Looking for a way to jazz up your bath bombs? The mica painting technique on these Painted Berry Bath Bombs is the ticket! Once the bath bomb is fully hardened in the mold, mix mica with 99% isopropyl alcohol and start decorating. To create the paint splatter effect, I used a dropper to drizzle the “mica paint” in various directions and layers. There are so many design possibilities with the mica paint technique. Check out the Peppermint Candy Bath Bomb Tutorial to see how mica paint is used to create peppermint candy details.
These bath bombs are scented with the new Blooms and Berries Fragrance Oil. The fragrance is a blend of berry notes such as strawberry and floral notes like jasmine and pink peony. It smells amazing!
In my tests, I found these bath bombs did not leave a ring of color around my tub. But, this will vary depending on the amount of mica you use on each bath fizzy. It may also vary slightly from color to color. For example, if you use Luster Black Mica, you may notice more color on the tub than with a lighter color. The bath bombs in this recipe are colored with Rosy Pink La Bomb Colorant. La Bomb Colorants are specially formulated for bath bombs to not transfer any color onto the tub if using normal usage rates. La Bomb Colorants are extremely pigmented, so just a few drops does the trick for the recipe below.
What You’ll Need:
6-7 Bath Bomb Mold & Package, Plastic
2 cups Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)
1 cup Citric Acid
1.5 oz. Sweet Almond Oil
.5 oz. Aloe Extract
6 mL Blooms and Berries Fragrance Oil
Rosy Pink La Bomb Colorant
Queen’s Purple Mica
Red Blue Mica
Evergreen Mica
99% Isopropyl Alcohol
Droppers
Optional: Witch Hazel & 8 oz. Bottle (Spray Top)
Click here to add everything you need for this project to your Bramble Berry shopping cart!
ONE: In a bowl, measure out 2 cups of sodium bicarbonate and 1 cup of citric acid. If there are any clumps in the mixture, you can push the powder through a sifter or break up the clumps with your fingers. Citric acid has a tendency to take off nail polish, so wear gloves to protect your manicure. =)
TWO: Add the aloe extract and use your hands or a spatula to mix in.
THREE: Add the sweet almond oil and use your hands to thoroughly work into the powdered ingredients.
FOUR: Add 2-3 drops of the Rosy Pink La Bomb Colorant. The colorant is incredibly concentrated, so a little goes a long way! If you’d like a more saturated color, you can add more. Use your hands to thoroughly mix in the color.
FIVE: Finally, add the Blooms and Berries Fragrance Oil and mix to thoroughly combine.
SIX: Check the moisture of your fizzies. When squeezed with your hand, the mixture should hold its shape. If not, add spritzes of witch hazel into each container, mixing between every couple sprays, until each container has a texture similar to wet sand.
SEVEN: Fill two halves of the bath bomb molds, gently pressing the bath bomb mixture in each to make sure they hold their shape. Mound a little extra powder in the center of one half of the mold. Match the eyelets of each side up, and press together. To avoid any imperfections on your bath bomb, make sure to direct pressure to the edges of the mold rather than the center.
EIGHT: Allow the bath fizzies to harden in the mold for at least 24 hours. Remove the fizzy from the mold to ensure it’s completely hard. Before painting the fizzy, you want to make sure it’s fairly durable. Repackage the fizzy in the mold until ready to paint.
NINE: Mix 1 teaspoon of the Evergreen Mica, Queen’s Purple Mica and Red Blue Lip Safe Mica into 1 Tablespoons isopropyl alcohol. Use a spoon to mix together.
TEN: Use a dropper to drizzle the mica dispersion on top of the bath bombs, layering the colors. I recommend laying down some newspaper or another protective surface to keep your counter clean, because this process will get messy. I would also recommend removing them from the mold and package. This way, you don’t have to clean the package afterwards. Continue until you’re happy with the look. There is no right or wrong way to layer the colors, just have fun with it! Once the bath bombs are painted, let them dry for 30 minutes. Then, pop them back into the packaging.
As you can see, the mold and package gets a little colorful during this process. After making these bath bombs, I would recommend removing them from the package before applying the paint! If you don’t, you’ll need to remove from the package to clean afterwards.
Have you ever used “mica paint” on bath bombs before? It’s so fun!
