Mica Powder and Pigment Powder – Differences and Use with Epoxy Resin

What is Mica Powder?

Mica powder is one of the most popular choices for artists and enthusiasts who want to make the finest art. Consisting of the most natural elements, it is very safe to use and is non-toxic.

It is a common confusion on the difference between Mica powder and pigment powder.

Mica Powder is shimmery, giving a very glossy effect, while normal color pigment has a matte appearance. The powder is very flexible and is used in beauty products, healthcare products like lotions and soaps, and also in art supplies. Makeup enthusiasts are often baffled with the glow and the radiance it gives to their appearance. For artists, it is a perfect pick that can fit into any project.

With an extended usage in woodblock, festivals of color, clay pots, and architecture, Mica is an organic mineral found in stones. When this mineral with shiny flakes goes through the process of grounding, it is converted to the powder form. Mica powder is best known to give a perlaceous effect.

What Is the Best Mica Powder for Resin?

You have probably seen mica pigment powder around, whether it be in your local store or while you were shopping online for crafting supplies. Loads of companies make this product, and unfortunately, not all mica powder kits are made equal. This begs the question, what is the best mica powder for resin? Let’s have a look at some of the best-rated mica powder sets on the market and see how they stack up against one another.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of using Mica

Many individuals often encounter the problem of using a product that does not suit their skin. Mica, however, is a relief as it suits all skin types and is extremely safe to use. Possessing all-natural ingredients that are very beneficial for health and beauty, it does not have any additional side effects on the skin like rashes and irritation. It is also ground to the finest powder creating a scintillating organic finish.

If Mica has any disadvantage, it would be the mining involved. The regions that have abundance in the deposits of Mica require huge amounts of manpower. Thus, the industry often deals with child labor, for example in India. States like Jharkhand in India are examples of the poverty-stricken helplessness the children deal with while mining.

Usage of Mica Pigments in Art

Mica pigments consist of minute particles that can easily dissolve into any opaque medium. Thus, for maximum benefits of shine and sparkle, the pigment powder can be used in clear or translucent mediums. These pigments shine, particularly in oil paints and watercolors. You can mix the mica pigment by the requirement for the intensity of the color, which can be light or heavy.

The pigments work wonders with transparent topcoats like shellac, wax, clear epoxies, and glazes. It is very useful for Iconography, and Egg Tempera Artists will find them particularly useful, especially in Iconography. It is also a common choice for walls, floors, and furniture as it never degrades and is safe to use.

What is Pigment Powder?

Pigment powders consist of pigments known to give color to paint, that are primarily used for adding color to many products. Innately, they do not possess any lustrous properties.

The effect is similar to powdered colored chalk. The pigments powder consists of a range of colors like ultramarine blue, cadmium red, yellow ochre, and titanium white.

Pigment Blue 15 is an example of synthetic artificial pigment that is not produced naturally. The pure pigments which are recommended often fare higher than the ones mixed with fillers like chalk.

Fruit Powder Vs Fruit Juice; Which Is Better?

We all often get confused as to what is better and more nutritious between fruit juice and fruit powder.

This is because many people are not concerned about consuming a well-balanced diet but instead choose to have a quick meal instead to manage time, leading to severe consequences. This is where food and fruit supplements came to play, these powdery substances can be mixed with quick meals or taken with plain water and they'll take care of your body's nutritional needs.