UV Resin Cure Time Guide
Estimate cure times based on your lamp wattage, layer thickness, and resin opacity.
1 Your Setup
Lamp × Layer Thickness Reference Matrix
| Lamp | Thin <2mm (clear) | Medium 2–5mm (clear) | Thick >5mm | Opaque (any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9W | 3–5 min | 8–15 min | Layer-by-layer required | 5–10 min/layer |
| 36W | 60–90 sec | 3–5 min | Layer-by-layer required | 3–6 min/layer |
| 48W | 30–60 sec | 2–4 min | Layer-by-layer required | 2–5 min/layer |
| 54W | 20–45 sec | 90 sec–3 min | Layer-by-layer required | 2–4 min/layer |
UV Resin vs 2-Part Epoxy
UV Resin — Best For
- Thin layers and domed surfaces
- Quick turnaround (jewelry, small bezels)
- Filling small molds under 5mm deep
- Minimal mixing — no ratio needed
- Immediate work time
2-Part Epoxy — Best For
- Deep pours (coasters, paperweights)
- River tables and large castings
- Self-leveling surfaces
- When UV lamp access is limited
- More pot time for complex pours
Why Does Resin Stay Sticky?
A sticky surface after curing is almost always caused by one of three things: insufficient UV exposure (cure longer or get closer to the lamp), too much pigment blocking UV penetration (cure in layers), or incomplete mixing (not applicable to UV resin). Post-curing in direct sunlight for 5–10 minutes can help fix a mildly tacky surface.
Thick or opaque pours require layer-by-layer curing because UV light cannot penetrate beyond 3–5mm in most formulations. Pour a thin layer, cure fully, then add the next layer.