UV Resin vs Epoxy Resin: Which Is Better For Your Next Project?

You've probably seen some insane resin projects online. You can make almost anything with some resin and a little bit of imagination.

You might have also seen two different names floating around the internet: UV resin and epoxy resin. What do these names mean and how are these two types of resin different?

Never fear! We're here to help you understand the differences so you can decide which one is best for your next project.

This article will cover:

• What are the differences between UV resin vs epoxy resin?
• What can you make with each type of resin?
• What are some safety considerations when using resin?

Let's dive in.

UV Resin vs Epoxy Resin: What Are The Main Differences?

We get it. The names are similar, and it's honestly confusing to tell the difference between these two products.

So to help you understand the concepts quickly, we've put the key differences into a helpful graphic:

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's talk about resin for a second. What is this magical material, and how does it work?

What is Resin, Anyway?

Resin is a powerful liquid material found both in natural and synthetic forms.

Resin is viscous and fluid in its original state, then hardens into a solid, either by drying out or being cured with UV light.

So why is resin valuable for crafters? Because it's easy to shape and use, but becomes a sturdy piece of material—perfect for crafting, furniture, construction, and more.

Where does UV resin and epoxy resin fit in? Within this big category of resin materials, UV resin and epoxy resin are both synthetic resins used for DIY projects and crafting.

What is UV Resin?

UV resin is a type of resin that's easy to mold into shapes and cured using UV light.

Should you choose UV resin for your next project? Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros and Cons of UV Resin

Pros: 

• Easy to use, no mixing required. We recommend UV resin for absolute resin beginners because it's so easy!
• Cures fast with UV light—about 1 to 2 minutes per layer, no need to wait hours for it to dry
• Just like epoxy, UV resin can be mixed with any material like glitter, dry flowers, gold flakes, and more

Cons:

• Only works in thin, clear molds or small shapes that UV light can penetrate
• Not approved for eating and drinking: Most brands of UV resin are not FDA-approved for eating and drinking, so don't put it onto cups, plates, or eating utensils. If you really want to try this anyway, add another layer of epoxy on top to seal in the UV resin.

What is UV Resin Best For?

UV resin is best for jewelry, coasters, pendants, and other flat items made with thin, clear silicone molds. For example, check out this elegant UV resin bezel jewelry you can make with just a few materials.

Looking for UV resin ideas? We've got you covered with 19 Awesome UV Resin Ideas to WOW Your Customers!

What You Need to Use UV Resin

Ready to get started? Here's what to buy:

UV Resin

Of course, you'll need a bottle of UV resin. Choose a high-quality resin that's designed for crafting, like our favorite, Resin Rockers UV Resin.

UV resin comes in a smaller package than epoxy resin and is usually more expensive than epoxy per gram. Just keep that in mind when creating your budget.

UV Light

The UV light is the star of the show with UV resin. This will cure the resin into your finished object.

Choose a UV lamp or flashlight. (Our resin requires 24-36 watts to cure.) Gel nail curing lamps are also great for this.

If you're in a pinch, you can even put your crafts under the sun to cure with natural sunlight, but of course this won't work on a rainy day.

Add-Ins

This is the fun part! Add glitter, sequins, charms, dried flowers, pigments and dyes, and other little things to make your UV resin creation your own!

One tip for adding dyes: Don't add too much pigment or the UV light source won't be able to penetrate the entire piece.

UV Resin Molds

Finally, you'll want some molds in different shapes to make your crafts. Our UV resin starter kit has some great molds to get you started.

Handling UV Resin Safely

Make sure you're safe when using resin!

We recommend using personal protective gear or PPE, even if UV resin is slightly less toxic than epoxy. You never know how your body or skin might react with resin, so it's best to be safe.

If anything, make sure to wear gloves and goggles while working. Keep your workspace well-ventilated, or use a respirator mask if you don't have enough airflow.