- 6-7 Bath Bomb Mold & Package, Plastic
- 2 cups Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)
- 1 cup Citric Acid
- 1.5 oz. Sweet Almond Oil
- .5 oz. Aloe Extract
- 6 mL Blooms and Berries Fragrance Oil
- Rosy Pink La Bomb Colorant
- Queen’s Purple Mica
- Red Blue Mica
- Kelly Green Mica
- 99% Isopropyl Alcohol
- Droppers
- Optional: Witch Hazel & 8 oz. Bottle (Spray Top)
- In a clean dry bowl, measure out 2 cups of sodium bicarbonate and 1 cup of citric acid. If there are any clumps in the mixture, you can push the powder through a sifter or break up the clumps with your fingers. Citric acid has a tendency to take off nail polish, so wear gloves to protect your manicure. =)
- Add the aloe extract and use your hands or a spatula to mix in.
- Add the sweet almond oil and use your hands to thoroughly work into the powdered ingredients.
- Add 2-3 drops of the Rosy Pink La Bomb Colorant. The colorant is incredibly concentrated, so a little goes a long way! If you’d like a darker color, you can add more. Use your hands to thoroughly mix in the color.
- Finally, add the Blooms and Berries Fragrance Oil and mix to thoroughly combine.
- Check the moisture of your fizzies. When squeezed with your hand, the mixture should hold its shape. If not, add spritzes of witch hazel into each container, mixing between every couple sprays, until each container has a texture similar to wet sand.
- Fill two halves of the bath bomb molds, gently pressing the bath bomb mixture in each to make sure they hold their shape. Mound a little extra powder in the center of one half of the mold. Match the eyelets of each side up, and press together. To avoid any imperfections on your bath bomb, make sure to direct pressure to the edges of the mold rather than the center.
- Allow the bath fizzies to harden in the mold for at least 24 hours. Remove the fizzy from the mold to ensure it's completely hard. Before painting the fizzy, you want to make sure it's fairly durable. Repackage the fizzy in the mold until ready to paint.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of the Evergreen Mica, Queen’s Purple Mica and Red Blue Lip Safe Mica into 1 Tablespoons isopropyl alcohol. Use a spoon to mix together.
- Use a dropper to drizzle the mica dispersion on top of the bath bombs, layering the colors. I recommend laying down some newspaper or another protective surface to keep your counter clean, as this process can get a little messy. I would also recommend removing them from the mold and package. This way, you don’t have to clean the package afterwards. Continue until you’re happy with the look. There is no right or wrong way to layer the colors, just have fun with it! The mold and package gets a little colorful during this process. You can either remove the bath bombs prior to applying the mica paint, or remove them after, clean the molds and place them back into the packaging. From experience, I would recommend removing them from the package before applying the paint! Once the bath bombs are painted, let them dry for 30 minutes. Then, pop them back into the packaging. =)
- Once you're happy with the look of your bath bombs, carefully repackage them back into the molds. Enjoy!
I was so excited to make these bath bombs. They didn’t turn out too badly but I can’t seem to get them to harden. After 3 days drying, (day two my paint just sunk in) I was able to paint them. But as they sat drying the bottom went flat. Are these supposed to harden or is this how they turn out. I do love the smoothness of them though.
It sounds like they may be a bit wet. Even with the same recipe, the bath bombs can be more wet on humid or rainy days. That can cause them to flatten on a hard surface. A great way to check is to squeeze the mixture in your hand. If it holds it shape, you don’t need any witch hazel that day. If not, spray 1-2 times, mix and test again. Repeat that process until the mixture holds its shape.
It can help to leave them in one half of the mold for a few hours or up to overnight so they hold their shape, then unmold onto a soft surface like egg carton foam. To help them stay dry you can run a dehumidifier or place silica packets or rice nearby. That should help soak up the moisture in the air.
Hi Kelsey can you mix my as with anything else to make the paint? Witch hazel?
Mix mica paint with anything else**
We’ve found the best option is alcohol. Witch hazel or oil can sink into the bath bombs and create dents where the color is. Alcohol is light and evaporates quickly, so it gives you the best results.
99% Isopropyl Alcohol: https://www.brambleberry.com/99-Isopropyl-Alcohol-16-oz-P5682.aspx
My bath bombs started to bubble when the nmica mixture hit them. What did I do? I followed the recipe. now they are bubbly and not smooth
What did you mix the mica with before drizzling it on top?
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
This happened to me, too, and I figured out the issue. I was using 91% isopropyl alcohol instead of 99%, and the extra water in it caused the ingredients to react and puff up.
Hi, I have a question about the texture of the B.B. mixture. After forming approx three B.B., my mixture gets clumpy and does not produce a smooth textured bath bombs. It dries out and I have to reapply 91% alcohol to moisten again. What am I doing wrong? Anyone have this happen? Thanks in advance.
The bath bombs will dry out as you’re working with them. We recommend keeping witch hazel nearby so you can spritz and mix to rehydrate the mixture. We’ve found witch hazel gives you more time to work, as alcohol can be drying.
