[Katherine Swift]

This question comes from La Donna:

I have been making resin jewelry for about 2 years now. I have only used one part resins- one by Lisa Pavelka and another that is no longer available. Is there an advantage to using the 2 part resins I am missing?

[Katherine Swift]

Hi La Donna,

It sounds like you are using UV resin? If so, I think you will like two part resins better. Here are what I think the advantages are:

1. Longer shelf life. If you have properly stored your two part resin, it should remain usable for a year.
2. Less expensive. You will get a lot more two part epoxy resin for the same money you would spend on a UV resin.
3. No equipment. Once you mix a resin and hardener component, they will start to cure. You don’t need a UV lamp or need to worry about putting your pieces in UV light.
4. Versatility. Two part resins are great for casting in molds. UV resins are only designed for use in bezels and other shallow pours.
5. Less shrinkage. Sometimes UV resins can cure with a lot of shrink. Two part resins do better with this.

Does this help?

[La Donna]

Yes! That does help. It looks like it is time to move on to 2 part resin for my new ideas. I am glad I asked. You just saved me a lot of heartache as I am about to begin using molds and doing more organic pieces. So far, I have only used shallow bezel cups either made by me or mass produced. Whew!! Thanks so much!

[Katherine Swift]

Happy that I could help!

[Author]

Posts