Mica Powder FAQs

Mica powder is a marvelous medium that can be used as a pigment in a wide variety of crafting projects, some of which will be explored here.

Start here and see if this short guide answers some of your questions - if not, you can always contact us (information below).

1. What is mica powder made of?

Mica powder is made of mica, a silicate mineral, which is ground into a fine powder. Mica occurs in many colors, naturally, but some mica pigments are augmented with other pigments to make them richer and brighter.

Mica is also naturally reflective, so you can use mica pigments to create iridescent, metallic, and pearlescent shine in a variety of projects.

2. What’s the difference between mica powder and mica pigment?

In common usage, there is no difference between mica powder and mica pigment and both terms can be used interchangeably. However, as stated, some mica powders have additional pigments/colorants added to them to increase intensity, appeal, etc.

3. Can you mix it with water? Does it dissolve?

Mica powder can be mixed with water but it does not dissolve in it, as mica itself is not water soluble. As a result, when adding to water, you will need to stir the mixture periodically to keep the pigment/powder from settling out of the mixture.

4. What other media can you mix mica powder with?

Mica powders can be mixed with a wide range of media, including but not limited to acrylic pouring medium, epoxy resin, glass, clay, oil-based media, wax, soap, and acrylic paint. Mica pigment can also be added to a wide range of plastics in lieu of a dye. Mica powders can even be mixed with other carrier oils, like jojoba oil, almond oil, or linseed oil, to which they will impart a shimmery appearance.

5. Can you use mica powder as a paint pigment?

Yes, mica powder can be used as a paint pigment. In fact, many mica pigments contain the same pigments used in conventional acrylic and oil paints, such as titanium dioxide and copper phthalocyanine (to name just a couple). Using mica pigments to augment paint can be done to create a shiny or metallic hue to the paint.

6. Can you use mica pigment in glass or grout?

Yes, mica pigment can be used in both glass and grout. It is actually quite practical for use in the latter as it does not dissolve in water and is colorfast.

7. What are top uses for mica pigments?

Mica pigments can be used in a wide variety of project and applications, including but not limited to:

• Plastic art
• Glass art
• In clay and grout
• Candlemaking
• Soap making, and in bath bombs
• Cosmetics, such as lip balms, gloss, lotions, body butters, nail polish, and make up
• As an additive to watercolor, acrylic, and oil paints
• Epoxy resin pouring/casting projects
• In inks, such as for calligraphy

Mica powders and pigments have many other uses in addition to those listed here; this is just a sampling.

8. Is mica powder toxic?

Mica powder is non-toxic, and so it is popularly used in soap making and in the production of cosmetics. However, the FDA may have separate regulations for the other pigments sometimes used in mica pigments. For additional information, please see the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) on each product page, where you will find detailed specifications on pigments used.

9. Is it safe for use on skin/cosmetics?

Yes, mica powders are, in general, safe for use in skin products and cosmetics. For more detailed information on each color and its appropriate uses, consult the SDS on the product page.

10. Does the color fade?

Mica pigments are colorfast, and will not fade, which means you can stock up today and your pigments will stay bright and concentrated until you’re ready to use them for your project.

11. Does Rolio offer safety data sheets (SDS)?

Yes, check each product page for more information. Each one will contain product/pigment specific information on risks, appropriate uses, considerations for application, handling, storage, and more.

12. Is mica powder vegan?

Yes, mica powders are made with mineral pigments and are naturally vegan. This information is provided solely for the purpose of information, and mica pigments should not be taken internally.

13. Does mica powder expire?

Mica powder does not expire and is colorfast, so these pigments have a near indefinite shelf life.

14. Will it stain clothing?

Mica powder and pigments can stain clothing, but most can be rinsed out using standard laundering procedures since the pigments are not soluble in water. If you get mica powder mixed with a wax or oil-based carrier on fabrics, though, it might be a little harder to wash out. The issue there is the wax or oil, however, and not the mica itself.

15. How much powder should you add per gallon of epoxy?

That really depends on the project, and Rolio Pigments’ mica pigments are highly concentrated so a little bit goes a long way. Using an amount of mica pigment equal to roughly 0.5% to 3% the total volume of epoxy is recommended. That means for a gallon of resin, you can use anywhere from 18 to 108 grams of pigment.

As an easy starting point, start out small with about 16 grams per gallon and see how it looks. If it is too thin, add more. Remember, in a concentrated mixture, the epoxy might look darker colored than it will appear when you pour it, so keep that in mind.

16. Do mica powder/projects need to be sealed?

Mica powder containers should be sealed to prevent spills, but otherwise, exposure to air will not damage them.

As for projects, sealing them with a top coat or some other sort of finish is not necessary to protect the pigment itself, but can protect the surface of your project from wear, scuffs, etc.

17. Can you use mica pigments as a fabric colorant/dye?

Since mica is not water soluble, some mica mixtures will wash right out of clothing. However, it can be used for tie-dyeing or fabric dyeing if it is mixed with a binder that will prevent it from easily washing out of the fabric.

Questions About Mica Pigments? Contact Us!

Have projects before you start your project? Get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help answer any questions you have. You can reach us at Office@RolioPigments.com.