Witch hazel: https://www.brambleberry.com/Witch-Hazel-P4212.aspx
Hello I would like to try these but I have ordered just micas I was wondering if I can just add the powdered mica into the dry ingredients(baking soda ect…) And still get the color release result. In never used micas before I usually use food coloring and once they r in the water there is no color at all in the bath water? And I was wondering if I use this recipe 3 1/2 cups baking soda
1/2 cup SALSA
Tbsp of mica
1/4 cup oil
And fragerance
As a base recipe if I will get the same fizzy bubbly colorful results.
You can! Adding the mica into the powders works just fine, and it will release color nicely. We recommend starting out with a small amount – just a pinch or two. Too much mica can transfer to the sides of the tub. You may also want to add .1 oz. of polysorbate 80 per cup of fizzy mixture. It’s an emulsifier that helps the mica and oil mix into the bath water rather than pooling on top: https://www.brambleberry.com/Polysorbate-80-P4438.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Would adding Poly 80 be beneficial since using micas can sometimes cause tub staining?
Absolutely, it helps the mica and oil mix into the water rather than pooling on top. That helps prevent transfer to the tub. We like to use about .1 oz. of polysorbate 80 per cup of fizzy mixture to start with.
Polysorbate 80: https://www.brambleberry.com/Polysorbate-80-P4438.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hello. I always use the Poly sorb 80 with using micas. It’s really helps disperse the colors. There is no staining.
Hello, my name is Julia! I was wondering if I can color my bath bombs by using mica powders?
Thank you
You sure can. Micas and La Bomb Colorants work well for bath bombs. Learn how to use them in section 6 of the Bath Bomb Questions and Answers post: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/bath-bomb-questions-answers/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Micas: https://www.brambleberry.com/Micas-C46.aspx
La Bomb Colorants: https://www.brambleberry.com/For-Bath-Bombs-C50.aspx
I was wondering how many bath bombs this recipe can make using the fragrance and micha powders? The bath bomb molds I have are 2.5 inches. Thanks!
We got 6-7 bath bombs with these molds, which are 2.1″ in diameter. Because your molds are a bit bigger, you will get fewer bath bombs, probably around 5-6.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
just wondering if you can make and store this paint as it seems to make a lot and I don’t really want to waste my mica powders.
You can store the leftover color in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. You may need to add a bit more alcohol and mix really well before using again, as the colors can clump up.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
It really does not make very much. I used all the the mica on my bath bombs- and wished I had a little more
If you buy apples from Costco they come in a container that is perfect for drying (and painting) bath bombs!
Thanks for the tip Penny! 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hello, my name is Mariana Forehand and I am a student at the Bush School in Seattle, Washington. This year I am doing a big project. I have chosen to do my project on making and selling bath bombs, soaps and lip scrubs. A big part of the project is interviewing a professional of the thing I am studying. In the interview, I would ask questions about how to make the bath bombs, soaps and lip scrubs and possibly see you make one. Obviously I wouldn’t be able to meet you in person unless you too live in Seattle. I was thinking we could facetime or skype so I could see you. It would be awesome if this was a possibility if it isn’t I understand. This means a lot to me, please take this into consideration, and let me know so I can hear back from you, even if this isn’t a possibility. Please email me back at [email protected].
Thank you for reading this and your consideration.
Thanks again.
-Mariana
Thanks so much for your interest Mariana! I forwarded this message to Anne-Marie’s assistant. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Never very happy with the kit I bought to make these bath bombs. The kit clearly says it comes with everything you need to make them however it did not come with enough baking soda, the bag barely had 1 1/2 cups. I have to run to the store to get the rest. The recipe states you need two cups so the kit should have came with two cups if not a little more than that.
I am so sorry about that Nichelle, that is a mistake on our part. I updated the kit to include 2 pounds of baking soda. Thank you so much for letting us know.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
We made the bombs and they turned out a little soft, but when we put the mica/alcohol mixture on, the paint puffed and bubbled up….making the bomb mushy. Can you give me any insight on why?
Hmm, it sounds like the bath bombs were a bit wet. That can make them softer. How much witch hazel did you add to the mix? Also, is it fairly humid where you live? Let me know and I’ll help you troubleshoot. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Have you tried this on bubble bars before? I’m wondering if it’s best to wait til they’re dry or if I can do it while they’re wet? I’m think it’s probably best to use the alcohol mixture over the oil mixture as well? Thanks so much!!!
