15 Best UV Light For Resin Crafts In 2023
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UV resin is a synthetic resin that is easier to work with compared to the two-part epoxy resin. But as its name implies, it needs exposure to UV light to cure it properly. The best UV light for resin effectively cures the project in minutes or seconds, depending on the project’s thickness.
This review includes the best UV light for resin projects, buying guide, and answers some of your most frequently asked questions.
Our Top Picks
Best for Long-Term Use - MelodySusie 36W UV Nail Lamp Dryer• Replaceable lamps |
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Best for 3D Prints - UV Resin Curing Light and Turntable Set• Energy-saving and environment-friendly |
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Best Longlife UV Light - Nail Lamp LED UV Light for Resin and Gel Polishes• 50,000 hours lamp life |
1. Portable 5V UV Blacklight
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What Customers Have To Say
Those who have used this UV light for resin recommended it to fellow crafters because it works perfectly for small resin projects and gel nail arts. However, it could use the correct adapter.
It is too strong to use with a phone charger that the light flickers with the wrong power supply. But you can plug it via a USB port on your extension cords or laptop, making it perfect for use anywhere.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Portable 5V UV Blacklight allows you to work on gel nail art or small resin crafts right on your desk because of its clamp stand and adjustable neck. It can even work on large surfaces such as UV-activated clear coats and uneven surfaces like a car wheel rim that you can’t cure using more oversized UV lamps.
It connects to a USB port, but contrary to the manufacturer’s claim, the lamp flickers when connected to a phone charger. The upgraded and more powerful single-chip UV LED may cause flickering, but we are not so sure. However, if you have a USB port on your power outlets, you can use that instead.
Besides UV resin projects, you can also use this lamp to cure and activate UV black paint, fluorescent paint, blacklight posters, etc.
Who Should Buy It
We highly recommend this UV light for resin for those who love working on small resin crafts that need flash curing. It is very effective because of its long gooseneck design that can bend and focus UV light on small projects.
2. Sovol 3D Printer UV Light for Resin
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What Customers Have To Say
Customers advise against overexposure to this UV light for resin as it affects the quality of the project, so start timing as soon as you power on the device. The metal housing of the lamp is solid, which is an excellent selling point. However, other users strongly recommend using eye protection as the light is powerful.
Why We Think It’s Great
We love that the Sovol 3D Printer UV Light for Resin can cut the curing time as short as 10 seconds on a big resin project. The customer service is also top-notch and very responsive when you have issues with your purchase.
Please be careful of overexposing your resin craft since it can turn brick-hard, which is considered a rookie mistake. Brick-hard means brittle and opaque, and you don’t want that for your project. After perfecting its use, some users decided to buy another UV light for resin to make another DIY curing setup.
You also have to confine the light, so it doesn’t damage your eyes. It’s a testament that it works well.
Who Should Buy It
Professional resin crafters who work with UV resin should get this lamp for their DIY curing setup. You can make a support stand and enclose it to focus all the UV light on your project while protecting your eyes from harmful UV light.
3. MelodySusie 36W UV Nail Lamp Dryer - Best for Long-Term Use
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What Customers Have To Say
Users love this UV light’s versatility since you can use it for curing polymer clay crafts. You can also replace the sliding tray with a silicone mat for your resin pieces. However, some customers wished it had a buzzer to alert you when the time runs out.
This UV light for resin also works with acrylic crafts. One crafter even called it a game-changer. The 30-minute time setting may be too much since UV resin does not need that much time, but crafters can use the 30-minute setting for crafts that require longer than 120 seconds. Just set a timer to alert you so you don’t turn your project into a brick.
Why We Think It’s Great
Although the opening is just four inches wide, it has enough space to hold your UV resin crafts. What stands out for us are the replaceable lamps and the removable sliding tray. You can set up a silicone baking mat under your light so you won’t have issues when working with open bezel jewelry.
Be sure to replace the lamps every 3-5 months, depending on the frequency of use to maintain output quality. We think this is the best UV light for resin crafts for those who want to use a lamp for a long time because you can replace the busted light and continue using the device.
Who Should Buy It
Crafters who work with polymer clay, acrylic resin, UV resin, and even gel nails will love this versatile UV lamp. Just be sure to wear a UV shield glove when using it for your gel nails.
