3 Ways How to Cure Resin Prints Without a UV Light

Curing resin prints is a very important step in the post-processing of 3D prints created with resin-based 3D printers and many users wonder if it’s possible to cure resin prints without a UV light.

To cure resin prints without a UV light, you should either cure your 3D prints in the sunlight or in the air, just be aware that it can take from hours to days by following these methods. Using a blue light is another possible option to cure resin prints without a UV light.

Keep reading for more information on how to cure resin prints without a UV light.

How to Cure Resin Prints Without a UV Light

These are the main methods to cure resin prints without a UV light:

1. Sunlight curing
2. Air curing
3. Using blue light

1. Sunlight Curing

One of the most popular ways to cure resin prints without a UV light is by doing sunlight curing, which provides a convenient and cheap method to cure resin prints using natural sunlight. 

When resin is exposed to sunlight, it initiates the curing process due to the presence of UV light in sunlight. 

Here’s how you can cure resin prints using sunlight:

• Find a location with direct sunlight exposure, preferably outdoors
• Place the resin print in the sunlight, ensuring it is protected from dust and excessive heat
• Leave the print exposed to sunlight for an extended period, ranging from a few minutes to a few hours depending on the resin type and print thickness
• Regularly rotate the print to ensure even exposure to sunlight

One user suggests getting a foil roasting pan, filling it with water, and placing your prints inside when curing it in the sun. That’s because the water will help diffuse the sunlight and give a more even cure.

Another user stated that this method works pretty well for him. He recommends putting your print in a window for an hour or two. He also said that while some resins will yellow if they’re not cured with a precise light first, most colored resins will not have this problem. 

Users stated that it may take from 15 minutes to a few hours for the print to be completely cured when using sunlight. I wrote an article called How Long Does It Take to Cure Resin 3D Prints, that may be useful to you.

Check out the video below for more information about using sunlight to cure resin prints.

2. Air Curing

Air curing is another popular option to cure resin prints without a UV light. This method allows resin prints to cure naturally over time and it works best for delicate or thin prints that may be sensitive to high-intensity light sources. 

The steps for air curing resin prints are as follows:

• After cleaning and removing excess resin, place the print in a well-ventilated area
• Ensure the print is positioned on a clean surface to avoid sticking
• Allow the print to air cure for an extended period, ranging from several hours to days based on resin type and print thickness
• Maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level in the curing area for optimal results

One user stated that this method has always worked for him. He puts his 3D printed miniatures next to a window and flips them once or twice. He said that the method works pretty well with any weather.

Check out the video below for more information about the best ways to cure resin.

3. Using Blue Light

Blue light can also be used as an alternative method to cure resin prints. That’s because blue light has wavelengths that can start the curing process for different types of resins. 

You can find a blue light LED lamp, such as the iNextStation Blue LED Lights 12V LED Light Strip, over at Amazon for great prices and great reviews.

Here’s how you can use blue light to cure resin prints:

• Find a blue light LED lamp or panel 
• Clean the resin print and place it on a clean surface
• Place the blue light source at a suitable distance from the resin print
• Turn on the blue light source and direct the light toward the resin print
• Keep an eye on the print as it cures, following the resin manufacturer’s recommended curing times
• Once the resin print has received enough exposure to the blue light, remove it from the curing area

One user stated that while using blue light can be a good method to cure resin prints without UV lights, it can also be very slow.

Another user said that you need to check if the light you are getting is at the same wavelength range or stronger than a UV light to properly cure resin. The UV light wavelength is usually between 365nm and 405nm.