Finally, check your UV resin packaging for any more safety instructions.

How to Use UV Resin

1. Mix your UV resin with any add-ins or pigments in a silicone bowl.
2. Pour the resin into the mold and add any decorative items you want, like gold leaf, charms, or dried flowers.
3. Remove any bubbles by letting it sit for a couple of minutes.
4. Shine the UV light over the mold for the recommended curing time, then rotate and cure the back.
5. Keep rotating until the curing process is finished.
6. Remove the hard object from the mold and trim or sand away any excess. Optionally, you can apply a resin sealer to finish.

Phew! That probably wasn't as difficult as you thought. If you want to learn more, check out our UV Resin Get Started Guide next.

Now, let's switch gears and talk about epoxy resin.

What is Epoxy Resin?

Epoxy resin is a kind of resin that works by combining two parts: the epoxy and the hardener. They cure with a slow chemical reaction that takes place over several hours.

So is epoxy resin the right choice for you? Here are some points to consider:

Pros and Cons of Epoxy Resins

Pros:

• Can be used for many different applications in any shape
• FDA-approved for eating and drinking use, so you can use it to make tumblers, cups, and other eating utensils

Cons:

• Takes time to dry, at least 8 to 12 hours minimum per layer
• Must mix the chemicals together before each use

What is Epoxy Resin Best For?

Epoxy resin can make or customize almost anything you can think of, from flat objects to 3D objects in any shape. You can also dye your resin in any color and add any objects to the mix and it will still cure beautifully.

We've seen beautifully personalized tables, cutting boards, 3D tumbler decorations, and so much more!

What You Need to Use Epoxy Resin

Epoxy Resin

Of course you'll need some handy-dandy epoxy resin. It comes in two bottles, one for the epoxy and one for the hardener. Check out our brand of epoxy resin called Flopoxy with our Flopoxy Fast Set.

Add-Ins

You can add pigments, mica powder, glitter, dried flowers, stickers, and more to customize your epoxy to your liking.

Molds or Objects to Customize

You can put epoxy in any mold of any color. Unlike UV resin, epoxy will cure in any environment as long as you give it enough time.

Or you can paint layers of epoxy on a tumbler and add glitter to make a glitter tumbler, for example.

Time

Seriously, you'll be waiting a long time for this to cure! But the wait is totally worth it to get that final result.

Handling Epoxy Safely

You do NOT want to expose yourself to epoxy directly. Make sure to wear PPE, including a respirator, goggles, and gloves. We also recommend having a MakerFlo Apron to protect your clothes.

How to Use Epoxy Resin

1. Stir the two liquids together according to your brand's instructions.
2. Mix in any other materials that you'd like to use with the resin in a silicone bowl.
3. Paint a layer of epoxy onto your object or pour it into your mold.
4. Let it sit for several hours to a day or more until fully cured.
5. Sand and wipe down the hardened epoxy for a smooth and glossy finish!

Have more questions? Check out our Epoxy FAQs and our Epoxy Get Started Guide next!

UV Resin vs Epoxy Resin: Which Will You Choose?

Now that you know the big differences, which one will you choose for your next project?

Don't forget to share your creations with us in our Official Facebook Group, or tag us on Instagram @makerflocrafts!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the downside to UV resin?

UV resin only works in flat, clear molds and isn't FDA-approved for making things used for eating or drinking.

Is UV resin as bad as epoxy resin?

It depends on what you mean by "bad." It's a little bit less toxic, but you still want to be covering up with PPE and gloves and ventilating your space.

How long does UV resin last?

UV resin shelf life is about 6 months long.

Does UV resin turn yellow?

Yes, UV resin can turn yellow with UV exposure and heat exposure. Our favorite Resin Rockers UV resin has powerful UV inhibitors to keep it clearer for longer.

Which is easier to use, UV resin or epoxy resin?

UV resin is easier to use but epoxy is more versatile. It all comes down to which works best for your needs!