4. Aokitec 78W UV Light for Resin
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What Customers Have To Say
The Aokitec 78W UV Lamp cures UV resin jewelry, gel nail art, and UV resin projects. Customers who braved some bad reviews and bought this UV lamp recommended it because it does not get too warm and burns your hands.
According to one user, it is an excellent piece of equipment for crafting. It is easy to clean and sanitize because it has only one part. Customers highly recommend it since you can fit an 8-inch craft or up to 3 or 4 smaller ones, saving you time.
Why We Think It’s Great
Unlike other UV light for resin, you can use this lamp without UV protective gloves because it does not cause sunburns and skin darkening. It also has a built-in sensor, so the light turns off as soon as you remove your hands or your UV resin project. Moreover, the power cord is long enough to move around the work table without needing an extension cord.
The UV lamp is more efficient since it doesn’t overheat because of the built-in cooling fan. It also works on two wavelengths (365nm and 405nm) to balance warmth and performance. You can choose from the 4-timer settings that suit you best.
It is also very durable but lightweight, making it a great partner for on-the-go crafters.
Who Should Buy It
We recommend this UV lamp for resin crafters who love working on flat UV resin crafts like coasters and wall decors that are no bigger than 10 inches. It is also very compact and portable, so you can easily stuff it into your bag if you are constantly on the move while doing your projects.
5. Dimmable UV Light for Resin
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What Customers Have To Say
This UV light for resin works well and is perfect for small crafts. The clamp and the bendable neck give you the flexibility you need. However, some customers were disappointed that it does not include an adaptor.
Why We Think It’s Great
We love that this Dimmable UV Light for Resin comes as two lamps in one. You can reposition either of them to serve their particular purpose. You can also turn on both lights simultaneously or individually. Use the UV lamp to cure resin projects and activate blacklight posters, fluorescent paint, etc.
The LED lamp is dimmable, and all controls are on a single switch block. You can see four buttons on the switch block. The first button is the universal power, a switching icon to select which lamps to turn on, and a (-) and (+) icon on two separate buttons to control the brightness of the LED light.
Always use a USB port on your power outlet as this lamp needs a steady 5V DC power supply. Checking it with a multimeter helps in determining the proper voltage required.
Who Should Buy It
This UV light for resin is ideal for crafters who love to work under the spotlight to see their work better and cure whatever crafts they made.
6. Comgrow UV Resin Curing Light and Turntable Set - Best for 3D Prints
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What Customers Have To Say
Many customers appreciate this UV lamp for resin because it is large and powerful and takes only 5-10 seconds to dry small items. It also shortens the curing time of larger and solid objects so that crafters can have more time for other productive jobs. It also works on turntables for 3D prints.
Another bonus point that customers love is that it attracts bugs and effectively kills them.
Why We Think It’s Great
This UV light for resin is very affordable, unlike other brands, but still delivers the same excellent result. It lasts up to 10,000 hours (roughly one year), which is impressive considering that you can make smaller items that take only 5-10 seconds to cure.
The device evenly distributes UV light on 3D prints. Note that the turntable should be closer to the light to make it turn faster and shorten the curing time. Don’t forget to use eye protection every time during the curing process.
Who Should Buy It
This UV lamp is best for those working on 3D resin crafts and larger UV resin crafts. You just need your turntable, and you’re on your way to creating fantastic 3D resin creations.
7. Skophy 3D Printer UV Light for Resin with Support Stand
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What Customers Have To Say
Customers love this UV lamp kit because it works well and is easy to maintain. The solar-powered turntable also does its job well, and the stand has enough height to accommodate the turntable and the UV resin craft weighing up to 1.1 lbs (500g).
Why We Think It’s Great
This UV light for resin kit is very affordable. If you buy the items separately, you won’t get a metal stand and turntable at the same price. The set comes with a curing base, lamp, solar turntable, funnel, and strainer.
However, you should limit the size of your projects to cure on this lamp. The maximum dimension should not exceed 5 ½ x 6 ¼ inches or 1.1 lbs. Move your project closer to the light to hasten the curing process.
The metal mesh filter ensures the removal of impurities while pouring the resin into a bottle. The silicone funnel is foldable so that it can fit in bottles with a smaller opening.
Who Should Buy It
This UV resin curing kit is ideal for professional UV resin creators who don’t want to make unnecessary expenses but demand exemplary results.
8. Aystkniet UV Light for Resin with Solar Turntable
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What Customers Have To Say
Satisfied users believe that this UV light for resin setup is a must for every crafter and those who work with 3D prints. The lamp is very unassuming but works great. The solar turntable is also a charmer when it comes to operating power.
