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Resin Rockers Color Burst UV Resin FAQs and Pro Tips

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Purposes

  • Jewelry - Pendants, earrings, bezels, & more.
  • Fishing lures
  • Artwork
  • Acrylic Blanks - Coating keychain, badge reel or ornament blanks
  • 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

*Keep in mind, the deeper the pour, the more intense color you will achieve. The UV Light must be able to penetrate through the piece or it will not cure so some colors may be more transparent than others, but layering and adding glitter will do the trick.

Color Combining
Looking for a special color not offered in the kit? Expand your color palette by mixing two or three colors together to create new ones!

Wattage and Time to Cure
We recommend using at least 24-36W UV lamps. Higher wattage will work, but could cause yellowing of the resin and more fumes, which is why our resin has a minimal cure time (60-120 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.

What can I add to my colored UV resin for more depth and more intense coloration?

Glitter

  • All high heat resistant 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 minute, 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 in moderation only

  • 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. It will be trial and error if you feel the need to add pigment or dye.

FAQs

My resin still feels sticky, even after the recommended cure time. What do I do?
If your resin still feels sticky even with more than the maximum cure time, make sure you are letting it rest for an hour or two after the initial cure. The resin will still need time to harden up to its full rock-hard, durable finish. Also take into consideration your work environment. If it is humid or cold, that will affect the cure also. Give it a little extra time, maybe even sit it in the window sill for a few hours. Also consider curing in thin layers. This is still a transparent resin, but due to the tint, it will take longer for the light to penetrate all the way through. Also be sure you are curing on both sides if you are using a mold. Be sure your mold is transparent and still in good condition. If your mold has turned white from excessive use, consider a new one because the UV light must be able to penetrate the piece.

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 keychains, they could get extremely warm where the metal is.

How do I know my piece is cured?
It will not be sticky to the touch. If doing a piece in layers it should be fine but anything over 1mm will need to be in a silicone mold and cured right side up, then upside down to make sure the UV can get everywhere it needs to. Our UV resin cures within 1 minute depending on the wattage and the type of lamp. You need an LED UV lamp of 24-36W.

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!

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 to use?
Absolutely - if you use the proper protective equipment! It is non-toxic and safe to use inside as long as you are in a well-ventilated area. All brands of UV resin can emit fumes. If you are using a higher wattage UV LED lamp, you will get a lot more fumes, 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. Every person is different so 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 smell?
All brands of UV resin have an odor. 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 unique formula meant to emit the least amount of fumes possible with a very low wattage.

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