional commissions or anything that will get real use, dedicated tints hold up much better.
Many hobbyists find their way through trial and error. Keeping detailed notes about paint brands, resin types, and mix ratios saves money and time down the line. Some test by mixing a teaspoon of acrylic in a quarter-cup of resin and then waiting a week to see if results hold up. That’s the sweet spot for color that shines through with no sticky aftermath. Skipping this step wastes time and money.
Experts from the resin industry and top YouTubers stress the limits of resin compatibility. Epoxy resin has a strict ratio for solvents and solids in order to harden as designed. User reports across forums and proven published guidelines both back up the same numbers—10% acrylic paint is the cap. Lab testing and manufacturer data point to the chemistry, not just appearance, of finished pieces.
Artists seeking vibrant, lasting results go straight to colorants made for resin: powdered pigments, concentrated pastes, and alcohol inks. Synthetic pigments and dyes join the resin matrix instead of fighting it. Results look bolder, cure fast, and last longer. Those who try these say the difference is clear from the first pour. Less frustration, less waste, and more time making art—that’s the sort of reliability you build a hobby or business around.