Why We Think It’s Great
The adjustable bracket on the UV lamp allows it to stand alone on the worktable, but you can also hold it in your hands if you prefer. Position the bracket according to the angle of light you need for your crafts.
The solar turntable can turn projects less than 1.1 lbs and finish them in just 10-15 seconds. It also turns evenly to cure your projects adequately.
Just be sure to bring your craft closer to the light to cure it well. The thicker the project, the closer it should be to the lamp. Also, don’t forget to wear eye protective gear when working with UV lamps, so it doesn’t damage your eyes.
Who Should Buy It
The Aystkniet UV Light for Resin works perfectly for all your UV resin art projects. You might want to buy a cure box to focus your light more while protecting your eye from harmful UV rays.
9. YESMET 168W UV Light for Resin
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What Customers Have To Say
Customers are delighted with this UV lamp for resin crafts. It is effortless to use, and even a power bank for a mobile phone can make it work. It also has an outstanding design and a removable tray to work with taller projects.
Why We Think It’s Great
The YESMET UV Lamp’s LCD monitor makes it easier to see the timer for your projects. It comes with four settings in 10, 30, 60, and 99 seconds.
The double LED bulbs are safer to work with since they don’t cause sunburns and any cell damage when doing your gel nail art. As a light for resin crafts, you’ll get your projects cured in 30-60 seconds.
The detachable magnetic tray keeps your work table clean, and it is wide enough for larger projects. The distance between the hood and the tray is 3 inches, giving enough space for projects up to 1-inch in height.
This UV light for resin makes it easy to set up your projects under the hood. Just remove the hood from the detachable tray, arrange your molds, set the hood back down, and turn it on.
Who Should Buy It
This UV lamp is best for crafters who love making flat resin crafts but want an affordable and uncomplicated device.
10. SUNUV Nail Lamp LED UV Light for Resin and Gel Polishes - Best Longlife UV Light
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What Customers Have To Say
This UV light for resin is an excellent lamp for all UV resin art projects. The price is affordable, the design is outstanding, and the dual-LED/UV bulbs work perfectly to give the right amount of heat to cure resin projects without causing any cellular damage or sunburns.
Why We Think It’s Great
We love that this UV lamp is the choice of millions of salon owners. It has made its mark in the salon business and Uv resin crafting niche. What impressed us the most is its 50,000 working hours, making it a significant investment that you can use for approximately 5 years. That’s less than $4 a year!
The removable magnetic tray makes it easier to set up your UV resin crafts. But the hood is smaller, so when you’re doing gel nail art, you can only cure one hand at a time. Having said this, you can only cure fewer UV resin crafts at a time.
Compared to other brands, this lamp cuts the curing time by 50%. It has 30 LED beads enough to do its curing job while protecting your eyes from damage. No more dizziness and fuzzy vision.
Its default time setting is 99 seconds, but it has buttons on top of the hood where you can select your time setting from 5, 30, to 60 seconds.
Who Should Buy It
This is the best UV light for resin hobbyists and professionals who love working overtime. The long lamp life is an excellent feature that will help you save money on replacements.
11. Sovol 3D Printer UV Light for Resin with Solar Turntable
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What Customers Have To Say
Customers appreciate this UV lamp and turntable set because it is very affordable and of high quality, making it an excellent investment for 3D resin prints. The curing bracket is also effortless to assemble and fits any 6W UV lamp. The turntable runs by solar power or UV lighting, making it economical and environment-friendly.
Why We Think It’s Great
The lamp itself has an adjustable bracket so that you can aim it at an appropriate angle. It uses six high-powered UV LEDs to cure UV resin projects in 10-15 seconds, depending on the size.
The maximum height for the resin project is 6.3 inches, but the stand is adjustable, so your UV resin project does not exceed more than the recommended distance from the light. When the light is closer than 5 centimeters to the project, the turntable spins faster.
It can dry any project heavier than the required weight of 1.1lbs without using the turntable. However, stick to the recommended weight when using the turntable to ensure the quality of your crafts.
Always observe the quality of your project so you can adjust its distance from the light for the best results. Please note that this UV light for resin does not have a built-in timer, so you have to set your own.
Who Should Buy It
This UV resin curing kit is perfect for professional UV resin creators who love the flexibility of an adjustable curing bracket and turntable for easier curing.
