11 Best UV Resin For Crafts That Cures Properly

Here is the best UV resin for crafts that will cure properly for your projects. When it comes to resin, UV resin is one of the easiest types to start with. It cures quickly under a UV light, doesn’t require mixing, and is great for small projects like jewelry, keychains, and charms.

But not all UV resins are the same. Some stay sticky, some yellow fast, and a few just don’t cure right. In this post, I’m sharing the best UV resins to use and what makes each one worth trying.

I’ve used UV resin for years and have tested so many brands. The ones I’m sharing here are the ones I always come back to. They cure fast, stay clear, and don’t give me trouble. I mostly use them for jewelry and small molds, and I usually have different brand bottles on hand because I use them all the time.

Even this week, I’m working on a small table and using UV resin to fill in some cracks. It works for so many things.

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. The resin remains in a liquid state until activated by UV light. 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.

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 That Cures Properly

1. Let’s ResinHard Type UV Resin

This is one of my favorite brands 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. It’s my number one choice of UV resin for crafts.

These resins will give you a really great result for things like jewelry making, model crafting, and resin art. This brand also has some options for full UV resin craft kits. I really love their mica powders too and have used them on many things.

2. Let’s Resin Soft Type UV Resin

Let’s Resin Soft UV Resin is great for flexible projects like bezel charms or layered pieces that need a little give. It cures fast under a UV lamp, and the finish stays glossy without getting brittle.

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 for crafts resin is a fun way to skip the tinting step and jump right into making bright pieces. Give the bottle a good shake before you start, then cure in thin layers so the color stays even and you don’t trap bubbles. Try it for tiny charms and gradient effects.

When shopping for resin supplies, colored UV resin is definitely something to try. And this brand has a fully stocked shop.

4. JDiction Low Viscosity UV Resin

JDiction’s Low Viscosity UV Resin is one I’ve used for making jewelry pendants for years. It’s easy to work with, flows into tiny molds without much effort, and cures smooth and glossy under a good UV light. I keep coming back to it when I want an easy resin to work with.

This particular resin is used for things that need a more fluid and self leveling, like 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 thicker than regular types, so it’s easier to control and doesn’t drip as much. It works well for domes, top coats, and open bezels. If you want clean edges and a raised finish, this is the kind to try.

You can also use it for creating three dimensional coatings, doming, or building up layers for added depth.

6. UV Resin Kit With Light

Here’s a resin kit with a light that is included. It’s a great choice for beginners because then you don’t need to buy the light separate.

It’s a simple way to get into UV resin if you are just starting out. And since I have used this brand many times, I know that their resin cures perfectly.

7. Bulk UV Resin 1000g

Once you’re more serious about resin, buying UV resin in bulk by the jug makes a lot of sense. It saves money and means you won’t run out right when you’re in the middle of a project. Bulk resin is great if you make a lot of jewelry or bigger pieces, like coasters or trays. Just make sure to store it properly so it stays fresh and ready to use.

See my article about how to store resin the right way.

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 under a 36W UV lamp. It will usually be set in 1–3 minutes and has a crystal-clear finish. I’ve used it for everything from tiny pendants to layered charms, and it holds up well without being too thick or sticky.

9. Fast Cure UV Resin

This is a budget friendly brand that I’ve tried once and it was pretty good. Some of the things you can make with it includes jewelry crafting, decorative crafts, casting and coating, sculpting figurines, and creating mini dollhouse resin paintings.

You can customize it more by blending with mica powder, colorants, or glitter.

10. 500g UV Resin Kit

YIEHO is a popular UV resin with really good feedback. I haven’t tried this one yet, but it’s on my list because it has really good reviews. Customers like to use it for charms and pendants and also like that it doesn’t give off much odor and stays glossy long after curing.

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 making lots of stuff for your Etsy shop or doing craft fairs. I have a really good article about how to start a resin business to learn more about getting into resin.

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 very fast. See my article about how to make domino pendants.

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 used for curing resin, it’s pretty important to use one with the appropriate wavelength. Most UV resins cure best under UV-A light, around 365nm. I have even used gel nail polish lamps and those cure UV resin pretty good too. It’s pretty hard to mess up UV resin!

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 this 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 can cause skin irritation.

See this guide: Resin Safety 101. On this blog, I do not suggest children working with resin. I consider it an adult craft to be used with proper safety gear.

Can I color or dye UV resin?

Yes, UV resin can be colored using pigments, dyes, or even mica powders. Just do a test before going onto big projects. I’ve used acrylic paint in UV resin and it cured just fine. See these guides: Colorants for resin & Thermochromic paints for resin.

How thick can I pour UV resin?

The thickness of each resin layer matters. While UV resin is designed for thin layers, usually ranging from 1-5mm, pouring thicker layers can give you lumpy or uncured centers.

If you need to create thicker pieces, you can cure the resin in multiple layers, letting 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 Also, if you are working outside the resin is going to cure very fast, so do not work in the sunlight. Here’s a guide on how to use resin outside.

Viscosity and Flow

Pay attention to the viscosity or thickness of the UV resin. Different projects might need resins with different viscosities. Thicker resins are for creating doming effects, while thinner ones work well for coating and filling intricate molds.

UV Light Compatibility

Double check that the UV resin is compatible with the UV light source you have or plan to use. Some resins might need a specific wavelength of UV light (usually around 365nm) for curing. Check the resin’s specifications and use a proper UV light.

Transparency and Color Stability

If transparency and color stability are important for your project, look for UV resins that are known for curing very clear and that they resist yellowing over time.

Some resins have UV inhibitors that help prevent discoloration, making them good 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. But this is a very sad reality of resin, your things will most likely turn yellow over time.

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). Always use safety equipment like nitrile gloves and a mask.

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. 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 cool 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.

Figurines

Crafting miniatures and figurines is a popular use of UV resin, particularly in the world of model making and tabletop gaming.

In Closing

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my favorite UV resins. I hope this list helps you pick one that works for your next project. Feel free to share this post with your crafty friends or save it for later. Happy resin making!

Next, I answer one of your most asked questions, do you need a cure light for resin?