Hi All. So I'm new to this awesomeness and made my first paint. I'm using premade schminke binder and mica powder and I'm wondering what ratio in tsp to use. I tried weighing them but the mica didnt register on the scale so I ended up using 1tsp binder to 1/2tsp mica. I guess I should make more because it was hard to mull and I found the edges drying up quite fast. I kept adding enough water to moisten the paint enough. When I was filling the pan the paint was thicker rather than runny. And tips etc would be great.
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Hi Kate,
My best advice when first starting out is to experiment a little yourself because the conditions for you will be different in that your climate, your mica powder, the fact that you mulled it ( 50% don't mull mica because it damages the mica particles) and the binder recipe although bought, it is still a recipe. I would recommend that you always add less binder to begin with, mix it in and add to as you go and as needed. Also, that it shouldn't be too runny or too thick. Luckily, mica sets quickly!
Hi Kate I am one like Stacey mentioned that doesn’t mull as I only make shimmer paints. I just mix thoroughly with my palette knife. I do small batches often. I can’t speak specifically to your binder but many of my recipes use the ratio you mentioned. I have stainless steel measuring spoons in varying sizes. I bought 3 sets of the Tad(1/4tsp), Dash(1/8tsp), Pinch(1/16tsp), Smidgen(1/32tsp)and drop sizes. As well as 4 in each of the following sizes 1/8, 1/4 and 1/2. That way I can have one for each color when I have a recipe that has several micas in it. I add just enough binder so that the color doesn’t rub off and I prefer my paint to be on the thicker side when filling as they don’t take as long to dry. I swatch test every batch even though I have the measurements written down because no matter how much I try sometimes the mica is more packed down in the measuring spoon and thus would require more binder. I have an awesome bottle that allows me to dispense a drop at a time if necessary. I posted a link to it in the resource thread. Feel free to message me here or on IG if you have any other questions.