Using resin additives in 3D printing to achieve unique colors, effects, and finishes on 3D models is one of the major fun activities for 3D printing enthusiasts. However, it is crucial to choose the right additive for the safety of 3D printer parts and the success of the printing project.
To protect you from such hassles, I have compiled a list including some of the best 3D printer resin additives that can enhance the appearance of 3D printed models without causing any issues.
Best 3D Printer Resin Additives & Pigments
Here are the best 3D printer resin additives and pigments you can use:
24 Color Epoxy UV Resin Pigment is a great option for 3D printer users who want to create a wide range of bright, vibrant, and long-lasting hues and shades for their resin 3D printing projects.
The pigment is specifically designed to be used in epoxy resin that can cure under UV light but can effectively be utilized for resin 3D printing as well.
A small amount of pigment can be enough for a lot of resin, thanks to their highly concentrated properties. Some other major benefits of this pigment include:
ALL-STAR COLOR - 24 colors epoxy resin color pigment are carefully formulated ensures to achieve dazzling color effect. They can make your crafts brilliant while staying translucent, or you could add more to get opaque colors!
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One user said that he used this pigment while printing a translucent glass bottle and it took about 6-10 drops to achieve the desired shade. When mixed and printed well, the pigment gives a nearly opaque colored-glass effect to the models. The user ranks it as a great option for all kinds of resin crafts and 3D printing projects.
Another user added 4ml blue color pigment in 500ml resin and the 3D printed model came out with perfect bright color. The user recommended while saying that the pigment meets the expectations when coloring the translucent 3D resin.
Mica Powder Colors is the first product that comes into mind when trying to create vibrant shades and dyes in resin 3D printing. These are synthetic-based, ultrafine powder that creates a shimmery, pearl, or metallic finish depending upon the amount added.
Chameleon Mica Powder Set: The set includes 16 individual colors of metallic mica powder. Each jar contains 0.1 oz. Every color offers unique shades with a pleasant shimmering glow.
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The powder is non-toxic and safe if it comes in contact with the skin, lips, or even the eyes. However, it is better to use safety gear especially if you have some medical or allergic conditions. The powder easily gets mixed into the resin and doesn’t bleed or fade.
One user said that at first, mixing Mica powder (gold color) gave an oil-like look and didn’t mix well with the resin. Reducing the amount resulted in a marble-like effect which wasn’t also the desired shade. However, finding the correct amount is key and once you get there, the resultant model does look cool.
Another user printed a Unicorn model by adding dye and mica powder color to the original clear blue resin. The users didn’t change any of the exposure settings and the print came out awesome.
Here is a video by Andrew Sink on printing a model using Mica Powder Glitter.
The Bora Bora Blue Mica Powder Pigment is another great option to add a vibrant blue shade to your resin 3D printing projects. The powder is ultrafine and mixes well with the UV resin creating a beautiful shimmering effect on your 3D models.
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A small amount is mostly enough which mitigates the chances of pigment sitting in the resin vat’s bottom and blocking UV light transmission.
One user said that the pigment is attractive and only a small amount of powder was enough for him to get the desired effects. It requires some effort to mix well with the resin but the final result was impressive.
Another user said the shimmer of the Bora Bora Blue powder is exceptionally fine and the pigment itself has a smooth, high-quality, and rich finish. In a nutshell, the user loves the pigment.
It is recommended to wear safety gear such as gloves, glasses, and masks to avoid inhaling or getting the power dust in your eyes. If the powder comes in contact with your skin or eyes, wash the area with fresh water and seek medical assistance if the irritation persists.
The FormFutura Spectrum Color Pigment is another ideal option as it is specially designed to work with 3D printing resin. The pigment ensures optimal coloring and gives you versatility with its wide range of 29 colors.
Designed for top-notch performance
Wide selection of colors
Easy to use
High-quality results
Before starting the 3D printing process, let the pigment-resin mixture rest for a few minutes to get rid of any air bubbles. This will make it easy to work with while also enhancing the final look.
One user said that this additive is great to be mixed in resin especially if you want a wide range of shades, hues, or colors. The pigments come in 25g packages suitable for 1,000g resin which is more than enough to be used for a long time.
The Glow in the Dark by Art’N Glow is one of the best in the glow-in-dark category with its brightest and long-lasting strontium illuminate coated glow. The pigment or crystals are within 30-50 microns which makes it an ideal fit for resin 3D printing.
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One user said that the powder works great with resin but doesn’t have good results when mixed with resin and alcohol together. Doing so thickens the resin and restricts the reaction of the ink. The user said that though the resin is a bit expensive, he will order it again.
Another user experimented with mixing another glow-in-dark, Stuart UV-Charged Powder by mixing it directly into the resin. The user printed keychains on Anycubic Photon S and the result was awesome. He used 1/4th a teaspoon per 30ml and had to stir a lot to get a perfect mixture.
CMYK 3D Pigment Set is another good option for users who want to customize 3D prints with unique hues. Light stable pigments create long-lasting and attractive shades.
The white color is popular as it creates a unique opaque shade that looks great on 3D printing projects such as miniatures, terrain, and home decor.
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As the set includes some chemicals and compounds, it is essential to wear protective gloves, and eye protection glasses to prevent any irritation.
One user asked about the best pigment to use for white resin and most other users said that the CMYK pigment set from Monocure 3D works really well.
Another user said that the pigment is great and only a few drops are enough for a full vat. The pigment can create an effect that looks like powder is present within each layer which gives an attractive look.
The user also said that you may go for alcohol inks as they are great but require a good amount to achieve the desired color. They can also damage the FEP film quickly because of their harsh properties.
Yes, you can add glitter to 3D printing resin to have sparkly, shiny, or models with different effects. However, it is a good idea to test your glitter by printing a small model to analyze its compatibility, strength, finish, and other aspects of the printed model.
It’s crucial to choose the right type of resin with ultrafine particles (~ 50 microns) to avoid having chunks of the resin in the vat.
Glitter that is too heavy or thick can also sit in the vat bottom blocking the UV light and completely ruining the resin 3D printing. Adding too much can cause the model to become weak as well.
Some resin 3D printers such as the Original Prusa SL1S Speed are a better option for such activities as they have a tilting vat that helps agitate/mix the resin while printing.
Another user mentioned that the particles can remain in the vat for a long time even after multiple cleanings and it may also cause the FEP to wear out quickly.
One other user said that he printed with a transparent resin and it turned out lovely. He cautioned that the glitter particles can be messy to clean out of the vat. The users also shared a picture of the printed model stating that the Mica Glitter gives different shades from different angles.
Here is a video expecting different pigments/glitters in resin 3D printing.
One user said that if you don’t want to mix glitter into the resin, you can use the Krylon Glitter Blast Spray Paint from Hobby Lobby on the finished model. Another talked about getting success with spray-on glue and then spraying glitter on top of the Christmas ornaments.
WORKS ON ALMOST ANY SURFACE – Take your seasonal craft decorations to the next level with Krylon Glitter Blast glitter spray paint. It adheres well to most surfaces, including craft foam, wood, metal, wicker, plastic, glass, ceramic, pottery and paper.
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With these options, you’ll be able to get some great and unique resin 3D prints.
Michael Dwamena is the founder of 3D Printerly, a platform dedicated to simplifying 3D printing for hobbyists and professionals alike. Owns over 20 3D printers (filament and resin) and has plenty experience 3D printing. Michael has authored over 900 articles, helping millions navigate the exciting world of 3D printing.
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