Resin & Epoxy Crafting

Epoxy Resin vs. UV Resin: Which Should You Use for Your Craft Project?

Written by Katie May
November 30, 2025
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Ready to add a glossy finish to your crafts, jewelry, or décor? Choosing between Epoxy Resin and UV Resin can be tricky, especially for new crafters. Both options deliver beautiful, durable results—but which one truly fits your project? Let’s break down the differences so you can confidently select the right resin for your creative adventure.

Table of contents

What Is UV Resin and How Does It Work?

UV resin is a one-part liquid resin that hardens through exposure to ultraviolet light. Unlike traditional epoxy, which requires mixing two components and waiting hours for curing, it cures in minutes under a special UV light. This rapid setting is a game-changer for makers who value speed or want to layer designs quickly.

  • Single-step application: No measuring or mixing; simply squeeze from the bottle.
  • Instant results: Cures within minutes when exposed to a UV lamp.
  • Ideal for small items: Perfect for earrings, pendants, cabochons, or touch-ups.

The key tool you’ll need is a a UV lamp, which activates the chemical reaction, turning your liquid resin into a solid, glassy finish.

Epoxy Resin Basics

Epoxy resin, on the other hand, comes as a two-part system: resin and hardener. You must mix these components in precise ratios, then pour and wait for curing—often several hours or overnight.

  • Long work time: Offers extended adjustment for larger pieces or intricate pours.
  • Versatile uses: Works well for tabletops, trays, molds, art, and bigger jewelry pieces.
  • Thicker pours: Can be poured in deeper layers compared to UV resin.

Epoxy resin doesn’t require special lighting; it cures at room temperature. However, it does demand patience and attention to detail when measuring and mixing.

Curing: UV Resin Light vs. Air Dry

The most significant difference between UV resin and Epoxy is the curing process. UV resin hardens only when exposed to a UV light. Most UV lamps for nails will also cure craft resin, but curing times can vary based on layer thickness and lamp wattage.

  • UV resin: Cures in just 1–5 minutes under a UV lamp.
  • Epoxy resin: Air-dries; takes 12–48 hours to fully cure depending on temperature and layer depth.

This means you can finish a project in a single session. For quick gifts or prototypes, speed can’t be beat.

Adding Color and Sparkle: Glitter, Mica, and Alcohol Ink

Both epoxy and UV resin are clear by default, but creative makers love to customize them with color and effects. Here’s how:

  • Glitter: Mix chunky or fine glitter into either resin type for sparkly jewelry and ornaments.
  • Mica powder: These natural, shimmery pigments add a pearlescent or metallic finish that mixes beautifully with resin, producing colors that swirl and glow.
  • Alcohol ink: A favorite for resin artists, these vibrant, fluid dyes create mesmerizing patterns and marbling inside your resin.

When using colorants, always add in moderation. Overloading resin with powders or ink can affect curing, especially with UV resin ,  thin layers cure best.

Pros and Cons: What to Consider

Let’s weigh the main benefits and limitations of each resin:

UV Resin Pros:

  • Super fast curing with a UV resin light.
  • Simple, no-mix formula prevents wasted product.
  • Great for small, detailed, and layered projects.
  • Minimal odor and self-leveling for smooth finishes.

UV Resin Cons:

  • Not ideal for large or thick pours—cures best in shallow layers.
  • Needs a UV lamp, which may be an extra investment.
  • Slightly less durable for functional items (coasters, trays) compared to epoxy.

Epoxy Resin Pros:

  • Excellent for deeper molds and bigger pieces.
  • Strong, durable finish suitable for functional art.
  • More flexible work time for adjusting and perfecting designs.

Epoxy Resin Cons:

  • Slower curing—projects require longer waits.
  • Mixing errors can result in sticky or incomplete cures.
  • Some brands have strong odors and require good ventilation.

Which Resin Should You Use?

If your project is small—think jewelry, resin charms, or quick embellishments -   UV resin offers convenience and speed, especially when you want instant gratification or layered effects. Make sure to use a UV resin light for perfect curing. For larger pours, art panels, or items needing extra strength, epoxy resin shines.

Crafters who enjoy experimentation will find both types can be colored and customized easily with glitter, mica, and alcohol inks. The best choice depends on your specific craft vision and practical needs.

Conclusion

The right resin elevates your creations, whether you need the lightning-fast finish of UV resin or the versatility of epoxy. Choose based on your project's size, timeline, and end use. Ready to sparkle? Grab some resin, your favorite colors, and let your creativity shine!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the main difference between epoxy and UV resin?

The biggest difference is cure time and curing method. Epoxy resin cures slowly using a chemical reaction, while UV resin cures within minutes under a UV lamp. Epoxy is best for large pours, and UV resin is ideal for small, fast projects.

Is UV resin as strong as epoxy?

UV resin cures quickly but is generally less durable and more prone to yellowing than epoxy. Epoxy resin creates a stronger, longer-lasting finish, making it better for high-use items.

Is UV Resin or Epoxy best for beginners?

Beginners often prefer UV resin because it cures fast, has no mixing, and is easy for small crafts like jewelry or keychains. Epoxy takes longer and requires precise mixing but is better for coasters, tumblers, trays, and deep pours.

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author
Katie May
Director of Buying & E-Commerce
author https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-may-8771921a7/

Hi, I’m Katie May! I’m the owner of DIY Craft Warehouse, a woman-owned, family-run business in Brecksville, Ohio. I’m a maker at heart — crafting tumblers, vinyl projects, and custom gifts — and that hands-on experience guides how I choose products, support customers, and lead our company. After seeing how tough it could be to find affordable, high-quality supplies, I partnered with my mom, Debbie, to build a place where creators could get the tools, guidance, and inspiration they need. Today, I focus on spotting new trends and bringing in products that help makers turn creativity into profit. DIY Craft Warehouse is more than a business to me — it’s a community. I love connecting with creators, hearing their ideas, successes, and struggles, and helping them craft with confidence. Outside of work, I’m a big Cleveland sports fan and spend my fall and winter coaching volleyball at both the high school and club level. When I'm not at a game or in the gym, you’ll find me hanging out with my dog, Archie, who’s always up for an adventure or a good couch cuddle.