Need help? We've got answers. 

To help you save time, we’ve gathered our frequently asked questions.

1. Mica Powder Pigments
2. Pigment Powders in Epoxy Resin
3. DIY Mineral Makeup, Candles, and Soap Making
4. Other Mica Powder Uses

 

Mica Powder Pigments

What is Mica Powder?

Mica is a naturally occurring mineral that is finely ground into a shimmering powder. Pigment coatings, such as Iron Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, give otherwise translucent mica different colors. MEYSPRING also offers real metal pigments and synthetic mica glitter, which have different compositions. Check the specific product page and documentation for the pigment you are using.

Is mica powder FDA approved?

Mica is listed by the FDA as a color additive permitted for cosmetic use and exempt from batch certification, subject to the applicable specifications. This does not mean every mica blend or finished cosmetic is FDA approved. Coatings and other ingredients can have different permitted uses, including restrictions for lips or the eye area. Check the exact pigment ingredients, intended-use documentation, and the FDA color-additive listings before formulating cosmetics.

Are mica powders matte?

No, MEYSPRING mica powder pigments are all shimmery pigments that create a very sparkly finish with metallic tones.

Is mica powder flammable?

Mica itself is generally nonflammable, but do not apply that statement to every pigment blend or product family. Check the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the exact product. Heat performance depends on the pigment, its coatings, and the application; we do not provide one universal temperature limit for all MEYSPRING pigments. A pigment’s heat performance does not determine the heat resistance of cured resin.

Is Mica Powder vegan?

MEYSPRING pigments are vegan. Vegan describes the absence of animal-derived ingredients; it does not establish cosmetic suitability, food safety, or a universal safety rating. Mica powders, synthetic mica glitter, and True Metallics have different compositions. Check the exact product’s ingredients and intended-use documentation for your application.

Is Mica Powder edible?

MEYSPRING pigments are not sold as edible products. Do not eat them or use them as edible glitter or food decoration. A cosmetic-use statement does not establish edible or food-contact suitability. For more information, see the FDA advisory on non-edible decorative products.

Is MEYSPRING Mica Powder responsibly sourced?

Yes. All MEYSPRING pigments come from reputable Non-Indian Suppliers that provided official statements assuring us they never source mica powder from mines located in India or South Africa. From the beginning at MEYSPRING, it’s been a must to source from suppliers that don’t use any kind of human exploitation, such as child labor. MEYSPRING pigments are always 100% Cruelty-Free in regards to human and animal treatment alike.

Do mica powders have any type of smell?

No, mica-based pigments are odorless.

Does mica powder expire?

Dry mica powders can remain usable for a long time when protected from moisture and contamination. Keep jars or resealable bags tightly closed in a dry location. Do not assume that every pigment family or a finished mixture has an unlimited shelf life; follow the specific product and base-material storage guidance.

Do Mica Powders stain clothes?

Pigments can leave marks, and removal depends on the shade, fabric, and any resin, oil, or other medium mixed with them. Treat spills promptly according to the fabric care instructions and test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area first. We cannot guarantee that all pigments or mixtures will wash out without staining.

Will Mica Powder dissolve?

Mica powder generally disperses as solid particles rather than dissolving in water, oil, or resin. Depending on the medium, it may settle. Compatibility and curing can depend on the exact pigment, base material, and pigment load. Follow the base manufacturer’s instructions and test a small batch before using a pigment in a larger project.

 

Pigment Powders in Epoxy Resin

How to use mica powder in resin?

MEYSPRING mica powders are highly pigmented, so a little bit goes a long way. Mix Part A and Part B according to your resin maker’s instructions, then stir in a little mica until evenly dispersed. Start with a little bit of pigment and add gradually until the desired opacity is reached. Color and resin layer thickness might affect the end result.

How much Mica Powder in Epoxy Resin for a vibrant color?

For small crafts, use level mini measuring spoons. Our tutorial uses these approximate starting amounts per 1 US fl oz of mixed epoxy (resin + hardener):

Start with a little bit of pigment and add gradually until the desired opacity is reached. Color and resin layer thickness might affect the end result.

Keep mica at or below 3% of the combined resin + hardener weight (Part A + Part B), or your resin maker’s lower limit. Too much pigment can interfere with curing. Use a scale to check the weight limit; teaspoon amounts are approximate. For other small batches up to 16 US fl oz, use our mica calculator.

Will MEYSPRING micas create a rich solid color or a translucent one when mixed into Epoxy Resin?

Less mica produces a more translucent effect; adding more usually increases opacity. The color, resin and layer thickness also affect the result. Use the small-craft spoon references above to choose a starting amount, then add gradually within the 3% weight limit or your resin maker’s lower limit.

