It happens to us all at some point UV resin stays sticky – after curing, and yes it is extremely frustrating, but it is usually something that can be solved, I say ‘usually’, because there are no100% guarantee fixes, but the reasons I give for why this happens is something you can look at
- 1. Oxygen Inhibition
- 2. Inadequate UV light source
- 3. Improper mixing of colour pigments
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I more often than not, solve the problem by checking the above reasons why-and doing as suggested here below.
Oxygen Inhibition
What is it ? .. Well in simple terms relating to resin crafts it refers to the phenomenon where the top layer of resin does not cure completely due to the presence of oxygen in the air. This occurs because oxygen acts as a radical scavenger, intercepting and neutralising free radicals that are necessary for the resin to polymerize. The result is a thin sticky, uncured layer on the surface of resin.
How to fix this .. Firstly you can if you wish simply wipe that uncured layer away using a wet wipe and isopropyl alcohol then put another layer of resin and cure again or (and this is what I prefer to do ) submerge your resin piece in water so it is totally covered and then hold your UV light over and cure for a few minutes through the water, this will stop any oxygen reaching your resin during its final cure. If you missed my previous post on ‘Sticky Resin’ you can watch the video demonstration here.
Inadequate UV Light Source
A lamp that is just not powerful enough, or you have a good lamp, but it is old and not as efficient, as it used to be. Maybe your just not leaving your resin under the lamp long enough. It is advisable to cure for 3-4 minutes each side.
How to fix this ..
A UV lamp for curing resin should be between 24 – 48 watts, although some smaller ones are between 2- 12 watts and for small pieces of jewellery or very thin pieces they will be fine but may need a little longer time under the lamp. My personal favourite lamp is by LETS RESIN its a double sided lamp so cures both sides at once ( saves time) has 36 lights and is 24 watts I have been using this one now for a few years and is still operating fine. However I will keep a check on it now as its getting older to replace when it becomes necessary to do so. I have started some research to see what types of lamps are available at the moment and I will list them below for you.
Improper Mixing of Colour Pigments
When using pigments it is important to a) mix them thoroughly into the resin, B) remember you only need a tiny amount of pigment you will be amazed at just how little – you can always add a little more if needed but you cant take away, this is especially so when using darker colours as if there is too much colour it actually blocks the UV light from getting through the resin and curing it. This also applies to dyes, inks and mica powders too. There is a video on a previous post I wrote titled ‘Adding Colour to UV Resin‘
Here is a Selection of UV Lamps That I Have Been Looking Into
JDiction Rechargeable UV Resin Light, I really like the look of this one – I am thinking when I do replace my Lets Resin Lamp, this is the one I will go for because:- Double sided – easily splits into two independent lamps, 48 watts, 48 LED beads, wireless and 4 timer settings.
Darkbeam UV Torch, I highly recommend this UV torch, I use this a lot especially for small fiddly bits where I am trying to hold something together or to stop a top layer of resin running over the sides – you can just quickly grab your torch, point it at your runny resin and it instantly cures right there – it really is so useful
ISTOYO 2 Pack UV Light for Resin, If your looking for something small, compact then I would go for this one, it has the power at 48Watts, and 20 lights too. its a fold up design and comes with a silicone pad too.
UV Light for Resin Curing I thought this one looks interesting too defiantly worth a look especially if you work on different sized pieces of resin, it looks quite adaptable, again it has the power at 54 watts and 18 lights its another wireless one and also foldable which is handy if you do not have much space.