UV Resin Clear Coat

[RiverSmallieGuy]

I am interested in using UV cure resin clear coats because they 1. cure very quickly, and 2 are very durable. How do I build an effective UV cabinet that would facilitate good curing. What kind of UV lights should I use? Should I coat the inside of the cabinet in tin foil? What UV resins should I use?

[mark poulson]

Before you spend a lot of money, check with the UV Coating maker to see what wave length their product needs for curing.

I use Solarez, and I've used this light for ten+ years.  All I've had to do is change the light bulbs every couple of years.  It's cheaper than building your own box, and, provided the wave length works for your product, it is a great way to learn how to use your UV Coating.

https://www.amazon.com/MelodySusie-Professional-Setting-Manicure-Pedicure/dp/B07PV8CG91/ref=sr_1_53?crid=3IAJGQEVWY5HM&keywords=uv+light+for+nails&qid=1648408646&s=beauty&sprefix=uv%2Cbeauty%2C139&sr=1-53

[wchilton]

I use this UV Lamp

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00W4SIY8Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

and this uv resin

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PF9D65P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

both recommended by a lure maker on u-tube.  The stuff very quickly cures to the point it won't move so you could "hand turn" until you get an even finish and then turn it for a few seconds under the light to set it in place and then just leave it under the light (not turning) for ten minutes to fully cure.

BE CAREFUL WHEN USING UV LIGHT !  It can damage your eyes.  Try not to look at it (even if just reflected) and also get some uv-block glasses and use them.

[BobP]

There are various UV resin suppliers.  If you want clear “doming resin” you can use Alumi-UV or go with Asian suppliers of jewelry UV resins that you can find on Amazon.  The Asian stuff is cheaper but seems (to me) to take longer to cure, maybe as long as 30 minutes.  It depends on the specific UV wave length the resin is designed for.  I use Asian resin and cure it in a UV fingernail cure box (also from Amazon).  If it feels a little tacky after box curing, I set it outside on a lure turner in the sun.  Sunlight contains all UV wave lengths, so it works surprisingly well.  I don’t see the need for lots of equipment or special lights if you are doing baits in small batches as a hobby.  If you want large scale production, that’s different.