Short answer: a lamp whose wavelength matches your resin (most UV resins cure in the 365–405 nm range; check the bottle), big enough to fit your pieces flat, with a timer. Thin layers matter more than raw wattage.
| If you want… | Look for |
|---|---|
| Earrings, charms, small pendants | Compact nail-style lamp or small panel, 365–405 nm |
| Bookmarks, larger flat pieces | Wider panel lamp or a flat bed so the whole piece is lit evenly |
| Thick or colored pieces | Thin layers (about 1–3 mm) and longer exposure; pigment blocks UV |
| Doming / top coats | Any matched lamp; cure in short passes to avoid heat waves |
| Resin brand lists one wavelength | Buy a lamp listing that exact wavelength, or a dual-band lamp |
Timing details and sticky-surface fixes are on the UV resin cure time page; choosing between the two resins is covered in UV resin vs epoxy.
Don't look into the lamp, wear nitrile gloves (uncured UV resin is a common skin sensitizer), and work with ventilation.
Check your resin bottle. Most craft UV resins list a range around 365–405 nm; a lamp that covers your resin's wavelength matters more than wattage.
Often yes for small pieces if its wavelength matches your resin. Larger pieces need a bigger lamp for even coverage.
Usually the layer is too thick, the pigment blocks light, or the lamp does not match the resin's wavelength. Cure thinner layers and cure a little longer.
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