Epoxy resin is an incredible art medium to work with. The product is clear, so you might be wondering how you can add some color to it for different projects. Luckily, there is a pretty simple solution.
So, can you mix oil paint with epoxy resin? Yes you can! Epoxy resin is made out of products that mix well with oil paints. This means that you can easily mix oil paints with epoxy resin to create different colors and a look that you can use on multiple different projects.
It is extremely important to remember how difficult it can be to clean oil paint before you mix it with epoxy resin. You will need to make sure the area you are working in is prepared for the potential mess that you might encounter. If you want to avoid this kind of mess completely, you might want to consider another additive to change the color of your resin.
How to Mix Oil Paint With Epoxy Resin
Mixing oil paint with resin is fairly easy, but you still should be careful during the process. You will have to pay close attention to the ratios both materials to make sure you don’t add too much paint.
My favorite and top pick is always Arteza Oil Paints. They have so many different colors, and the quality is amazing! I usually use Arteza Paints for all my projects.
The first step is to mix the epoxy resin. Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area when mixing the resin. If you have never done this before, you might want to account for some extra time in case it doesn’t mix right the first time. After you have done this a few times, you will get the hang of it and have an easier time.
It is important to note that your epoxy resin won’t cure if it isn’t mixed properly. It is recommended to mix for a minimum of two minutes, even longer if you notice it’s not fully mixed after this time.
You will want to mix the paint in with the epoxy before you add it to a mold of your choice. This will allow you to completely mix the paint into the epoxy resin for the best possible outcome. You should always add small amounts of the oil paint at a time. This will ensure that you don’t add too much paint and miss the color you were hoping for.
Each time you add more paint to the mixture you are going to mix it in completely. This will give you an accurate look at what the epoxy resin will look like colored. You can then decide if you think you should add some more paint or if you are happy with the color.
When you are happy with the color of your epoxy resin, you can add it to the mold you want to use. Remove any air bubbles with a heat gun and give the epoxy resin plenty of time to cure in the mold.
What Type of Paint Can Be Mixed With Epoxy Resin?
In addition to oil paint, there are other ways you can color epoxy resin. Another popular paint to color epoxy resin with is acrylic paint. You will want to test out a small sample of the resin with the acrylic paint before you add paint to the entire mixture. This will give you an idea of how the acrylic will mix with the epoxy.
If you are satisfied with the sample, you can add the acrylic paint to the rest of the epoxy resin. Just like with the oil paint, you will want to start by adding small amounts of paint to the epoxy mixture and mix each time you add more. This will prevent you from adding too much paint and ruining the epoxy.
In addition to acrylic paint and oil paint, you can also color epoxy resin with alcohol-based ink and resin tint. Resin tint is designed specifically for use with resin, so you will have an easy time getting it to mix.
What Should Oil Paint Not Be Mixed with?
The main product you should avoid mixing oil paint with is water-based products. Oil and water do not mix, so it makes sense that oil-based paints will not mix with water and water-based paint.
You can’t mix oil paints with acrylic, gouache, gesso, latex or vinyl paints. These products will separate from each other, and you will be left with a frustrating situation. It is best to mix water-based paints with other water-based paints and mix oil paints with oil paints.
Can You Paint on Epoxy Resin?
It is absolutely possible to paint on epoxy resin. First, you will want to make sure the surface of the resin is completely clean. In some cases, there might be some dust, dirt, or other residue on the surface that can prevent the paint from sticking to the surface. You can clean it with soap and warm water to ensure the surface is residue free.
Next, you will want to sand the surface of the resin. This will remove any impurities from the surface and make it easier for the paint to adhere to the surface. Since epoxy resin is a pretty smooth surface, a slight rough surface is necessary for paint to stick.
Priming is an important step of painting resin. If you do not use a primer on your epoxy resin, the paint will likely just slide right off the surface. Primers are even available in different colors, making it easy to add an all-over base coat for your painting without needing to add an extra step.
I recommend using Mont Marte Primer. I use this with all my oil paint and acrylic paint projects. It’s affordable, and premium quality.
You can purchase primer in a spray or brush-on form, depending on your preference. However, brush-on primers are recommended because you have a better chance of applying a smooth, even coat. You should apply about two coats of primer and let them dry before you start painting.
When the primer is finished, you can start painting. You will want to paint in thin layers because this will help the paint dry easier and prevent cracking or chipping. Let each layer of paint dry completely before you add the next. Finish your artwork with a sealant and you are done!
How to Seal Oil Painted Epoxy Resin
When you are finished painting epoxy resin with oil paint, you will want to seal it to protect it from yellowing, fading, peeling, and cracking. An oil-based sealant will work fine for this because it will adhere well to both the oil paint and the surface of the epoxy resin. Oil-based sealants offer your painted epoxy great protection, but they are more likely to yellow over time.
For varnish, I always use Grumbacher Oil Paint Varnish. It dries clear, and doesn’t yellow over time. Another great brand Gamblin. Both of these brands are used my professionals, and offer an amazing finish.
Any oil-based sealant will be fine to use on top of oil painted epoxy. You can choose one that has a lower chance of yellowing over time for the best results. It is best to apply at least two coats of sealant on top of the paint to ensure maximum protection.
Final Thoughts
Epoxy resin is an awesome art medium to work with. However, it can be kind of boring since it is clear. You might be wondering how you can add some color to the epoxy resin to make it more exciting.
Epoxy resin is made with chemicals that are similar to those found in oil paints. This means that oil paints will mix best with epoxy resin. You can also color epoxy resin with acrylic paint, resin tint, or alcohol-based ink.
You can also paint on top of epoxy resin to create a unique design. The process is simple, but you need to make sure you prepare and prime the surface before you start for the best adhesion.
Make sure to follow all my tips and recommended products to ensure your oil paint and resin project turns out great! Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!