UV resin vs epoxy resin – let’s break it down.
I’ve been utilizing resin for a few years, however the old style two-half epoxy model. When UV resin got here out on the market, I didn’t attempt it for some time. The UV lamp, the one-half resin – it kinda turned me off.
But you recognize what?
A giant a part of being an artist is to at all times attempt to evolve and embrace new instruments! So I went and purchased a UV resin equipment, and I LOVE it! Very straightforward and quick to make use of, fast clear up.
These days there are all types of resin to attempt. Casting resin, polyester resin, polyurethane resin, even water-based mostly varnish that dries virtually like resin…
Now it’s time to discover the best choice for you and your initiatives.
So carry on the resin craft initiatives!
Quick overview
UV resin makes use of a UV gentle to remedy the resin in minutes. But you possibly can solely remedy an space as massive as the gentle, which makes it finest for smaller initiatives. It additionally cures a bit tender, however you possibly can put it in daylight to correctly harden.
Epoxy resin is 2-components you must combine. It takes 24 hours to remedy however is tremendous sturdy as soon as it’s absolutely cured.
Detailed break down of the two variations!
Conventional epoxy resins
This is what many people have used – a two half formulation. Part A is the resin and Part B is the curing additive that creates a chemical response. Equal components are blended totally collectively and left to set for 24 hours till absolutely hardened.
Two-part epoxy resin kit on amazon
Versatile. You can pour it in thick or skinny layers on flat surfaces or in molds, simply take away air bubbles, resin casting, and it really works nice as a thick varnish or for smaller initiatives as nicely.
Great for large DIYs. It is usually used for bigger initiatives, similar to furnishings or counter tops. It cures at room temperature.
Easy so as to add gildings. Alcohol inks, glittered, embeds, mica powders, paper, and you’ll even coat meals objects.
Epoxy resin is understood for its energy and sturdiness. It can stand up to excessive-impression and excessive-stress initiatives.
Great for a wide range of initiatives, together with jewellery making, woodworking, and residential enchancment.
Two-part epoxy resin is waterproof! Perfect for initiatives that will likely be uncovered to moisture or water.
Easier to work in layers. Mixed media resin initiatives must have area for including, fixing, altering. Epoxy lets you apply extra layers over greater areas.
Sand and/or polish your completed mission to realize a easy and shiny end. That means your jewellery initiatives, craft initiatives, house decor DIYs will all come out nice.
Okay, now the down aspect of epoxy resin
Mixing course of: You gotta get it proper! Two equal components and it’s essential to mix easily to keep away from air bubbles, but thorough sufficient so it cures correctly.
Extra instruments wanted. Mixing cups, stirring sticks, warmth gun for bubbles.
Long curing time. Epoxy resin takes for much longer to totally harden than UV resin, usually requiring 24-48 hours or longer. If you might be in a rush, UV resin is likely to be a better option.
It stinks! Epoxy resin has a powerful odor, which is usually a disadvantage for many who are delicate to sturdy chemical smells. You completely should put on a face masks, security glasses, gloves and work in a nicely-ventilated room.
Yellowing over time. Depending what model you employ, it may possibly yellow over the years and look actually gross. Look for resin that has a blue tint, this may assist preserve it good and clear-trying.
Spotty protection at instances. Your floor must be very clear or the resin will separate.
UV Resin
UV resin is a kind of resin that cures (hardens) rapidly when uncovered to ultraviolet gentle. It is often used for small initiatives or for including a protecting layer to different crafting initiatives.
Quick curing course of. High-quality UV resin cures inside minutes when uncovered to UV gentle. The equipment I bought has a bit UV gentle that stays one for one-minute at a time. I at all times do three rounds of curing with the gentle. The equipment additionally has extra gear like a silicone mat, tweezers and a plug to cost the gentle.
Super straightforward to make use of. OMG, that is what I really like. My equipment has one-half resin. No mixing. Simply squirt it on, apply it as desired after which hit it with the gentle to remedy! It’s now my go-to for glueing the backs to my earrings.
Low odor. This is an important issue. UV resin has a decrease odor than epoxy resin. A HUGE distinction!
Clear and clear. A pleasant characteristic for jewellery items!
Additives welcome! Glitter, alcohol inks, and so forth work nicely with this.
Works nice in resin molds. Easy to take away!
Nice software for attaching earring backs with out ready for everlasting adhesive to remedy.
These are important variations, particularly in the event you love working with all varieties of resin.
The down aspect of UV resin
It’s a bit bit brittle at instances. It may chip or flake whereas sanding.
Not as sturdy. Sometimes it may be tender in areas, not like regular epoxy resin. In that case, you possibly can put it in direct daylight and it’ll remedy rock arduous.
Limited working time. You actually must work quick, when you activate that gentle over your resin, it hardens in a short time!
Wear gloves and face masks, simply to be secure!
Use a warmth gun to take away bubbles.
In abstract, each UV resin and epoxy resin have their very own execs and cons. UV resin is fast and straightforward to make use of, whereas epoxy resin is powerful and versatile.
As for me – I exploit each.
UV resin: Affixing jewellery findings similar to earring posts, utilizing it as a everlasting adhesive for small objects. Making resin earrings.
Epoxy resin: Larger initiatives, layering, and so forth.
My finest recommendation is to experiment and have enjoyable. Work quick as a result of resin does have a shelf life.
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