We haven’t tried this on solid bubble bath, but I think it should be fine! I would recommend mixing the mica with alcohol and painting it on when the bubble bath is dry. It may also be helpful to paint on one bar, then let it sit overnight. That way if anything odd happens you know before painting your whole batch. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi Kelsey! I am really interested in a bright colored bath bomb. I have finally been able to get the mixture down and they came out gorgeous! However, once they hit the tub they do create quite the mess. I haven’t tried Bramble Berry colorant because from the site they do look pastel. Do you have any recommendations? Also, I haven’t tried polysorbate 80 yet so I think that is also my next attempt. Thanks!
Polysorbate 80 does help! It helps the oils and color in this recipe mix into your tub water. That way it doesn’t float on top and helps prevent some of the transfer on your tub. We recommend about .1 ounces of Polysorbate 80 per cup of fizzy mixture. 🙂
We used it for the Peppermint Candy Bath Bombs: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/peppermint-candy-bath-bomb-tutorial/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Polysorbate 80: https://www.brambleberry.com/Polysorbate-80-P4438.aspx
I was wondering if the type of bowl you use can effect the scent of a bath bomb… I have been starting to use an aluminum bowl and a stainless steel mold and I made Pina colada bombs that smelled a little metal-y. I’ll check to see if they still smell like that tmrw… but never had that happen. I haven’t been able to find out if I’m right about this. Can you help?
Hmm, I don’t believe the bowl can affect the scent of a bath bomb. Have you noticed the scent in a plastic bowl at all? If you don’t notice that scent, it may be the witch hazel or other ingredients mixing with the bowl and creating the smell. Does it go away after a couple days?
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
It went away! I think it was just the pineapple scent with the stainless steel mold.
Anyways, another question…
Is there a maximum amount of colourant you can use by law in a bath bomb? I just made black bath bombs and ended up using quite a bit of colour to em.
Technically, you can add as much color as you like! However, the more saturated the bath bomb, the more likely it is to transfer to the tub. One thing that does help is Polysorbate 80. It’s an emulsifier that helps the color mix in with the water rather than floating on the top. We used that with these black bath bombs: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/black-bath-bombs/
In general, we find less is more when it comes to color! The more pastel the bath bomb, the less likely it is to transfer to your tub. 🙂
Read more about coloring bath bombs here: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/bath-bomb-questions-answers/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
i tried to make painted bath bomb bath the 99% Isopropyl Alcohol + mica made the bath bomb isn’t fizzing enough.
I’m sorry about that Ris! Is the texture of your bath bomb wet or crumbly at all? If the bath bomb reacts with moisture in the air, it can decrease some of the fizz in the tub. Let me know and I can help you troubleshoot! 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi,
I tried painting my bombs using this tutorial, but after the alcohol evaporated the colours would smudge and transfer onto my hands and packaging.
Is there anything I can do differently or is there a product I can buy to stop the mica coming off.
Thanks x
These colors can smudge when touched. While the alcohol does evaporate so the colors dry, the micas themselves will still transfer. After they’re dry we recommend popping the top of the packaging on to protect the bath bombs! That will help prevent some of the smudging and transfer. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hello! I tried painting my bb’s with a tspn of mica and a tblspn of 91% alcohol. They smelled horrible.
What did I do wrong ?
Thanks,
Lisa
Do they smell fairly strongly of alcohol? If so, that is normal! The alcohol will evaporate and that smell will go away. Then the fragrance oil will come through nicely. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
How do you determine how much fragrance to use in a bath bomb? I’ve seen different amounts used in your many bath bomb recipes (all with the same basic 2 parts baking soda, 1 part citric acid base). My question stems from having bad reactions to certain fragrances when used in my bath bomb recipe (and only a reaction in bombs – not soaps or lotions/butters with the same fragrance). And I’d say I use much less than your using… 1/4 tsp fragrance diluted in 1 tbs of oil plus 1.25 cups total of baking soda/citric acid/salt/corn starch mixture. Some I’ve tested have caused mild hives to more severe like the beginning of a chemical burn (I think in that situation the fragrance must have contained some cinnamon). It’s enough of a scare that I no longer want to use skin safe fragrances in my bath bombs anymore… What am I doing wrong?
I should say too that not all fragrances I’ve used through out the years have caused reactions, but when it does happen it’s disheartening to terrifying, (like with the chemical burn). I’m looking for answers to stop this from happening ever again. I don’t want to be on pins and needles everytine I eat a new fragrance as a bath fuzzy. I should also say the reaction occurred on more than 1 tester, so I know it’s not just 1 specific person with a sensitivity.
*try a new fragrance in a bath fizzy (not eat a new fragrance as a bath fuzzy)… 🙂 typo
Hi Gina!
I am so sorry about that! I would recommend immediately stopping using the fragrance oils and talking to your doctor. It sounds like you may be allergic to some of the fragrance oils. Because each one has different aroma chemicals, you can be allergic to some and not others.
