The Poxy Pot: The Ins and Outs of UV Resin
What is UV resin?
UV resin is just one type of resin used in the crafting world. As a single use liquid which requires no hardening agent, this incredible product needs no mixing and a very short curing period. UV resin is generally a favourite amongst beginners as there’s no need to mix or measure and within just a few minutes under a UV light, you can revel at the sight of your newest creation.
UV Resin vs Epoxy Resin
Although newcomers to the epoxy world may think “resin is resin, surely?”, these two are polar opposites, with the main difference between the two being the curing process. As its name suggests, UV resin is a one-component product and begins setting as soon as it is exposed to UV light, with most describing it as “unmatched” against other resins due to its short curing time. UV resin is best used for smaller projects such as trinkets, jewellery, and pendants however it can be used for any castings up to 3-4mm thick.
On the other hand, Epoxy resin is a two-component product, and a chemical reaction needs to take place between the epoxy resin and hardening agent before it will cure. The mixing and measuring process needs to be spot on in order for the final product to harden correctly and not become brittle due to trapped air bubbles. The great thing about epoxy resin is that it can cure at room temperature, however, this process is lengthy, with it taking between 12-24 hours to cure but up to 7 days for the chemical reaction to fully take place.
Colouring UV resin
Before using any pigment, you need to test it in your UV resin. By mixing a small batch of resin and pigment and allowing it to cure for 3-4 minutes, you will have a more precise idea as to how the pigment will react to the resin and how it will affect the curing process.
Pigments and inserts that can be mixed into the Krystal UV resin:
- Pinata Alcohol ink (this can either be mixed into the resin or a few drops can be added between resin layers)
- PoxyArt PearlEx powders
- PoxyArt PoxyPigments (to be done in thin layers)
- Dala Glitters
- Dala Composite Leaf Sheets (Gold, silver and copper)
What you need to start your UV resin journey:
- A bottle of Krystal UV resin
- UV lamp (36watt)
- Silicone work mat
- Pigment mixing cups
- Mixing sticks
- Basic PPE (Latex gloves, face mask)
- Moulds, jewellery, trinkets etc depending on your project
Our team is here to assist you with inspiration, information and anything you may need or want to know while you embark on this creative journey. Follow us on our social media pages or visit our website at www.poxyart.com to find out more about what we do and why we do it.
Note: It is always important to work within a well-ventilated area as well as use the appropriate PPE when working with resin.