Everything You Need to Know About Resin Coating 3D Prints

If you've ever used 3D printing, you know that the process doesn't end during the printing. Keep in mind that your print might need extra care after it comes out of the printer to look its best and last longer. We can help you achieve perfection with resin finishing! Adding resin finishing to your 3D prints is a great way to further protect them and attain a smooth, shiny finish. Your prints will be stronger and last longer, and they may even look better. 

It's important to know how resin finishing works, whether you're using it for a cool project or just to show it off. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about resin finishing, from the correct use of resins to the various types available for your choice. Allow us to begin improving the look and feel of your 3D prints!

What Is Resin Coating?

When you resin coat something, you put a layer of resin on top of a 3D-printed item. This layer gets harder, making it stronger and last longer. It also makes the item look better by giving it a shiny finish. The coating can keep the picture safe from UV light, scratches, and water. If you plan to handle your prints frequently or expose them to harsh conditions, this method is especially helpful.

Benefits of Resin Coating for Different 3D Printing Materials

Resin finishing helps make PLA prints stronger and last longer. PLA is a common material for 3D printing, but small pieces made of it can break easily. Coating the picture makes it less likely to break or crack. The treatment also makes the finish look better by making it smoother and brighter. Resin covering can protect PLA from water damage, although it can absorb water.

Coating ABS prints with plastic makes them more heat-resistant. Even though ABS is strong, it can become softer when heated. The coating makes the picture less likely to warp or bend when it gets hot. The coating also helps keep ABS pictures from getting worn down or scratched over time. It works well for things that need to be strong and last a long time.

It is imperative to coat pictures made with resin, like those from SLA or DLP printers, with resin. Because they have so many details, these paintings are known to be fragile. The coating not only makes them stronger but also gives them a glossy shine that enhances the details, making them stand out more. This works great for pictures of models or jewelry with lots of small details.

Step-by-Step Guide on Resin Coating Application

1) Get the print ready

Clean up your 3D print first. Use isopropyl alcohol to remove any remaining dirt or glue. This step ensures the layer adheres well.

2) Pick the Right Resin

Select a resin that complements your project. There are clear and shiny resins and colored or matte resins. If you need to know how much glue to mix with water, read the directions on the package.

3) Set Up Your Workspace

Cover your desk with drop cloths or paper to protect it from spills. It's best to work with resin in a location that's easy to clean up afterward.

4) Put on the Coating

You can use a brush, a roller, or your picture to put on the resin coating. When you use a brush, make sure the glue covers the whole surface all the way through. Don't be rough, so you don't leave brush lines or streaks.

5) Let it cure

If you want the resin to harden properly after putting it, you'll need to let it cure. Based on how the resin cures, put the picture under a UV light or out in the sun. Do what the resin's maker says about the setting time. This makes the resin covering stronger and sticks it to the print.

6) Last Touches

You can sand the surface smoother if needed after the glue has thoroughly dried. After the coating has dried, you can paint your picture.

Different Types of Resin Coatings

1. UV Resin

For coating 3D prints, UV resin is one of the most popular types, especially for prints made with SLA or DLP technology. When ultraviolet (UV) light hits this kind of resin, it sets immediately. This makes it quick and easy to work with.

UV resin sets very quickly, which is one of its most notable advantages. When UV light hits the resin, it sets almost right away; thus, you don't have to wait long. In jobs where speed is crucial, this makes it a great choice. UV plastic also gives your 3D print a smooth, shiny finish that enhances its appearance. This is especially helpful for pictures that need to look glossy or polished, like jewelry or miniatures.

UV glue lasts a long time and provides adequate protection against elements like water and UV light. It can be more fragile than other types of plastic, however, so it may not be the best choice for prints that require rough handling.

Purchase link: Amazon.

2. Epoxy Resin

People also like to use epoxy glue to cover 3D prints. This glue is known for being strong and long-lasting, so it's great for jobs that need a tough finish that will last. When epoxy resin is applied to a surface, it forms a strong bond with it. This means that the coating stays in place even when it is stressed.

Its flexibility is one of the best things about epoxy resin. It's useful for many things, like coating, bonding, and closing. It also has low viscosity, which makes it easier to spread out evenly, especially on larger pictures. When working with big sculptures or heavy objects, epoxy resin is an excellent choice for adding a solid layer of protection.

Coatings made of epoxy resin can be clear or colored, so it's easy to get the look you want. It's highly resistant to damage from water, heat, and wear, so it's great for prints that will be outside or in places with a lot of foot traffic. While UV resin can harden quickly, epoxy resin can take longer to cure and often needs more time to harden fully.

Purchase link: Amazon.

3. Polyurethane Resin

Polyurethane glue is a great choice for covering 3D prints that need to be strong and flexible at the same time. Polyurethane resin is more flexible than epoxy resin, which is known for being stiff. This makes it perfect for prints that need to bend or take pressure.

One of the best things about polyurethane plastic is that it doesn't scratch easily. It makes a tough, long-lasting surface that can handle being rough. This makes it great for prints on items like phone cases and car parts that will be frequently used or touched. In addition, this plastic is highly resistant to weather, which means it can stand up to different types of weather, such as heat, cold, and UV light. Because of this, it's a good choice for pictures or other objects that will be outside in the weather.

Another benefit of polyurethane resin is that it doesn't break or crack when it hits something hard. This is the best way to protect prints that might get dropped or hit hard. However, because it is more flexible, it might not always offer the same level of rigid security as epoxy resin.

Purchase link: Amazon.

Choosing the Right Resin Coating

There are three types of resin: UV, epoxy, and polyurethane. Each has its own qualities and is best for different tasks. UV resin hardens quickly and has a shiny finish, which makes it great for ornamental or small, detailed prints. Epoxy glue is superior for big, long-lasting, and tough prints because it is strong and flexible. Polyurethane glue is suitable for making flexible prints that can withstand heavy use and exposure to the outdoors.

When choosing a plastic, think about what you want the print to do. If you want to protect big prints with a tough finish that lasts, epoxy resin might be the best choice. It's great for decorative prints that need a smooth, shiny finish. Polyurethane plastic is the best choice if you need something that is flexible and won't break easily when hit.

Common Challenges with Resin Coating

1. Coating Bubbles

When applying resin, you may occasionally see little air bubbles. This happens when there is air under the covering. Try to spread the glue out slowly and evenly to avoid this. If bubbles do show up, you can pop them with a heat gun or torch held far away. Just make sure the print doesn't get too hot.

2. Uneven Coverage

It's simple to miss some areas when covering, especially if you use a brush. Make sure to use thin layers of resin and apply a moderate amount to the brush so that the spread is even. Check your work as you go and work in small chunks.

3. Over-Curing the Resin

If you cure the resin for too long, it can get too hard or brittle, which makes it easier for the model to break. Always pay close attention to the curing directions. You shouldn't leave the print under the UV light for too long. In the sun, keep an eye on the time so that you don't cure something too long.

4. Sticky or Tacky Resin

The picture may be sticky or tacky if the resin doesn't fully cure. This could happen if the glue weren't mixed right or if it didn't cure long enough. Mix the resin well before use, and let it set for the time specified in the package. If the picture is still sticky after it has dried, place it under UV light for a little longer.

5. Resin Not Sticking Well

If the resin doesn't stick well to the print, it might be because it wasn't cleaned well enough before finishing. Make sure to clean the print thoroughly to remove any dirt, oils, or glue that may still be on it. The resin should stick perfectly if you follow the steps for cleaning and applying it properly.

Best 3D Modeling Software for 3D Printing

When it comes to 3D printing fine 3D models, a robust 3D printing software is an important factor. There are many that are available, but we recommend using SelfCAD. It is an easy-to-use 3D design software that comes with all the necessary tools that anyone, regardless of their experience, can get started with ease. The video below demonstrates the overview of the software.

Among other tools, SelfCAD offers cloud-based access, letting you work from anywhere as long as you have a license and an internet connection. This means you can modify your design any time and just send the modified design to your automated 3D printing setup. It comes with multiple tools like sculpting, freehand drawing and sketching, 3D slicing, and easy-to-use selection and modification tools. You can also use the interactive tutorials to learn 3D modeling.

Enhance Durability and Aesthetics with Resin Coating

Resin finishing is a good way to make your 3D prints stronger, last longer, and look better. You can make high-quality items that last a long time if you follow the right application and safety steps. It doesn't matter if you're an amateur or a professional 3D printer; adding resin coating can make your prints better and more reliable.