Can I Use Acrylic Colours in Resin Art?

Jan 12, 2024

Khushvinder Dagar

Acrylic colours have gained significant popularity among artists for their vibrant tone and versatile nature. Similarly, resin art has also become a favourite among art enthusiasts. But is it possible to combine these two mediums? Can these colours be effectively used in such art projects?

These colours are renowned for their versatility, vibrant pigments, and rapid drying time. These paints can be applied on various surfaces, which makes them a preferred choice for artists. Hence, it is possible to incorporate them into resin art projects. However, it is crucial to note that not all suit this purpose. This blog aims to address this question comprehensively and furnish you with all the essential information required. For more insights, consider enrolling in a resin art course.

Why Should You Consider Using Acrylic Colors in Resin Art?

Using them can enhance your overall experience as an artist. They offer a wide range of possibilities for creating vibrant and eye-catching designs. Their smooth texture and versatility allow you to experiment with different techniques and effects, creating stunning visual effects in your artwork. Following are some of the reasons why you should consider them.

Increased Color Options

They come in various shades, ranging from vibrant primaries to subtle pastels, metallics, and even fluorescent shades. This extensive colour palette allows you to easily blend and mix colours, enabling you to achieve the desired shades and tones in your artwork.

Ease of Use

Using these is remarkably user-friendly, making it an ideal choice for beginners and experienced artists. Their fluid consistency allows for effortless application and manipulation on the resin surface. Whether you prefer brushwork or pouring techniques, they provide exceptional control and precision.

[Pro Tip: Use Thin Layers: When applying acrylic colours to resin, opt for thin layers rather than thick ones. Thin layers allow the colours to flow and blend more smoothly, creating a sense of depth and dimension in your artwork.]

Excellent Pigmentation

These colours are known for their intense pigmentation. The vibrant pigments of acrylics remain true to their original colour even when mixed with resin, resulting in captivating and eye-catching artwork. This quality ensures that your resin art will maintain its vibrancy and visual impact.

Long-lasting Results

When cured, they showcase remarkable longevity and durability. They are resistant to fading, yellowing, and damage from UV light, ensuring that your resin art remains vibrant and captivating for years to come. This durability makes them a reliable choice for creating artwork.

[Pro Tip: Protect Your Artwork: Apply a clear resin or varnish over the surface to enhance the colours and provide a glossy, professional finish. This protective layer protects your artwork from dust, scratches, and UV damage.]

Quick Drying Time

Unlike other mediums, these dry quickly. As resin needs to be poured over layers of colour, their fast drying time ensures that you can proceed with the next step of your artwork without waiting for extended periods. This efficiency allows you to complete your creations in a shorter time frame.

Availability and Affordability

They are widely available in various art supply stores and online platforms. They come in different brands, price ranges, and package sizes. Whether a beginner or an experienced resin artist, you can easily find colours that suit your budget and preferences.

Cleaning & Maintenance

When it comes to art, cleanliness is crucial. These are water-based and can be easily cleaned with water and soap. This allows you to maintain the cleanliness of your tools, brushes, and work area effortlessly. Any spills or mistakes can be rectified easily without damaging the resin surface.

Superior Mixing and Blending

One of the major advantages of using acrylic colours in resin art is their ability to mix and blend seamlessly. They can be easily intermixed, allowing you to achieve gradients, ombre effects, and smooth transitions between colours.

[Pro Tip: Colour Mixing: Start with a small amount of each colour and gradually add more until you achieve the desired shade.]

What Are the Drawbacks of Using Acrylic Colours in Resin Art?

Despite being known for their bold tone, quick drying time, and versatility, there are some drawbacks that you should be aware of when using these colours in your art project. By being aware of the challenges and taking specific precautions, you can overcome these drawbacks and create stunning art pieces.

Colour Fade

One of the primary drawbacks of using them in resin art is that they can fade over time. Acrylic paints are not inherently lightfast, meaning they can be prone to fading when exposed to sunlight or even indoor lighting. This can be a significant concern if you want your art pieces to retain their vibrancy and colour intensity over the long term.

Limited Translucency

This art form often relies on the interaction between resin and pigments to create depth and visual interest. However, these colours tend to be more opaque than other pigments, resulting in a loss of clarity. This can restrict your ability to create layered and immersive art pieces.

[Pro Tip: Layering Technique: Utilise the layering technique to overcome opacity challenges. Start with a base layer of transparent or lightly tinted colours, gradually building up to more opaque colours.]

Colour Shifting

They can exhibit colour shifting when mixed with resin. This means that the colour of the acrylic paint may change or shift slightly once it is mixed with the substance and cured. While colour shifting can sometimes create interesting and unexpected effects, it can be frustrating if you want precise control.

[Pro Tip: Test and Record: Create small test pieces, noting the colours used and the changes after curing. This will help you anticipate any colour shifts and adjust your colour palette accordingly.]

Chemical Reaction

Another drawback of using them is the potential for a chemical reaction between the acrylic paint and the resin. These contain various additives and binders that may not always be compatible with the chemicals in resin. This can lead to discolouration, cracking, or other unwanted effects in the final results.

Must-Have Acrylic Colors for Resin Art

Now that you have understood their pros and cons, it is time to look for suitable options. If you still wish to experiment with this option, the following recommendations will help you in the long run:

Liquitex Basics Acrylics: These budget-friendly acrylic paints offer a wide range of transparent colours suitable for resin art. They have good lightfastness and excellent mixing properties, making them ideal for experimentation.
Golden High Flow Acrylics: Known for their exceptional transparency and intense colour pigments, these are highly recommended for creating captivating resin art. They are available in various transparent shades and can be easily mixed and poured.
Amsterdam Acrylic Inks: If you prefer working with inks instead of traditional paints, these are an excellent choice for resin art. They provide vibrant colours, high transparency, and easy application, allowing you to achieve stunning effects in your resin artwork.
Jacquard Piñata Colors: These alcohol-based acrylic colours offer intense, transparent shades perfect for resin art. They are highly blendable, allowing you to create intricate designs and patterns in your resin pieces.

Conclusion

Acrylic colours can indeed be used in resin art projects. Their vibrant colours, ease of use, ability to add texture, and long-lasting results make them a fantastic choice for artists. By understanding their pros and cons and considering the pro tips, you can embark on your art journey.

So, explore your creativity, and create breathtaking artwork with this perfect combination. To learn more about them and their application, visit Arts Shala’s website and Contact Us for more details.