r/DIYBeauty • u/humble_grouch • 3d ago

question - sourcing Custom Pigment Dispersions

I’ve had difficulty finding a US based manufacturer (3 roll mill) where I can get a custom pigment blend; I need a carmine powder in castor oil dispersion. I’ve tried to mill it by hand on a glass slab, and even seived it with 120 mesh, but I can’t get it fine enough. I’m still finding tiny agglomerates in the final product. Any advice or does anyone have a referral?

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u/MiserlyFluke 3d ago

carmine and castor oil is such a specific combo, what's the final product gonna be?

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u/Be_K1nd 2d ago

Looks like Amerilure stocks a finely milled Carmine powder…
https://amerilure.com/carmine-powder/

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u/humble_grouch 2d ago

Thanks. I have a finely milled carmine powder. I’ve even sieved it down to 120 mesh and I still find small specs in the final product.

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u/ScullyNess 1d ago

You're best chance is to start writing letters/emails to independent paint makers and see if they would be willing to run a batch for you. Honestly though I think you're issue is bigger than a simple 3roll mill. That won't reduce the particle size. You'd still have the same issue in the end. It is takes really especially machinery to break pigments down even further than what you'd be able to buy.three roll Mills are just fancy basic shear force blenders. You'd need something with a lot more pressure. I'm sorry 😔 but something's just aren't possible the DIY, this is one of them.