How much mica powder should I add to 16 fl oz of epoxy?

For 16 US fl oz (2 US cups) of mixed epoxy, start with approximately:

• Translucent: 1/4 tsp
• Semi-opaque: 1/2 tsp
• Opaque: 1 tsp

Use level mini measuring spoons. Start with a little bit of pigment and add gradually until the desired opacity is reached. Color and resin layer thickness might affect the end result.

Keep mica at or below 3% of the combined resin + hardener weight (Part A + Part B), or your resin maker’s lower limit. Too much pigment can interfere with curing.

How much mica powder do I need to make an epoxy river table?

Deep river-table pours may need less pigment per fluid ounce than thin crafts. For an 8-US-gallon batch of mixed epoxy, our approximate starting references are 1 1/2 tsp for translucent color or 3 tsp for opaque color. For deep river-table batches of 1–8 US gallons, choose the river-table setting in our mica calculator.

Start with a little bit of pigment and add gradually until the desired opacity is reached. Color and resin layer thickness might affect the end result.

Keep mica at or below 3% of the combined resin + hardener weight (Part A + Part B), or your resin maker’s lower limit. Too much pigment can interfere with curing.

What MEYSPRING pigments can I use to create a wave effect in beach themed resin art pieces?

To create a wave effect, most artists use a pigment paste. Our mica powders produce a lot of movement and cells with a little bit of heat and the proper amount of pigment in resin. But to create lacing and foam effect on beach-inspired resin pieces with our white pigment powders, it's essential to understand the science behind cells formation in resin art. You can learn more about how it works in this Blog Post.

What epoxy brand should I use with MEYSPRING pigments?

We don't have any specific recommendations for epoxy resin brands as there are many great ones out there at various price points. However, we do recommend researching which one best suits your needs - i.e., the viscosity needed for the style of projects you're doing, cure time, food-safeness, heat resistance, etc. 

We always recommend testing a small pigment batch with your chosen resin through the curing phase to ensure you'll get the desired outcome before using any MEYSPRING pigment with a larger project.

• Resin Painting or Geode Art Projects: Most artists usually prefer the self-leveling resins with a thicker viscosity for this kind of project to ensure the colors stay where they need them on the canvas or surface of choice. More viscous epoxy resins typically have a shorter working and cure time.

• Deep Molds/ Deep Pours and Epoxy Casting Projects: For larger resin river tables, crystal molds, pyramids, etc., using a resin specifically designed for "deep pours/casts" is highly recommended. Casting resins are typically formulated to produce fewer bubbles and have a much longer working and cure time.

• Food-contact surfaces: Check the resin manufacturer’s documentation for the complete cured system, including any added pigment. A resin described as food-safe does not automatically establish that a pigmented finished item is suitable for food contact.

• Heat Resistant Epoxy Projects: For projects such as resin coasters and trays designed to set hot items on, ensure your chosen resin brand is heat-resistant and check the maximum temperature it would withstand.

 

DIY Mineral Makeup, Candles, and Soap Making

Can Mica Powder be used in lip gloss?

Some color additives are permitted for lips and others are restricted. Check the exact pigment’s ingredients and intended-use documentation before formulating a lip product. The following colors are currently listed by MEYSPRING for lip-product formulations. This list does not certify your finished cosmetic. Do not use Gilded Gold in lip products; its product page excludes lip use. See the FDA color-additive listings for ingredient-specific permitted uses.

Two Tone Collection:

• Wine Red
• Royal Gold
• Charcoal Black
• Peach Gold
• White Pearl
• Pure Copper

Gemstones Collection:

• Golden Labradorite
• White Chalcedony
• Bronze Stone
• Rose Quartz
• Violet Crystal
• Purple Amethyst
• Silver Druzy
• Green Pyromorphite

Geode Art Collection:

• Mystic Opal
• Indigo Obelisk
• Dusklight Crystal
• Dazzling Diamond

Can Mica Powder be used for makeup?

Some MEYSPRING pigments can be used in cosmetic formulations, but suitability depends on the exact shade, ingredients, particle size, and intended area of use. Do not assume that a pigment suitable for blush is also suitable for lips or the eye area. Check the specific product’s current ingredient and intended-use documentation, and consult the lip-product list above when relevant. Cosmetic suitability of an ingredient does not certify the finished formulation.

Can mica powder be used in candles?

Mica can give wax a shimmering appearance, but it does not dissolve in wax and can clog a wick or change how a candle burns. Surface decoration can also reach the melt pool, so it does not guarantee safe burning. Use the wax and wick manufacturers’ guidance and test the complete candle system before treating it as a candle intended to burn. For more detail, see our candle article.

