Walk into any craft store, and people will point out the rows of acrylic paints, marketed as the go-to for any colorful project. Epoxy resin, a glossy and durable material, has gained plenty of fans for its ability to trap color and create good-looking finishes. Blend both, and the result can be stunning. Swirling paint into clear resin opens up a world of effects: marbling, ocean waves, and vivid abstract art. On social media, creators show off resin coasters and tables with designs that grab attention. At home, people ask, “Can I use acrylic paint in epoxy resin?” The answer is yes, but it comes with care and understanding of both chemistry and craft.
Artists appreciate the control acrylic offers. Epoxy resin loves to be mixed with different colorants. Alcohol inks, powdered pigments, and specialty dyes all change the look of a pour. Acrylic paint is a favorite because it’s easy to find, affordable, and water-based. A single tube unlocks new possibilities with colors you might already own. Acrylics provide beautiful opacity. Instead of thin or transparent results, you get strong pops of color. For someone looking to experiment, this makes the resin much more flexible.
Not every experiment goes right. Acrylic paint is designed for water, not resin. I learned this first-hand, messing up a handmade jewelry batch. Acrylic contains water and binders. Water and epoxy resin rarely work together perfectly. Add too much paint, and resin might not cure well. The surface might feel soft, sticky, or even bubbly. These failures waste time and materials. People often post pictures online with cloudy finishes or sticky batches, looking for advice. In my own projects, I started to measure carefully and never dumped paint into resin without testing. The best ratio is usually less than ten percent paint to resin—sometimes only a few drops for small pours.
Ignoring the chemistry can lead to disappointments. Epoxy cures by chemical reaction, not by drying. Anything disrupting that process can leave behind soft spots. Acrylic binders and water slow down or stop the cure. For this reason, manufacturers don’t advertise acrylic paint as an ideal resin additive. Trying new ideas is part of creativity, but always in small batches first. Otherwise, frustration and wasted money follow. Some resin artists switch to specialty resin pigments or alcohol inks because these colorants react better with resin chemistry. Still, acrylic remains a practical option for people on a budget or looking for a unique finish.
Start with less paint than you think you need. Mix thoroughly, and wait for a few minutes to watch for odd reactions—sometimes colors clump or separate. Pour in thin layers. If you want rich, solid colors, look for paint marked as high pigment, with less filler. Many artists add a drop of acrylic to a small cup of resin first and let it sit for five minutes; if no weird effects show up, they scale up. Wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated space. Keep a notebook to record what works, so mistakes turn into lessons instead of losses. In art, pushing boundaries leads to new discoveries, but understanding the materials and their quirks always pays off.