12. Karrong Rechargeable 3-in-1 UV Flashlight - Best Multi-Purpose
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What Customers Have To Say
Satisfied customers recommended this rechargeable UV flashlight for its long battery life and versatile application. Other UV lamps serve a single purpose, but you can use this flashlight to signal emergencies in search and rescue situations.
While some users bought it as a portable alternative to the UV lamps, they also use it in their workstations and many more.
Why We Think It’s Great
This flashlight is the most versatile UV light for resin on this list. It has an alloy body with a magnet on the base to stick on any metal surface. Plus, it includes a rechargeable battery and a USB cord for charging.
Aside from the UV light, it also has strobe lights, white and red COB lights, and white and red flashlights. You can use it to cure UV resin crafts and gel nail art, detect forged documents, fake currency, pet urine, stains, and scorpions.
It is also very affordable, considering its varied functions and a free rechargeable battery that does not need a separate charger.
Who Should Buy It
Any outdoorsy crafter will love to add this UV light to his tools of the trade. It cures UV resin crafts, but you can also use it for many camping and fishing trips.
13. Joligel UV Lamp for Resin Jewelry Making Starter Kit
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What Customers Have To Say
Shoppers think that this is an excellent UV light for resin starter kit. You can spend hours working on your crafts without getting bored because of the numerous combinations and designs you can do with this package. However, some users reported that the UV resin does not dry very well and remains tacky.
The other inclusions, such as molds, pigments, UV resin, and glitters, are excellent and valuable for UV resin crafts. However, some UV resin and pigments arrived with damage due to inadequate packaging.
Why We Think It’s Great
We recommend this UV lamp kit for newbie resin crafters since it has all the materials included. Just check a few YouTube tutorials to help you work on your designs.
This UV light for resin has two timer settings. A long press on the power button turns it on. Once turned on, press it lightly once for the 45-second setting and press twice for the 60-second mark. It comes with a USB cable which you can use on a laptop, a phone charger, or directly to a USB port on your outlet. It takes 2-5 minutes to cure a UV resin project, depending on its size.
The UV light kit also includes 15 pearlescent color pigments, glitters, beads, silicone molds, and Christmas-themed open bezels. You just need a few tools and supplies to go with this and then stock on your consumables as you go. Also, you can try these open bezels to make lovely jewelry, charms, and keychains.
Who Should Buy It
This is the best UV light for resin crafters who love making resin jewelry. You can make lots of practice crafts before moving on to more intricate designs. This is also a great starter kit for crafters who want to turn their resin hobby into a business.
14. LETION Flashlight 2-in-1 LED UV Light for Resin
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What Customers Have To Say
Crafters showed their UV resin crafts made with this LED UV torchlight. The four settings are fantastic. The zoomable light helps widen the UV light or focus it on a curing spot, especially if you are working with uneven spaces like car wheel rims and other automotive applications.
Aside from the UV resin crafts, the flashlight also works great in detecting dirty surfaces. It’s an excellent multitasker, according to customers. It’s not that fun when their kids get a hold of it since they can’t stop inspecting every surface to see if anything is dirty.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Letion UV flashlight is an ideal addition to your UV resin toolbox because you can quickly move the light to cure large resin projects that don't fit in your curing box or small countertop UV lamps. It has a 395nm dual UV/LED light that you can use for lighting (white light) and detection or curing UV resin projects (UV light). It uses 3 AAA batteries to power it up, but you can always use rechargeable batteries.
This flashlight is the best UV light for resin crafts and can also be used as an SOS light when you’re out camping or fishing. It can run for 6 hours as an SOS light and can help rescuers to locate you. It is also very lightweight, and its 13-centimeter length makes it very portable to fit even in your pocket.
This UV light is waterproof, thanks to the rubber ring on both ends of the flashlight, making it a perfect addition to your outdoor kit. You can zoom the light in and out to serve as a floodlight or spotlight to inspect your surroundings. The power button is on the end of the flashlight, which can be awkward to work with when you’re holding it overhand.
Who Should Buy It
We urge all crafters to get this UV flashlight for outdoor activities and indoor UV resin crafting.
15. UltraFire Flashlight UV Light for Resin
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What Customers Have To Say
Shoppers think that this UV light for resin is brighter and performs better than its pricier competitors. It is also very effective in detecting pet urine and other stuff. It uses a rechargeable battery, so it is more economical and environment-friendly.
