How do I get a translucent tint or subtle shimmer with pigments?

Limit the amount of pigment. For a translucent, smoky look, such as a see-through black or grey around a wood slab, add only a small amount of color to the mix. Both Pigmently Liquid Dyes and Mica Powder Pigments can give a translucent effect this way. Liquid dyes create transparent, stained-glass-style tints, while powders create opaque, shimmery or metallic color. For a translucent black, sample the Dark Matter powder and the Black liquid dye in a small test to see which one fits your project and to work out the pigment-to-resin ratio you need. Once you know the ratio, order enough to have on hand for the final piece.

For a slight pearl or shimmer over artwork, the mica powders are the right choice: every Pigmently mica powder naturally has a pearlescent, slight-shimmer quality. Review the product photos for the colors you like; the epoxy cube in each listing shows the final result with that powder mixed in.

If you're trying to match a reference photo, it's hard to say exactly what was used in someone else's piece, but mixing two colors can get you close (for one customer's Deep Pour reference around a walnut slab, we suggested a blend of Deep Blue Wonder and Deep Space Blue). Each person sees color a little differently, so order a sample pack and test on a small scale before the final pour.

Pigment FAQ: https://ultraclear.helpscoutdocs.com/article/80-epoxy-color-pigments Mica powders: https://www.bestbartopepoxy.com/collections/epoxy-powder-pigments Liquid dyes: https://www.bestbartopepoxy.com/collections/epoxy-liquid-pigments