How do you use signature crafts UV resin?

Light Cure UV Resin is an easy-to-use product with excellent results!

UV Resin is actually a two-part epoxy. But, instead of mixing two liquids (liquid resin and liquid activator), the activator is already in the resin. The activator reacts with UV Light which cures the resin.

We feel the best way to cure Light Cure UV Resin is to use our UV/LED Lamp. The lamp was developed with the correct wavelength of light that reacts the resin. We like the lamp because it allows you more control.

To cure the resin, fill a mold cavity with the resin and slide it into the lamp. The mold needs to slide to the back of the lamp because that is where there is the largest concentration of bulbs.

Using the time buttons, select 60 seconds for your initial exposure. After the time is up, rotate the mold and expose the resin for another 60 seconds. When that is done, flip the mold over and cure through the bottom of the mold for a final 60 seconds. It is advisable to wait a minute between exposures as the resin can get very hot. After you have exposed the mold on the bottom, wait a few minutes for it to cool off before de-molding.

Helpful Hints:

When applying the resin to the mold, it’s best to hold the bottle at a 45° angle. This causes any air bubbles in the bottle to rise away from the spout.

Positioning the bottle in the mold: Place the spout against the side of the mold to help reduce air bubbles. Squeeze gently and let the resin flow into the mold cavity until full.

Air Bubbles: Every so often you may get a few air bubbles when putting resin in the mold. Give it a few minutes to let them rise to the surface. They will usually pop on their own. Occasionally you’ll get a few stubborn ones that get stuck on the side of the mold. Use a toothpick to bring those to the surface. You can use a hair dryer to pop any stubborn surface bubbles.

Light Cure Resin Colors:

Light Cure UV Resin is available in Clear and 6 colors: White, Black, Red, Blue, Pink and Purple. These are ALL translucent colors. The White and Black are not opaque. They can’t be! The light waves must penetrate the resin to cure it. If the resin is opaque, the light does not penetrate, and resin can’t cure.

You can add colorants to Light Cure Resin. We have used Alcohol Ink and water-based colorants. Please use VERY SMALL amounts as colorants may disrupt the chemical balance of the light cure formula. Adding either of these items both require mixing. Make sure you let the mixed solution rest, so the bubbles come to the surface. Colorants may also affect cure time or may cause the resin not to cure. It’s best to test first!

Adding Glitter, Mica, Foil and More:

When adding Glitter or Mica, remember that the UV light must penetrate the resin to cure completely. Turning the mold to expose your mold to the light is very helpful.

Mica goes a VERY long way and is typically light enough to stay suspended in the liquid. We recommend you start with the smallest amount and mix thoroughly. Mixing causes air bubbles; let them rise to be popped.

Glitter is another favorite resin additive. Glitter will be a heavier substance. Unless you cure it quickly, it will settle to the bottom of the mold. Exposing all sides of the mold to UV light will help it cure completely.

Foil is very popular in UV Resin and should be added after the resin is poured in the mold. We use a toothpick to push it under the resin surface, to spread it out and position it.

Hey! I cured my resin for 3 minutes and it’s still sticky! What happened?!

This can happen for a few reasons:

  1. The mold was not pushed to the back of the lamp where lights are strongest.
  2. The resin did not spend enough time under the lights: Try additional exposures in 30 second increments.
  3. The lamp is underpowered, and lights are not strong enough. There could be two reasons for this: Plug the USB power cord into an Apple or Android phone adapter instead of a computer. The lamp could be defective.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email The Glueologist:

Thank You!

March 17, 2020

Signature Crafts™ Light Cure UV Resin

How do you use signature crafts UV resin?

Light Cure UV resin will help to complete your DIY jewelry-making projects. You can use it on plastic, glass, bezel and more for a clear, high gloss finish. The possibilities are endless. AVAILABLE AT MICHAELS STORES

HELPFUL HINTS:

Tip 1: Make sure any mold you use is completely clean! Whatever is in the mold will be in the piece you cast!

Tip 2: We formulated this product to have air come out of it automatically, but air bubbles can occur occasionally. When you fill the mold, hold the bottle tip to the edge of the mold and let the resin flow and rise. Then lift the bottle out and there should not be any air bubbles. If bubbles exist and don't pop on their own, a quick puff of air from your mouth should burst them. If they are more stubborn, then a lit match passed close to the surface swill do the trick. 

Tip 3: Curing the resin. There are typically two types of molds; flat base where the sides are a uniform height and there are molds with non uniform depth. The UV light needs to pass through the resin to cure. The shallower areas will cure first. Place the resin under your light source for 60 seconds. After the first 60, rotate the mold so another area sees the light. After that 60, if the surface of the mold feels tack free, flip the mold over and hit it again for 60 seconds. Let the cast cool down and de-mold. If the piece is still tacky pop it under the light for another 30 or 60 seconds. 

Signature Crafts™ LED UV LAMP

How do you use signature crafts UV resin?

 This lightweight LED lamp is perfect for curing UV resin jewelry, accessories, crafts and more. Quicker than traditional 2 part resin applications, UV resin projects can cure in minutes with the use of this LED lamp. AVAILABLE AT MICHAELS STORES

HELPFUL HINTS:

COMING SOON!!!

Signature Crafts™ Fast Cure Clear Casting Resin

How do you use signature crafts UV resin?

Fast Cure Casting Resin adds a high gloss finish to your projects. This 2 part epoxy kit is ideal for crafting in less time than traditional casting resins. Create custom tabletops, décor accents, jewelry pieces and more in 3 easy steps: combine and mix, pour and spread on the project, and then let your project dry. AVAILABLE AT MICHAELS STORES

HELPFUL HINTS:

COMING SOON!!!


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Does UV resin need to be mixed?

UV resin on the other hand, doesn't require any mixing. In order to cure, UV resin requires UV light from the sun. Compared to epoxy resin, UV resin cures in a matter of minutes, so your projects won't take a lot of time.

How long do you put UV resin under light?

For UV resin, it takes about 15-20 minutes to cure each layer under a UV lamp, and a few hours to cure in direct sunlight.

Will UV resin set on its own?

The resin can be used for a very long time, as it does not cure without the aid of a UV lamp. Curing by UV light is completed within a very short time.