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Most of my work uses regular-old crafting resin. But UV resin is also a fun medium to work with. With it you can make small projects that don't require a day to cure, or you can use it as part of a larger resin project do to more detailed work.
How does UV resin work?
UV resin is a one-part resin. Unlike traditional resin, UV resin does not require any mixing.
It comes in a bottle usually made from black plastic to prevent UV light from getting to the resin inside.
UV resin cures quickly when exposed to UV light. A small layer or UV resin can cure in 20-30 minutes if places outside under direct sunlight. It will cure in a matter of seconds when placed under a direct UV light.
Do I need a UV light?
UV resin does work best when using a UV light. It's important to get a UV light that emits the correct UV light wavelengths.
UV stands for Ultraviolet Light. UV light is a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between 10 to 400 nm. For UV resin, you need a UV light source closer to the 400 nm side of the spectrum.
Personally, I use this LED UV Lamp. Notice that the UV light range on this is between 395nm to 405nm.
You can also use UV lamps that are made for gel nail polish application!
What kind of UV resin do I need?
In my experience I haven't found a UV resin that didn't work properly. Personally, I use whatever I can find the best deal on per ml. YIEHO is a brand I use often. JDicton is another brand usually find a good deal on, along with Frenshion. Most craft stores also sell UV resin.
What else do I need to know to get started with UV resin?
The same precautions that you would take with traditional resin as discusses in a previous article should also be taken with UV resin.
In additional to the safety and set up you should consider with traditional resin, you will also need to ensure you have your UV light handy. This will include having an electrical outlet nearby if you UV light is corded.
What other supplies do I need for UV resin?
The supplies needed for UV resin are the same as traditional resin with a few exceptions.
91% alcohol and heat guns are typically used with traditional resin to pop bubbles in the resin. These should be avoided with UV resin. In my experience these can make UV resin harder to cure and the resin may not cure as nicely. Instead, use a toothpick to reach into the UV resin and pull up any bubbles prior to using your UV light.
Resin tape can be useful when working with UV resin. Use it to tape the backside of open bezels such as these to provide a surface for the UV resin to lay on before curing.
You can use silicone molds for UV resin. However, the silicone needs to either be transparent or the mold used must be very open. Dark, enclosed type silicone molds with block the UV light from reaching the UV resin.
If using silicone molds, you'll want to use molds such as these.
There are a lot of other silicone molds out there as well. These are just examples of the type of silicone and mold shapes you want to look for.
You can also use deeper molds, but be sure to do small layers of UV resin at a time. I recommend putting down less than 1/4" of UV resin at a time.
As with traditional resin, I find that the best way to get started with UV resin is with a kit! Kits usually come with UV resin, a UV light, and then have a variety of items that can be used with your UV resin.
HK GT UV Resin Kit is a great starter it. It comes with a clip on UV light with bendable arm. It also comes with 100 ml of UV resin, a small assortment of open bezels, pendent trays, and silicone molds to get you started.
FUNSHOWCASE UV Resin Kit comes with a UV lamp that is usually used for gel nails. It has a timer feature that I don't necessarily care for. But it does shine UV light all around as opposed to a single UV light bulb, which is why I include it on my list. This kit also includes open bezels, various glitters and resin fillers, a silicone mats. What is kit does not include is UV resin, so you'd have to purchase that separately.
Frenshion UV Light Kit comes with a small standing UV lamp, 300 ml of UV resin, necklace pendant, and ring silicone molds. This UV lamp takes of the least amount of space, which is why I have included this kit in my list.
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