Jesmonite outlines 2026 palette and finish guidance for makers

Jesmonite has set out a 2026 material and colour direction that will reshape how woodturners approach mixed-media projects. The company highlighted a palette built around neutral, stone-like shades with selected accent pigments, and it emphasised tactile textures and subtle marble-mixing effects suited to small decorative objects and homewares. For turners who fit lids, rims, plugs or inlays, that guidance provides direct cues about colour matching and surface treatment.

The release also contained practical recommendations aimed squarely at makers. Jesmonite recommended particular pigments and finishing protocols, noted that some pigments lack UV stability and advised sealing mixed-material objects to protect colour and adhesion. Product news mentioned new pigments arriving on the market and examples of designers using Jesmonite for small homewares, while tutorials and workshop activity were promoted as ways for makers to learn handling and finishing techniques.

Why it matters to the lathe bench: Jesmonite is a mineral-acrylic casting material already popular for inserts, lids, rings and other cast components that pair with turned wood. Matching sheen and adhesion between cast parts and timber is one of the trickiest parts of mixed-media work. The company’s focus on sealing protocols and compatible surface finishes gives practical starting points for ensuring bond strength and a unified look. The warning about UV-sensitive pigments is particularly relevant for pieces destined for sunny interiors, conservatories or outdoor use where colour shift or fading is a risk.

Turners can put the guidance to use without reinventing their workflow. Prioritise UV-stable pigments when specifying exterior or bright-window projects, and follow recommended sealing steps to create a stable interface between Jesmonite and wood. For appearance, lean into the neutral, stone-like shades when you want a contemporary, understated contrast to warm timber, and bring in accent pigments sparingly if you want a pop. Take advantage of the documented tactile and marble-mixing effects for small bowls, lids and mixed-media vessels where close-up surface interest matters.

The arrival of new pigments and an uptick in tutorials means material options and know-how are expanding. Expect more local workshops and online demos to cover mixing ratios, pigmentation tests and finishing sequences that help you marry cast components to turned forms. For turners who already mix Jesmonite with wood, the practical points on pigment stability, sealing and sheen matching will reduce surprises and improve longevity. Keep testing small samples, update your sealer and finish choices where needed, and watch maker demos to pick up handling shortcuts that save time at the lathe.