Mica / Shimmer pigments

Hi there,

I think there are many reasons. Firstly, it is cheaper depending on the size of the mica flake and source.

Secondly, mica pigments are easy to work with. They take less time to bond with the binder, they don't require mulling, they cure quicker, they are predictable in their behavior providing the binder is consistent.

Mica pigments differ in their size of mica flake and whether there is a base pigment added to it. If it is strictly just the mica flake with no base color, then it essentially is a very fine glitter plus the binder (glue) and requires a hefty amount of layering to achieve a certain look. Some makers sell these paints but I have found that they are transparent about the paint itself in sharing the swatches so that you know it may look patchy if layered only once.

Personally I like to offer both choices to my customers. In my personal opinion, working with a range of pigments that are non shimmer based requires a lot more time, patience, and a lot of experience therefore gained from trial and error. This is why I charge more for my non shimmer paints or combination paints.

I hope this information helps.

I barely ever use shimmers myself, so I think I'm going to be offering purely non-shimmer paints when I begin to sell my own. I think other paint makers have got such beautiful and wonderfully formulated shimmers, there's no point me adding to the mix!

As for the glitter "paint", if it's mixed in quality binder then it will likely stick longer unlike many craft glues, which deteriorate over time. While I dont have strictly glitter "paint", I do have a couple of paints that have glitter in them (pigment, glitter and binder). They are lovely, but I find them difficult to work with and not worth the hassle. Chances of buying more in the future are low.

I had a whole comment typed out and it didn’t submit so will try again.

I use the shimmer paints for hand lettering and pointed pen. It makes glorious ink for pointed pen. I recently started making my own shimmer paint on 9/12 after finding Stacey’s awesome tutorial. I was trying to recreate a brown shimmer that I purchased last year and the maker is no longer selling paint. I nearly got it on the first try. I have arthritis so mot sure mattes are in my future due to the long mulling times but if I do venture out and try them it will for sure be a few of my favorites. Cobalt Teal (PG50), Dioxazone Purple (PV23), PV19. I would love to try Prussian Blue but hear it is a difficult one. Also a Gamboge but the one I like has 3 pigments so would like to find a single pigment that is similar in color.