Ultraviolet resin

Ultraviolet 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 the resin 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 the resin is sticky to the touch, it is because there has been a problem with the UV light, either because of the amount of UV light, 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 of the resin generating more visual transparency as well as completely eliminating the sticky effect of the resin not completely cured.

The ultraviolet resin 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 a UV light. It can be tinted with different resin dyes available on the Green Stuff World website.

Advantages of UV resin

This resin 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 (UV) light. To cure UV resin, you will need to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. 

Here is a general process for curing UV resin:

- Prepare your work area: UV resin cures 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 the resin: 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 the resin: Place the resin under a UV lamp, or UV 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 resin you are using and the intensity of the UV light.

- Remove the resin: Once the resin 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 resin free.

If you are having trouble curing your resin, try adjusting the distance of the lamp from the resin or increasing the intensity of the light. You can also try using a different type of UV lamp, such as a UV flashlight or a UV 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 resins for your miniatures and figures.