Why We Think It’s Great
This UV flashlight is the perfect tool for every home, even if you just dabble with UV resin crafts. Aside from curing UV resin crafts, it can also detect fake money and other official identification cards and pick up invisible pet stains on the carpet or couch. It can even detect scorpions and other insects on your camp trips.
The UV light is adjustable with a zoom function to widen the coverage for bigger projects. It is also excellent for focusing UV light on tiny crevices and awkward angles, especially if you are doing your mag wheels. It is battery-operated, but you have to buy a separate charger and rechargeable batteries.
Who Should Buy It
The UltraFire flashlight is the best UV light for resin crafters who love using compact, portable, and versatile equipment.
Best UV Light for Resin Buying Guide
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Functionality
Others prefer to buy UV light for a single purpose, while others love multi-purpose lamps. Some want a kit to use immediately, while others love the challenge of building a DIY setup. Consider these things before deciding what is the best UV light for you.
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Lamp Lifespan
As much as possible, get a UV light with replaceable lamps or rechargeable batteries. The minimum lamp lifespan should be at least 100 hours, but most UV lamps can work up to 10,000 to 50,000 hours.
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Price
If you have a charger and rechargeable batteries lying around, then a cheap UV flashlight without batteries and charger is a good option. Identifying the device’s purpose makes you understand why you need to spend a few more bucks than you should.
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Size and Power
Do not buy a 20-watt UV light for resin if you work with small projects and have no plans to scale them up. Choose only the right size and power so you don’t end up spending more than you should on something you won’t use. Practicality is always the key to finding the best UV light for resin crafts.
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Safety
UV resin lights pose a health hazard to the eye and the skin, so always use proper protective gear like gloves and goggles. You can also use a curing box to contain the UV light inside. Remember not to expose your eyes to UV light as it may cause cataracts and UV keratitis.
UV Light for Resin FAQ
1. Do you need a UV light for resin?
There are different types of resin used for crafts. You can use epoxy resin, casting resin, or UV resin for jewelry, coasters, and desk ornaments.
Out of these three types, only the UV resin needs UV light to cure. Depending on the thickness applied, epoxy resin and casting resin dries and cures after 2-3 days.
2. What does UV light do to resin?
UV light helps hasten the curing process of the UV resin. You can also do progressive curing as only the part exposed to UV radiation hardens, so you can continue working on the amount that’s not exposed.
UV resin should be applied in thin layers then exposed to UV light to harden. Repeat the process of adding thin layers and UV light exposure until you achieve the right thickness.
On the other hand, epoxy resin and casting resin react negatively to UV light, resulting in discoloration or yellowing. You need a UV-resistant epoxy resin for crafts and woodwork that gets exposed to the sun.
3. Can you cure without UV light?
Yes, if you are working with epoxy resin or casting resin because they do not need UV light at all. But if you are working with UV resin, the answer is no. Please note that it takes longer for UV resin crafts to cure under the sun than under UV light because of the UV ray concentration.
4. Will LED light cure UV resin?
Not all LED lights produce UV radiation, so only UV LED light can cure UV resin.
5. Which is better, UV resin or epoxy resin?
Each type of resin has its disadvantages and advantages. We will enumerate them and let you decide which is better.
UV Resin
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Epoxy Resin
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Conclusion
We highly recommend the UV Resin Curing Light and Turntable Set for every hobbyist and professional who loves working with UV resin. The lamp comes with a solar turntable, making it energy-saving and environment-friendly. It also has a 10,000-hour working power and is very affordable compared to other similar sets.
Another winner is the MelodySusie 36W UV Nail Lamp Dryer. You can replace its lamps, so you can still use the setup if one of the lights is busted. The Nail Lamp LED UV Light for Resin and Gel Polishes is our runner-up for its lamp’s 50,000 work hours. It also has the right number of UV LED lights without going overboard, so you won’t get fuzzy vision after use.
Which of the best UV light for resin crafts on this list would you like to use? Let us know in the comments.
I am not new to resin, but I am very new with UV resin. I tried some last month and it turned out very tacky. So, i will be looking into your opinions and looking up some on YouTube. Thanks so much for your reviews.
While there are a lot of choices for a new artist I really appreciate you helping with the guess work. I am taking your advice on the best of your choice and will make a box or some kind of container to keep it safe. I would recommend every artist of resin to read this article. Thanks so much.