11 Best UV Resins For Beginners
Looking to get started with UV resin crafts? You’re in the right place! In this list, we’ll walk you through some of the best ultra violet resins for beginners.
Whether you’re into jewelry making, small DIY projects, or just exploring resin art, these recommendations will help you kick off your creative journey. Let’s dive in!
What is UV resin?
UV resin, short for ultraviolet resin, is a type of liquid polymer that cures and hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light. It’s commonly used in various crafting and DIY projects, especially in fields like jewelry making, model building, and resin art.
The resin remains in a liquid state until activated by UV light, making it convenient for precise applications and allowing for adjustments before the curing process begins.
Once exposed to UV light, the resin undergoes a chemical reaction, transforming into a durable and glossy solid. Its quick curing time and ease of use make UV resin a popular choice for beginners and experienced crafters alike.
One of the best things about using a UV resin is that you do not need to mix the resin like an epoxy resin. It comes ready to use right out of the bottle.
Best UV Resin For Beginners
1. Hard Type UV Resin
This is one of our favorite brand for the best UV resin for beginners. Hard-type UV resin refers to a category of ultraviolet-curable resins that, once cured, has a rigid and durable finish.
These resins will give you a solid, sturdy result suitable for a variety of applications, such as jewelry making, model crafting, and resin art. This brand also has some options for full UV resin craft kits.
2. Soft Type UV Resin
These resins are designed to produce a final result that is more supple and bendable compared to their hard-type counterparts.
Soft-type UV resin is commonly chosen for projects where a degree of flexibility is desired, such as creating flexible resin, coating fabrics, or producing resin pieces that may need to bend or move.
For beginners, check out their UV light resin kits. They have some of the best uv resin starter kits out there.
3. Colored UV Resin
Colored UV resin is a variation of ultraviolet-curable resin that comes pre-pigmented with various colors. Crafters and artists often appreciate the convenience of colored UV resin as it eliminates the need for additional color mixing.
These resins come in many colors, allowing for creative freedom in projects like jewelry making, resin art, and other crafts. Perfect for those who do not want to add their own color to resin.
When shopping for resin supplies, colored UV resin is definitely something to try.
4. Low Viscosity UV Resin
Low viscosity UV resin is a type of ultraviolet-curable resin characterized by its thin consistency, making it easy to flow and spread.
This particular resin is well-suited for applications that require a more fluid and self-leveling nature, such as coating surfaces, filling silicone molds with intricate details, or creating thin layers in resin art.
5. High Viscosity UV Resin
High viscosity UV resin is a type of ultraviolet-curable resin known for its thicker consistency, providing a more substantial and controlled flow.
This resin is particularly favored for projects that require a denser application, such as creating three-dimensional coatings, doming, or building up layers for added depth.
Crafters appreciate the high viscosity of this UV resin as it allows for more precision and control during application, preventing unintentional spreading or running.
6. UV Resin Kit With Light
A resin kit with included light is an excellent choice for beginners due to its convenience and all-in-one nature.
This kit typically provides not only the necessary UV resin but also a compatible curing light source, eliminating the guesswork of finding a suitable light.
For beginners who may not have prior experience with resin crafting, having a kit simplifies the process, ensuring that the resin cures properly.
7. Bulk UV Resin 1000g
Buying in bulk is more cost-effective because it often results in a lower per-unit cost. When purchasing larger quantities of a product, suppliers often offer discounts or reduced prices.
8. Hard Type Crystal Clear UV Resin
This UV resin is also a good one to use. I’ve used the Kisrel brand before and it cures just like the others on this list.
Unlike traditional epoxy resins that require a lengthy curing time and often involve mixing multiple components, UV resin cures quickly when exposed to ultraviolet light.
9. Fast Cure UV Resin
The transparent UV resin proves versatile, finding application in jewelry crafting, decorative crafts, casting and coating, sculpting figurines, and creating resin paintings.
You can customize it more by blending with mica powder, colorants, or glitter, providing opportunities to achieve vibrant and colorful finishes in various creative projects. The last time I used this resin it worked very well.
10. 500g UV Resin Kit
YIEHO is a popular UV resin, with users consistently praising its impressive attributes of fast curing and high-quality results. I’ve used this for making domino jewelry.
Crafters and DIY’ers appreciate the quick curing of YIEHO’s UV resin, as it quickly solidifies when exposed to ultraviolet light, allowing for a speedy and efficient crafting process. This minimizes bubbles in the final pieces.
11. Large UV Resin Kit
Getting a large resin craft kit is a good choice when you’re preparing do do many projects, particularly for managing an Etsy shop or participating in craft fairs.
These larger kits include a generous quantity of resin, ensuring you have an ample supply to meet the demands of your resin ideas.
Personal Thoughts On UV Resin
I like using UV resin for making jewelry because it cures quickly without the need for long waits. So if I’m making a smaller piece like an earring blank, then I can get it under the light and it cures within a minute or two.
