Ribtex UV Resin Frequently Asked Questions

 

UV Resin pouring into silicone mould

 Watch the video at this link for a helpful guide on the Ribtex UV Resin

 

Q – What do you recommend I use the Ribtex UV Resin for?

A – Ribtex UV Resin is perfect for small projects and Jewellery making. It is fast curing compared to other resins and has a longer working time. It will not dry or cure until it is exposed to UV light so you have a long time to create and get your project perfect before it hardens.

 

Q - Do you have any further tips/instructions for curing the resin?

A – Direct sunlight generally works better than any UV lamp or light for larger projects.
If you are worried about the wind/dust the best place is inside but by a window.
It does not have to be in direct sunlight to cure and can cure even on cloudy days. Kind of like how you can still get sunburnt on cloudy days through your car window. UV torches are good for smaller projects and curing in layers. There are also stronger UV lamps and boxes made for faster curing.   

 

Q – How long should it take to cure my piece?

A - Curing time can differ depending on a lot of variables, in particular the size of the project, how strong the UV light is, whether there is pigment (colour) within the resin and if you have embedded items like glitter, polymer clay or dried flowers.

If the resin is starting to cure and is just tacky you can either continue using a UV light (it will cure eventually) or you can use rubbing alcohol to remove the small amount of uncured resin on the surface.

 

Q – I have seen/ heard that Resin turns yellow over time. Will this happen to my project?

A – UV Resin is the best type of resin to avoid yellowing over time. Epoxy resins are more prone to yellowing.

 

Q – Is the UV Resin safe to use? Do I need to wear protective wear?

A - Unlike epoxy resin, UV Resin is less harsh. It is recommended you work in a well-ventilated area and avoid contact with skin as it is very sticky. Unlike epoxy resin you do not need to wear a respirator mask or gloves when handling.

 

Q – The Resin I have is coming out clumpy or with bubbles?

A – Make sure that the UV Resin hasn’t been shaken or mixed. This causes the glue to aerate, and the air bubbles can create lumps within the resin.
To reverse this placing the bottle in some warm water (not boiling) to help the bubbles rise to the top and pop.

Bubbles may appear when pouring your resin and creating your project. There are a couple ways to help these bubbles disappear. Firstly, leave you project to sit before curing it, bubbles will rise to the top by themselves. Otherwise, stubborn bubbles can be brought to the top and popped using heat. A butane torch or hairdryer works well but avoid prolonged exposure as it will begin to burn and give off fumes. Excessive heat can also lead to yellowing of the UV resin or a wave effect in the resin.

 

Q - What is the best method to store the opened Ribtex bottle to maximise storage life?

A - Store the bottle upright in a dark cupboard and avoid direct sunlight for best shelf life. It is best to use within 6 months of purchase.

 

Q - Could you advise an appropriate solvent for cleaning / dissolving uncured Ribtex UV resin?

A - Eucalyptus oil or any rubbing alcohol works well for stubborn sticky uncured resin. Warm soapy water is suitable to clean silicone moulds used with resin.

 

Q – Can I use the UV Resin to use to set a jigsaw puzzle or image to frame. Is this the correct product?

A – We do not recommend using UV Resin to set a puzzle or image. UV resin is a thicker resin it is not intended to be spread super thin like a coating or glaze.
If you are planning to set it to glue the pieces down it won’t dry well as it needs sunlight to cure. If you are using it as a coating over the puzzle it may make the print colours run.
UV resin is a resin it isn’t really made to use for coating it is more for smaller projects like jewellery.  
We would recommend using an epoxy resin to glaze or coat artworks or jigsaws.

 

Q - I bought your UV Resin and I plan to pour it as a finish over a piece of jewellery. I want to pour it over cardboard, vinyl, wood, will this work?

A - UV Resin is similar to glue. Being a wet product, it will turn paper and cardboard soft and transparent similar to if you put paper/cardboard in water.

If you plan to use UV Resin on a particular surface, we recommend testing on a small sample first to ensure you are happy with the results.

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