Solvent Blue 104 is a vibrant, oil-soluble blue dye widely used in artisticr and craft applications where transparency, depth, and high tint strength are desired. Unlike pigments, which are dispersed particles, solvent dyes dissolve directly into compatible media—producing crystal-clear color without haze or sediment.
For artists and makers working with coatings, resins, plastics, and waxes, Solvent Blue 104 offers intense coloration, excellent clarity, and strong compatibility with many organic solvents.
What Is Solvent Blue 104?
Solvent Blue 104 is an anthraquinone-based solvent dye known for:
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High tinctorial strength (a little goes a long way)
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Excellent transparency
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Good solubility in aromatic hydrocarbons and certain ketones
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Deep, clean blue tone (often slightly green-shaded)
Because it dissolves instead of dispersing, it produces glass-like clarity in clear systems such as epoxy, acrylic, lacquer, and wax.
Applications of Solvent Blue 104 in Art & Craft
1. Coloring Clear Coatings and Lacquers
Solvent Blue 104 is popular in:
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Nitrocellulose lacquers
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Acrylic solvent-based coatings
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Oil-based varnishes
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Decorative wood finishes
Why It Works Well:
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Dissolves completely in aromatic solvents (like xylene or toluene-based systems)
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Maintains transparency
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Creates rich, deep stain effects without obscuring grain
Common Uses:
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Tinted wood finishes
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Custom instrument finishes
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Artistic glazing layers
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Stained acrylic panels
For layered art coatings, small additions (often under 1%) are typically enough to achieve dramatic color.
2. Resin Art (Epoxy & Polyester)
Resin artists favor solvent dyes when they want:
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Transparent color
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Jewel-like depth
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No particulate haze
Solvent Blue 104 can be dissolved into a compatible solvent first, then blended into:
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Polyester resins
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Certain solvent-compatible acrylic resins
Benefits in Resin:
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No sediment
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Uniform color distribution
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Ideal for “river tables” and deep-pour effects
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Excellent for gradient pours and layered transparency
Because it is so strong, precise measurement is essential. Even 0.01–0.1% loading can produce intense coloration.
3. Dyeing Candles and Wax
One of the most popular craft uses of Solvent Blue 104 is candle coloring.
Compatible Waxes:
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Microcrystalline wax
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Soy blends (if dissolved properly)
Solvent dyes are preferred in candles because they:
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Dissolve fully in molten wax
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Do not clog wicks (unlike pigments)
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Produce vibrant, translucent candles
Tips for Candle Dyeing:
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Add dye to wax at full melt temperature
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Stir thoroughly to ensure uniform distribution
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Start with very small amounts (a tiny pinch can color pounds of wax)
Blending with other solvent dyes (like red or yellow solvent dyes) allows artists to create custom shades of teal, turquoise, or deep navy.
Advantages Over Pigments in Certain Applications
| Feature | Solvent Blue 104 | Traditional Pigments |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | Excellent | Often opaque |
| Clarity in Resin | Crystal clear | Can cause haze |
| Wick Performance in Candles | Clean burning | Can clog wick |
| Settling | None (when dissolved) | Possible |
For transparent systems, solvent dyes are often superior.
Solubility & Compatibility
Solvent Blue 104 typically dissolves well in:
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Aromatic hydrocarbons
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Ketones
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Esters
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Certain glycol ethers
It has limited solubility in highly aliphatic solvents and water.
Before large-scale use, always perform a compatibility test in your specific medium.
Safety & Handling
Like most organic solvent dyes:
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Avoid inhaling dust when handling powder
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Wear gloves to prevent staining
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Use proper ventilation when working with solvents
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Store in airtight containers away from light
Because of its high staining power, even small spills can permanently tint porous surfaces.
Conclusion
Solvent Blue 104 is a powerful, transparent dye ideal for coatings, resin art, candle making, and specialty finishes. Its ability to dissolve completely into compatible systems makes it invaluable for artists who want depth and clarity without particulate cloudiness.
For creators working with clear materials, Solvent Blue 104 offers professional-level results with minimal loading and maximum visual impact.
If you're experimenting with transparent color systems, this dye is one of the most
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