The instant hardening means I can move on to the next steps almost right away, making the crafting process more efficient and enjoyable when you don’t have to wait for curing.
The convenience of the fast curing not only saves time but it also exciting to see the jewelry pieces come together almost in real-time.
UV Resin Faq’s
How long does it take for UV resin to cure?
UV resin typically cures relatively quickly, usually within a few minutes when exposed to a UV light source.
The exact curing time may vary based on factors such as the thickness of the resin layer, the specific brand or type of UV resin used, and the intensity of the UV light.
Can I use any UV light for curing resin?
While many UV lights can be suitable for curing resin, it’s crucial to use one with the appropriate wavelength. Most UV resins cure best under UV-A light, around 365nm.
Some resins come with their own curing lamp. If using a separate light source, make sure it emits UV-A light for complete curing. See our guide: Best lamps for curing UV resin.
Is UV resin safe to use?
No matter what type of UV resin for beginners you are using, work in a well-ventilated area. Also wear protective gear like gloves and safety glasses and a proper respirator.
Keep in mind that prolonged exposure to uncured resin or excessive skin contact may cause skin irritation, so taking necessary precautions is advisable.
See our guide: Resin Safety 101. On this blog, we do not suggest children working with resin. We consider it an adult craft to be used with proper safety precautions.
Can I color or dye UV resin?
Yes, UV resin can be colored using various pigments, dyes, or even mica powders. It provides an opportunity to customize your projects with different hues and effects.
However, use coloring agents specifically designed for resin to make sure they are compatibility and avoid potential issues with curing. See our guides: Colorants for resin & Thermochromic paints for resin.
How thick can I pour UV resin?
The thickness of each resin layer matters for effective curing. While UV resin is designed for thin layers, usually ranging from 1-5mm, pouring thicker layers may result in incomplete curing or uneven finishes.
If you need to create thicker pieces, it’s recommended to cure the resin in multiple layers, allowing each layer to cure fully before adding the next. Or your resin can become cloudy. If you are wanting to do deeper pours for resin glitter eggs or tables, switch to a casting resin.
Tips For Choosing UV Resin
Curing Time:
Purchase a UV resin with a curing time that suits your project needs. Some resins cure in a matter of minutes, while others may take longer.
Consider the working time as well, as it determines how much time you have to manipulate the resin before it starts to cure.
Also, if you are working outside the resin is going to cure very fast, so do not work in the sunlight.
Viscosity and Flow:
Pay attention to the viscosity or thickness of the UV resin. Different projects may require resins with varying viscosities.
Thicker resins are suitable for creating doming effects, while thinner ones work well for coating and filling intricate molds. Choose a viscosity that aligns with your intended application.
UV Light Compatibility:
Double check that the UV resin is compatible with the UV light source you have or plan to use.
Some resins may require a specific wavelength of UV light (usually around 365nm) for optimal curing. Check the resin’s specifications and use a corresponding UV light for the best results.
Transparency and Color Stability:
If transparency and color stability are important for your project, look for UV resins that are known for maintaining clarity and resisting yellowing over time.
Some resins have UV inhibitors that help prevent discoloration, making them ideal for projects where color accuracy is important. Especially if you are running a resin business, you don’t want your customers’ order to turn yellow.
5. Safety and Odor:
Consider the safety aspects of the UV resin, especially if you’ll be working in an enclosed space. Choose for resins with low odor or those specifically labeled as low-VOC (volatile organic compounds).
Additionally, check for safety recommendations from the manufacturer, and be sure to follow proper handling procedures, including using protective gear if necessary.
what To Make With UV Resin
Jewelry and Accessories:
Creating custom jewelry pieces such as pendants, earrings, and bracelets is one of the most popular applications of UV resin. Crafters can embed various items like flowers, beads, or small charms.
This is one of the reasons why UV resin makes a fantastic gift for a resin lover.
Small Coasters and Home Décor:
A UV resin starter kit can be used to craft coasters with embedded designs, colors, or even encapsulated objects. Additionally, it’s popular for making decorative items like keychains, bookmarks, and small sculptures for home décor.
Phone Grips and Cases:
Customizing phone grips and cases with UV resin allows for the incorporation of vibrant colors, glitter, or even small trinkets. Crafters can design one-of-a-kind phone accessories that are homemade.
Miniature Artwork and Resin Paintings:
UV resin serves as an excellent medium for creating miniature resin art and paintings. Artists use it to encase layers of pigments or hand painted elements, creating glossy artworks. The quick curing time also allows for intricate designs and layering effects.
Figurines:
Crafting miniatures and figurines is a popular use of UV resin, particularly in the world of model making and tabletop gaming. The precision and clarity of UV resin make it suitable for capturing fine details in small-scale creations, whether it’s tiny sculptures or miniature landscapes.
In Closing
Thank you for taking the time to explore the world of UV resin for beginners with us. We hope these tips and where to buy UV resin help you choose the perfect brand for your crafts.
Happy crafting, and thanks again for reading! Next, we answer one of your most asked questions, do you need a cure light for resin?
