How to use Thermo Colors in Resin
We are always looking to bring you fun and amazing products! Today we are really excited to tell you all about our thermo colors. We have been getting lots of questions about how to use thermo colors so we are going to answer them for you here!
Resin has always been an artistic medium that provides tons of diversity. We have seen so many different types of amazing pieces that have been created by our customers. From mica powders, to dispersion colors and alcohol inks, there are so many products that you can add to your resin to make unique pieces of art. One of the newest trends in resin art are thermo colors and we are so excited for you to try them in your creations!
How to use Thermo Colors in Resin
Ok now to the good stuff! We have compiled some of your most frequently ask questions and now it’s time to give you the answers…
What are thermo colors?
Thermo colors are a type of mica powder that change color when exposed to heat. The shade pictured above is Psychedelic and it is a vibrant turquoise when it is cool then shifts to a bright yellow/lime green when it gets hot. It is so fun to watch these powders change color right before your eyes! Each of our thermo colors give you two shades. One when cool and a different one when hot. If you already use other mica or pigment powders in your resin you will love using these powders too!
What makes the colors change?
Thermo colors change their shade when they are exposed to heat. This could be achieved either from body heat or from exposure to outside temperatures. For instance, if you had a tumbler made with thermo colors, holding your warm hand on it would cause the colors to shift. The same thing would happen if you took it outside on a hot day or had it sitting in a room with direct sunlight. Just be careful with direct sunlight. It will allow your colors to change but if a resin piece is left in the sunlight for long periods of time the color will permanently change. Spending time with it outside is totally fine, just don’t leave it out to sunbathe for days.
How do I use thermo colors?
Thermo colors can be added directly to your Artist Resin just like any other pigments. Also like other pigments, use a little or a lot depending on the shade richness you are going for. Many people have had great luck with using a stir stick to measure the thermo powder. Just get a heaping scoop on the end of the stick and add two of those scoops to your resin. Don’t forget to thoroughly mix the powder into the resin to ensure an even coverage. Some of our customers have had great luck with just one coat while others have preferred two. It depends on the item you are making, the color you are using, and the effect you are trying to achieve.
We know that many of you are tumbler makers. A base coat of paint is often used on tumblers before adding your resin applications. Be assured that any color you want to use as a base coat will work fine. The base color won’t affect the pigment as long as the paint layers are dried before adding the color changing layer.
What types of projects can I use them for?
As usual with your resin art, the sky is the limit when it comes to your creativity! When deciding which projects to use thermo colors in, think about how often the item will be exposed to heat. You don’t want to use these powders on something that will never get a chance to change color. Tumblers are a great option for these powders because we so often hold them in our hands and travel outdoors with them. You would have plenty of opportunities to watch the colors shift. Another great item to use these with would be phone grips. Those are constantly in hand and would easily change color! You could also use the powders on coasters. Place a hot mug of coffee on the coaster and watch it transform! Next, switch to iced tea and watch it change back.
The Wrap Up!
That’s all you need to know to start you on your journey with thermo colors! There are so many projects that would be great for these powders and we can’t wait to see what you come up with. From peek-a-boo tumblers to geode coasters there is no end to what you can make with these. Remember that we love to see what you create, tag us on Instagram with #counterculturediy so we can check out your art work!
If you want more inspiration and information we have a Facebook group for that. Join us in Counter Culture DIY Artist Support where we, and other artists, offer ideas, answer questions, and support each other!