UV resin

UV resin is a must for our wargames and miniatures. It is perfect for artists and modelers who want to look for realistic ways to create water effects or toxic effects in their dioramas. They usually create a water effect of pure transparency, but there is also a fluor version that creates a fluorescent effect with a unique glow-in-the-dark result when approached with a UV flashlight. 

It has a gel-like viscosity and is applied directly to the base of the miniature. It has an ultra-fast drying time when combined with an ultraviolet flashlight, taking between two and four minutes. 

It should be noted that it will remain in a liquid state permanently until ultraviolet light or daylight hits it. While that happens, you can spread and rectify its application as needed. Once the desired shape is achieved, apply light on it to dry it completely and harden it. If after doing this you notice that it remains sticky to the touch, it is because there has been a problem with the UV light, either because of the amount or the intensity of the UV light. If the flashlight has very low batteries or if the flashlight is very dirty it could directly affect the curing.

It is advisable to apply a gloss varnish once it has dried as it gives a more striking effect to the original color generating more visual transparency as well as completely eliminating the sticky effect when it is not completely cured.

This product does not have to be mixed with any other component to harden, only ultraviolet light should be used. Sun curing is also possible and will take 5 to 10 minutes on a sunny day. This time is reduced to between 90 and 240 seconds by applying curing light. It can be tinted with different dyes available on the Green Stuff World website.

Advantages of Ultraviolet resin

This material compared to epoxy, has many advantages that facilitate our work to create or replicate toxic or radioactive waste, among others.

These are some of them:

• Ultra-fast drying when UV light is applied to it. Even in the sun, it will not take more than 10 minutes if it is directly hit. 
• It does not shrink. There are other materials of similar characteristics that do shrink when drying, but in this case, the shape and the amount added to the figure will remain the same when it has dried. This makes us feel confident with the application and we do not waste the product, which is always welcome.
• It is multi-layered. Whether you want to hide something or add volume, you can apply multiple layers on top of each other without leaving marks in between.
• It can be easily cut, polished, and manipulated once cured. 
• If air is trapped in it, it only needs to be heated a little to expel it before it has cured.

How to dry resin with a UV lamp?

UV resin is a type of polymer that cures or hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light. When curing it, you will need to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. 

Here is a general process for curing them:

- Prepare your work area: It dries quickly, so it's important to have everything you need ready before you start. Make sure you have a clean, flat surface to work on, and gather any tools or materials you will need, such as gloves, a UV lamp, and a mixing cup.

- Pour it: Once the base, diorama, or desired mold is ready, you can pour it into it. If you are using a mold, make sure it is clean and dry.

- Cure it: Place it under a lamp or a torch, or expose it to natural sunlight, until it is fully cured. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the type of ultraviolet resin you are using and the intensity of light.

- Remove it: Once it is fully cured, you can remove it from the mold or surface. If it is stuck, you may need to gently flex the mold or use a tool to pry the already cured part free.

If you are having trouble curing it, try adjusting the distance of the lamp or increasing the intensity of the light. You can also try using a different type of UV lamp, such as a flashlight or a nail dryer.

Tips for using ultraviolet resin

Since this is a special material, certain care must be taken with it.

For example, it should be in a dry and ventilated place, with a temperature between 18° and 25 °C. Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, could damage the material and its performance.

Once the product has been opened, it should be consumed within a maximum of 10 months.

In our online store, you will find transparent and colored dye for resins for your miniatures and figures.