Can MEYSPRING Mica Powders be used in cold process soap?

Cold process soap has a high pH, and some pigments morph or fade. The Geode Art pigments described in this FAQ are not recommended for color stability in raw cold process soap. Follow a tested soap-making method and make a small test batch with the exact color before using it in a full batch. Do not assume this guidance establishes True Metallics compatibility.

All mica pigments in our Gemstones Collection are stable in the high pH of raw cold processed soap so they all can be used to color your soap-making projects.

See below the MEYSPRING pigments from our Two Tone Collection that work in cold processed soap:

• Wine Red
• Royal Gold
• White Pearl
• Tropical Blue
• Pure Copper
• Charcoal Black
• Peach Gold

How do I use mica powder to get a multi-colored look in melt and pour soap?

You can add a small amount of a suitable MEYSPRING mica powder to melted soap and stir well. If you pre-disperse it, use a method and amount allowed by your soap-base manufacturer. There is no universal pigment or dispersant dose for every soap base.

For multicolored swirls, temperature and the soap base’s thickness affect how much the colors blend. Follow the base manufacturer’s melting and pouring temperatures. Slightly cooler, thicker soap can help keep colors distinct; warmer, more fluid soap can blend more readily. Test small amounts with your chosen base rather than treating one temperature pair as suitable for every product.

Can mica powder be used in bath bombs?

Mica powders can be used to color bath bombs when the exact pigment is suitable for the intended cosmetic use. Because mica does not dissolve in water, a dispersing ingredient such as Polysorbate-80 may help distribute it. It does not guarantee stain-free results. Follow a tested formulation and the ingredient suppliers’ usage guidance, then test the finished product on the intended surfaces.

 

Other Mica Powder Uses

Can I use mica powders to make paint?

MEYSPRING micas are best if used with transparent paints or mediums like epoxy resin, mate acrylic medium, clear varnishes, lacquer, paint binders. When added to already colored paints, they might not work correctly or require a more massive pigment load, and the colors will likely turn to a pastel tone. We recommend always using a clear base.

Can I add mica powder to a pouring medium, such as Floetrol or Liquitex, and use them on canvas?

You can certainly add these to any pouring medium, such as Floetrol or Liquitex. Translucent mediums are recommended since they won't modify or lighten the colors that much. To make Floetrol paint with these micas, just dilute them in a little bit of water first, then add Floetrol to thicken. Make sure you mix enough pigment because Floetrol can lighten the colors significantly.

Can mica powders be used to make watercolor paints?

Mica powders can be mixed with a suitable watercolor binder, such as a gum arabic-based binder, to create shimmery paint. Water-containing homemade binders need appropriate preservation and storage. A few drops of essential oil or vinegar are not a validated preservative system. Follow a tested paint formulation or use a prepared binder according to its supplier’s instructions. See our watercolor article for the basic mixing method.

Can mica powders be mixed with water to create a wash?

Mica powder can be dispersed in water to create a temporary wash, but it does not dissolve and the particles may settle. Stir as needed. A binder is usually needed for adhesion and a durable painted finish. Test the exact pigment and surface before use.

Can you mix mica powder with acrylic powder?

Yes, you can mix MEYSPRING mica powders with clear acrylic powder to get colored acrylics such as acrylic nails. Most people use a mortar and a pestle to grind up the pigments and the acrylic so that there are no lumps and the mixture is nice and smooth. The proportions depend on the color intensity you want to achieve. We recommend starting with a little bit of pigment mixed into about ¼ teaspoon acrylic powder and then adding more pigment powder until you get the desired color. Always test the final result using liquid acrylic because it usually gets darker when it is wet. You can also mix two or more colors from our set to get a customized hue.

Can I use mica powders with polymer clay?

Mica powders can be mixed into polymer clay before baking or brushed onto the surface for a stronger shimmer. Opaque clay can make the color look lighter. Follow the clay manufacturer’s baking instructions and check the exact pigment’s heat guidance. Do not assume that all pigment coatings or True Metallics will retain their color in every baking or kiln process.

Can I use mica powder to color glass?

Glass applications require pigments and binders compatible with the particular glass and firing process. We do not provide a universal MEYSPRING glass-firing recipe or temperature. Before firing, obtain technical guidance for the exact pigment and glass system and test a small sample. A general statement about mica’s heat resistance does not establish suitability for glass firing.

Can you use mica powder in concrete or grout?

Opaque grey or white concrete and grout can mute mica colors and reduce their shimmer. We do not have a universal tested pigment ratio for these materials. Use a colorant recommended by the concrete or grout manufacturer, or obtain compatibility guidance for the exact pigment and system before testing a small batch.