Short answer: use hard-type UV resin for small, thin pieces you want done in minutes, and a clear two-part epoxy for larger or deeper castings and batches where UV light can't reach.
| If you want… | Look for |
|---|---|
| Earrings, charms, bezels, quick doming | Hard-type UV resin + UV/LED lamp |
| Deeper pendants, opaque colors | Two-part epoxy (UV can't cure through heavy pigment) |
| Lowest cost per piece | Epoxy in batches (jewelry amount calculator) |
| Rings that see wear | Fully cured hard epoxy or hard UV resin; follow full-cure time |
UV resin cures in thin layers (often a few mm); see UV resin cure time.
UV resin is faster for small thin pieces; epoxy is cheaper per ml and better for deeper or opaque castings.
Usually thick layers, heavy pigment, or a weak lamp. Cure in thin layers and flip the piece.
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