With fragrance oils, they can cause irritation if too much is used. However, our usage rates are usually on the lower end, and if you’re adding less than that it shouldn’t be causing the irritation. Because it’s also happening in only bath bombs, you may be allergic to one of the ingredients in there as well. Your doctor should have more information on that!
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
This typo made me giggle, that’s all.lol
These are so amazing! I love the color and shine!! I just wish I didn’t hate making bath bombs so much 🙁
So glad you like the bath bombs Brigid! They can be a bit tricky to make at first. I’d be happy to offer tips and tricks if you like! What is happening with your bath bombs? 🙂
This post has lots of great tips as well: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/bath-bomb-questions-answers/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi all… first of all I LOVE BrambleBerry products and the SoapQueen blog and tutorials. Secondly, I make and sell a ton of bath bombs, using La Bomb colors. Never had one problem with them, even when I pump up the color with a bit extra. As far as this technique of Mica Painting?? The ring of color was horrible.! I made one 5 OZ bomb, painted it with way less than what was shown here, but it in my jacuzzi tub and was shocked at the horrible ring of color. Cool technique, not worth the clean up. .
I’m sorry about that Traci! Micas do tend to transfer more than La Bomb Colorants. If you’re not a fan of the transfer, you can definitely skip the painting. The bath bombs will look really pretty and smell great on their own. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Thank you for the great recipe! I like the addition of oil and extract to wet the mixture down a bit, so you’re not spraying witch hazel forever! I’m going to try this with the cornflower blue LaBomb and gold mica. I don’t have almond oil…would avocado oil work? I’m assuming it will, but I’m not sure if it’s too “rich” if that makes sense. 🙂
Nicole
Never mind! I did some research and saw that I can, indeed, use my beloved avocado oil as a sub. 🙂 I’ve already made these and am waiting for them to dry and harden. They look great!
Hi Nicole!
Absolutely, avocado oil is a great substitute for sweet almond oil. They’re both lightweight and moisturizing. Enjoy your berry bath bombs! If you have a picture of the finished fizzies, we’d love to see it on our Facebook page. 🙂
Bramble Berry Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrambleBerry/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Avocado oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Avocado-Oil-P3198.aspx
I’m curious if these will stain the tub as most micas do?
Hi Traci!
When we tested these bath bombs in our tub, they didn’t leave a ring of color. But, that will depend on how much mica you use. It may also transfer to the tub if you use a darker color, like Luster Black Mica. To prevent color transfer onto the tub, you can use less mica on top. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Does it need to dry a few hours or can it go back into packaging immediately? I didn’t see specific instructions in the directions about that. I’m so excited to try this. I’ve seen some beautiful bombs with this technique and now I can make my own!
Hi Jennifer!
After you’ve painted the mica on, it dries pretty quick! Alcohol evaporates really fast. To be extra careful, I would recommend waiting about 30 minutes before putting the bath bombs back in the packaging. That will prevent any accidental smudges. I went ahead and updated the blog post with that information. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I agree – this is a great way to use color to personalize these for an occasion or audience. I think some color on a plain white bomb would be pretty striking.
Thank you so much Michael! I think color on a white bath bomb would be super pretty too. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Clever idea. I bet you could make some really “groovy”. Have you ever tried painting the whole thing or using a stencil?
That is an amazing idea Julia! I imagine a stencil or fully painted bath bomb would be really pretty. We’ll definitely keep that in mind for future tutorials. Thank you so much. 🙂
You may also like this Midas Touch Bath Bomb, which is coated in shimmery King’s Gold Mica: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/midas-touch-bath-bombs/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I am currious how does it turn in a bath. Doesn’t it stain the bathtub?
Hi Renata!
When we tested these in our tub, they didn’t leave a ring of color. However, that will depend on how much mica you use. It may also transfer to the tub if you use a darker mica, like Luster Black. To prevent any color transfer, you can use less mica painted on top. Tiny drops on top would look really pretty, and you would use less color! 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Could we see a photo of this BB in a large bowl of warm water? I think it will stain. It stains a sink.
Hi Pam!
You can see the bath bomb in action in this video: https://vine.co/v/iDYxZ5Xj6ph
We found it didn’t transfer color in a tub, but it may transfer in a smaller area, like a sink. If you’re worried about color transfer you can skip the mica painting step! The bath bombs would still look really cute without it. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
What a neat idea! It’ll be a great way to distinguish my lavender from lilac.
Thank you Toni, glad you like the bath bombs! Mica painting is definitely a great way to tell your bath bombs apart. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry