Water-Washable Resin: Everything You Need to Know

Resin 3D printing produces extremely detailed models, but the cleaning process can be frustrating. Traditional resins require isopropyl alcohol (IPA) for washing prints, which adds extra cost and handling of strong chemicals. This becomes inconvenient for beginners and hobbyists who want a simpler workflow. Water-washable resins solve this problem by allowing prints to be cleaned with normal water instead of alcohol. This makes post-processing easier, safer, and more accessible for many users. In this guide, we will look at five of the best water-washable resins that deliver excellent print quality while simplifying the cleanup process.

A Brief Overview of Water-Washable Resin

A liquid photopolymer, water-washable resin, is similar to regular resin. It stays a liquid until UV light hits it.

There are multiple stages to the printing process:

• The resin printer uses ultraviolet light, typically 405 nm, to cure successive layers of liquid resin.
• The light cures the resin layer by layer.
• As time passes on the build plate, the printed object takes shape.

The surface of the printed model still has uncured resin. It is necessary to use alcohol to remove this uncured resin when using conventional resins. Uncured materials made of water-washable resin dissolve in water when the time comes to clean them.

The cleaning water does, however, still have resin particles in it. Uncured resin can be harmful to the environment; it's best not to throw the water down the drain.

Typical Properties of Water-Washable Resin

Similar to other UV resins, water-washable resin has numerous useful characteristics. Nevertheless, there are a few mechanical characteristics that differ marginally.

Typical material characteristics include:

• Product density: 1.08-1.15 grams per cubic centimeter.
• Fluidity: 150–250 cm3/s
• Hardness: 78–79 Shore D
• Hardness under tension: 40–46 MPa
• Strength in bending: 69–76 MPa
• Elongation at break: 10–14%

Each brand and composition has its own unique set of characteristics. To increase longevity or lessen unpleasant smell, several producers include chemicals.

Properly stored, most resins have a 6-month unopened shelf life and a 3-month opened shelf life.

Why Water-Washable Resin Is the Best Option?

Because it makes resin printing easier, water-washable resin quickly gained popularity. It simplifies cleaning and lessens the need for chemicals.

1. Easier Post-Processing

• The ease of cleaning is the main benefit.
• People can wash their prints in water instead of alcohol.
• Among the many advantages is that isopropyl alcohol is not required.
• Easier cleanup after printing
• Simplified process for newcomers
• Decreased expense for materials after processing

For this reason, water-washable resin is appealing to do-it-yourselfers and homeowners.

2. Less Chemical Reaction

It takes a lot of alcohol to do traditional resin printing.

Cleaning with water instead of solvents is an advantage of water-washable resin when it comes to reducing chemical handling.

Among the benefits are:

• Never use flammable cleaning solutions.
• Cleaning with less chemical fumes
• Streamlined processes for storing and disposing
• This makes it easier for newbies to print without risk.

3. Printing with Less Odor

Compared to conventional resins, several water-washable options have a far more subtle odor.

Using them indoors is now more pleasant because of this.

Nevertheless, enough ventilation is still required because they still emit fumes when printed.

4. Good Print Quality

You may get high-resolution prints using water-washable resin.

• The smallest layer that most resin printers are capable of printing is 0.05 mm, or 50 microns.
• 0.01% (or ten microns) for prints with the finest of details

These resins are great for making models, miniatures, and ornamental pieces because of their high resolution.

Disadvantages of Water-Washable Resin

There are a few downsides to water-washable resin, despite its convenience.

To avoid printing issues, it is helpful to be aware of these constraints.

Enhanced Resistance to Wear and Tear

Brittleness is a prevalent complaint.

Print strength is typically lower with water-washable resins compared to regular resins.

Common issues include:

• Damage from stress causes parts to break easily
• Fragile characteristics break when handled
• Weakened resistance to impact

This means it isn't a good choice for mechanical or functional components.

Moisture Sensitivity

Resin that is water-washable has a higher capacity to absorb water.

Potential issues that could arise from this include: 

• Cracks that gradually form
• Excessive swelling in damp conditions
• Deteriorated resilience when exposed to moisture
• Outdoor or moist environments are typically not ideal for printed components.

Wastewater Disposal Issues

For some reason, a lot of newbies think that water-washable resin is better for the environment. Having said that, there are particles of uncured resin in the cleaning water.

Marine life might suffer from improper waste disposal.

Follow these measures for proper disposal:

• Rinsing the water under UV or sunshine
• The process of letting resin particles harden and cure
• Preparing solid trash for disposal by filtering it
• You can then dispose of the remaining cured material securely.

Printing Settings for Water-Washable Resin

The brand of printer and resin determines the printing settings. But there are a lot of water-washable resins that fall into the same categories.

Example of a typical setting:

• For typical printing, the layer height is 0.05 mm.
• 0.3 mm for prints with fine details

Normal Layer Exposure

• About two or three seconds on most new LCD printers

Bottom Layer Exposure

• Approximate time range: 15–65 seconds, printer power permitting

Speed of Lift

• Close to 1–6 mm/s

Different printer types and resin compositions may require different adjustments to these settings.

If you're using a fresh resin, you should take calibration prints.

Water-Washable Resin: Best Options to Buy

1. Elegoo Water Washable Resin

 

When it comes to resins, many amateurs and beginners choose Elegoo Water Washable Resin. Almost all 405 nm UV printers, including LCD and DLP models, are compatible with it. The key benefit is the ease of post-processing; instead of using isopropyl alcohol to clean the prints, water will do the trick. Ideal for display models, miniatures, and figurines, the resin creates smooth surfaces and high-detail printing. Exposure times for each layer are usually about 3 seconds, though this can vary from printer to printer. Additionally, when contrasted with several conventional resins, its odor is noticeably less. Many people who are new to resin 3D printing suggest this resin because of its low price, reliability, and user-friendliness.

Price: €19,99 EUR

2. Anycubic Water Washable Resin

Prints beautifully and cleans up easily with Anycubic Water Washable Resin. It works with the Photon series and the majority of 405 nm LCD resin printers. The use of water instead of alcohol to wash prints streamlines the post-processing procedure. Miniatures, prototypes, and ornamental models can all benefit from the resin's ability to create smooth surfaces and precise details. Depending on the printer's settings, the typical exposure time for a layer is between 2.8 and 3.2 seconds. This resin is a popular choice among users due to its constant printing performance, reliable output, and user-friendly workflow. It is suitable for both beginners and expert users.

Price: $23.39

3. Siraya Tech Simple Water Washable Resin

Among water-washable resins, Siraya Tech Simple is well-known for its superior durability. Not only does it produce powerful and detailed prints, but it is also easy to clean with water. Because of its low peel force and viscosity, the resin enhances printing stability and decreases print failures. You can print at high resolutions (even with new 8K printers) and it works with the majority of resin printers. When printed, the substance also leaves less of an unpleasant smell than other common resins. Its sturdy construction and high print quality make it a favorite for making prototypes, small models, and intricate display models.

Price: $25.91

4. Phrozen Aqua Water Washable Resin

 

For prints with fine details and great quality, try Phrozen Aqua Water Washable Resin. It offers high-dimensional precision and is compatible with the majority of 405 nm LCD and DLP resin printers. The printed components are quite sturdy because the resin usually has a hardness of around 80 Shore D. Figures, sculptures, and idea models can all benefit from its smooth surfaces and crisp detailing. In addition to reliable print performance and relatively short exposure times, the material is great. Detailed display prints and professional prototypes frequently utilize it due to its high quality and dependable outcomes.

Price: $35 to $45 for a 1KG bottle

5. eSun Water Washable Resin

Prints made with eSun Water Washable Resin are dependable and accurate. This feature streamlines the post-processing workflow by enabling models to be water-washed. The resin's low shrinkage rate allows it to create surfaces with a smooth finish and excellent dimensional accuracy. In addition, it has a hardness of about 76 Shore D, which is moderately strong for prototypes and display models. Several color variations are available for the resin, and it is compatible with most LCD and DLP printers. Its continued popularity among novices and enthusiasts is attributable to the fact that it strikes a good mix between print quality, usability, and durability.

Price: $28

Which Is the Best 3D Modeling Software?

SelfCAD is one of the best 3D modeling software solutions because it brings every stage of the design workflow into a single, intuitive platform. Users can create precise CAD models, sculpt organic shapes, repair meshes, prepare models for 3D printing, and render their designs without switching between multiple applications. Its clean interface makes it easy for beginners to start designing quickly, while advanced tools such as Boolean operations, freeform sculpting, customizable generators, and precision editing provide the flexibility required for professional engineering, product design, and creative projects.

Beyond modeling, SelfCAD stands out by offering an integrated ecosystem that streamlines the entire 3D printing process. The built-in slicer allows users to prepare models for printing directly within the software, eliminating the need for separate slicing applications. Cloud-based access, cross-platform compatibility, regular feature updates, and an extensive library of tutorials make SelfCAD an excellent choice for students, educators, hobbyists, and professionals alike. Whether you're designing functional prototypes, artistic creations, or educational models, SelfCAD provides the tools needed to turn ideas into high-quality 3D models efficiently and with confidence.