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Soft Coat UV Resin Instructions & FAQs

BE SURE TO STORE AT ROOM TEMP. IF YOUR RESIN IS CHILLY, IT WILL BE THICKER. IF YOU WANT TO THIN IT DOWN, WARM THE BOTTLE SLIGHTLY IN A CUP OF WARM WATER.

Purposes

  • Jewelry - Pendants, earrings, bezels, & more.
  • Casting - cast in silicone molds to create a plethora of fun things like keychains, jewelry, accessories, & more!
  • Fishing lures
  • Repair - Can repair air bubble pockets in cured resin pieces
  • Bonding agent for epoxy pieces - When creating shaker charms, UV resin is an easy way to seal the front prior to the fill and seal the fill hole when finished
  • Artwork
  • Acrylic Blanks - Keychains, badge reels or ornaments
  • Beads and Charms - These can be made with silicone molds or free-hand and once cured, can be used as decorative inclusions in other pieces
  • Doming - Finishing your resin pieces with a nice clear dome-like top
  • Glazing (Give your pieces a high shine appearance) - great for projects that turn out matte and you wanted them shiny
  • Protection - High UV resistance

Wattage and Time to Cure

We recommend using the MagicCure LED Lamp with Resin Rocker products to properly cure all projects with the correct wattage.  Higher wattage will work, but could cause bubbles or over-cure the resin. Higher wattage will also emit more fumes. Resin Rockers UV resin has a minimal cure time (120 seconds front and back). All brands of UV resin can let off fumes and have an odor. Some are stronger than others - Resin Rockers is much less due to a premium quality photo initiator and added fragrance.

Shelf Life
The average shelf life of Resin Rockers UV Resin is approximately 6-12 months from the time the seal has been opened. This could vary depending on storage. It needs to be stored at room temp in a dark, dry place, away from any moisture or humidity and be sure to replace the pointed tip cap with the flat cap included in your shipment.

What can I use to color UV Resin?

If you're not comfortable tinting your own resin, consider our Color Burst UV Resin.

Glitter

  • All high heat resistant polyester glitter works great to color your resin. Just be sure not to use too much or your piece will be brittle. The resin makes the piece more durable and there needs to be enough of it throughout.

Pro Pearl Mica Pigment Powder

  • Use Pro Pearl sparingly. You do not need much (a dusting). If you use too much it will not cure properly. A translucent mold or surface (acrylic blank) will allow the light to penetrate the resin on both sides.
  • If using a bezel with a back, use the powdered pigment sparingly when mixing. Then apply the resin and cure for 1-2 minutes, apply another thin layer and cure for one minute, repeating this process. Be sure each layer is cured completely before the next layer is applied.
  • Metal bezels can get warm in the lamp because metal is a conductor so be careful when removing the piece and let it cool for a minute before handling.
  • PRO TIP- Mica powders can cause bubbles so it is best to mix, let your resin rest for a minute or so, then torch it lightly to remove bubbles, then cure. You may need to let your resin rest and repeat the torching process a few times. Again, use a dash only! It could make your piece gummy and never cure. The UV light must be able to penetrate the piece fully - which is why we recommend glitter for coloring. 

Liquid Pigment

  • Make sure the pigment is formulated for UV and if so, use only 1-2 drops max. Again, a little goes a long way. A lot of other pigments on the market are not made for UV Resin, therefore leaving your piece sticky and gummy when cured.

FAQs

My resin has bubbles after casting in a mold. How do I get rid of them?
You will want to make sure your resin is warm prior to the pour. You need to pour slowly. You will also want to let your resin rest for at least 5-10 minutes if possible prior to the cure to let the bubbles rise so you can add heat to the resin with a mini torch lighter or a candle lighter.. If this does not work, simply scoot the bubbles out with a toothpick or similar tool prior to the cure.

What is the heat resistance for Resin Rockers UV Resin?
Resin Rockers UV Resin is heat resistant up to 150 degrees F but you should still protect your pieces in that kind of temperature as much as you can, especially if you are using elements in the resin that may not be as heat resistant like vinyl, pigment, etc. Also, remember metal is a conductor so if you are making jewelry, your pieces could get extremely warm where the metal is.

How do I know my piece is cured?
It will not be sticky to the touch. It may have a rubbery feel to it right out of the lamp. Your piece will continue to harden up over the next 6-12 hours due to its need to de-gas. It is important to let your pieces rest during this time and minimize handling until it reaches the rock solid state.

If you are creating a piece and working in layers or casting in a silicone mold, be sure to  and cure right side up, then upside down to make sure the UV can get everywhere it needs to. Our UV resin cures within 2 minutes depending on the wattage of your lamp, your working environment temperature, and your humidity level. You need a UV lamp of 24-36W for a proper Resin Rockers cure.

Does it matter what kind of glitter I use?
YES! Always check the label and make sure it is manufactured with PET – a high heat and solvent resistant material. 

Can I mix epoxy and UV?
Not in liquid form. You can however dome your pieces made with epoxy once they are cured or layer pieces by lightly sanding with 1200 grit sand paper, wiping with rubbing alcohol, then coating with UV resin and curing it.

Why is my piece textured after I cure it when I use glitter?
All UV resin can cause a little shrinkage during the cure so the glitter texture may be more prominent. Dome your pieces with more resin after you cure and you will get that nice shiny finish!

Why does my piece have a yellowish tint after I cure it?
Our resin has a premium grade UV inhibitor in it to prevent yellowing. The only way it can yellow is if you cure it too long under the lamp, or you are using a lamp that has too high of a wattage. Stick to the 24-36W for about a minute on each side. We beat all the competition in yellowing resistance!

What is the difference between a UV lamp and a LED UV lamp?
An LED UV lamp will do a better job and cure it quicker. A plain UV lamp will take a lot longer, but it is much lower heat so it will aid in eliminating pinholes. You must be particular with your UV lamp if you decide to go without the LED. 36W is recommended. It will also take a little longer to cure without the LED.

Is UV Resin safe?
Absolutely - if you use the proper protective equipment! It is non-toxic once fully cured and safe to use inside as long as you are in a well-ventilated area. All brands of UV resin can emit fumes and it is important to remember every person is different with different sensitivity levels. If you are using a higher wattage UV LED lamp, you will get a lot more fumes during the initial cure, which is why we recommend using the lower wattage (24-36W). Be sure to wear nitrile gloves and protect your skin in case those with sensitive skin have an allergic reaction or lung irritation. We always advise to be cautious no matter what kind of chemical you are working with. Safety is always #1! We recommend usage for ages 15+.

Why does my UV resin have an odor?
All brands of UV resin have an odor due to the photo initiators. There is not a way around it due to the chemical make up. However, Resin Rockers UV Resin has a less pungent smell than most and has a better fragrance than most.

My resin has bubbles even after warming. What do I do?
Resting your pieces prior to the cure is the most important part of the process. Let your pieces rest at least 5-10 minutes to give those bubbles and chance to make it to the surface. If this is not helping, simply scoot them to the side with a toothpick and remove them. A seeding mat (heated mat) to rest your pieces on can also help. Once the bubbles rise to the top, run a lighter over them quickly to eliminate the bubbles. Do not hold it to the resin - resin can burn.

 

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