UV-LED resin FAQ

UV-LED resin comes ready to use and hardens when exposed to a compatible UV light. It’s handy for small, shallow pieces such as earrings, pendants and charms. Two-part epoxy cures after you mix the resin and hardener. For a larger or deeper casting, such as a tray, choose an epoxy formulated for that casting depth.

Start with a clear, hard UV-LED resin for rigid pieces such as earrings, pendants or charms. Babeurre’s own-brand resin flows easily into small moulds and fine details. If you’re building up a rounded, glossy surface on a pendant, the slightly thicker Padico Moon Drop is a good option.

Babeurre UV-LED resin is slightly more fluid, so it flows easily into tiny moulds and fine details. Padico Moon Drop has a slightly thicker consistency. Both cure clear, resist yellowing and shrink very little as they cure. The biggest difference is price. Babeurre’s own-brand resin is the more affordable option.

Choose a lamp that matches the wavelength specified for your resin. For Babeurre UV-LED resin, our product page gives 2–3 minutes under a compatible UV-LED lamp as a guide. For Padico Moon Drop, Padico lists 30 seconds to 2 minutes per side under a 6–9 W UV-LED lamp at 405 nm. Thickness, colour and how much light reaches the resin can affect curing. Check the instructions for your resin and lamp before starting.

Check whether your lamp is compatible, your layer is too thick, or a dark colour, opaque mould or inclusion is blocking the light. If the piece is only tacky on the surface, follow the product’s guidance for additional curing and check both sides. If it’s still soft inside, set it aside and avoid touching any uncured resin with bare skin. For the next piece, try a translucent mould, thinner layers and less pigment.

Use Jewel Coating Gloss, a varnish developed especially for this, to bring the shine back to your piece.

Choose a clear or translucent mould that lets UV light reach your casting. For colour, start with a small amount of a compatible resin colourant, such as Jewel Color, or add a little fine glitter. Dried flowers and tiny decorative inclusions can also work. Keep in mind that dark pigments, dense glitter and opaque inclusions can block the light and leave uncured areas.

Keep the bottle tightly closed in its original packaging and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and UV lamps. Shelf life varies by formula and storage conditions. Check the manufacturer’s guidance for your specific bottle, especially if it has been open for a while.