If you are asking yourself how long does it take resin to dry, I’m sorry to say there isn’t a one size fits all answer.
I also hope you’re reading this article before you mix resin.
How long resin takes to dry is also known as the cure time.
Cure times vary between resins. This information is a part of your resin kit instructions. You shouldn’t have to guess the cure time of your resin. For resins sold in the Resin Obsession store, we have all the information for you in our resin buying guide.
⭐️ BONUS: Here’s a resin dictionary to learn the lingo.
But when asking how long does it take resin to dry, there are some general guidelines:
Many epoxy resins will be dry to the touch within 24 hours of mixing and pouring. It will take seven days for a full cure, but you can handle your project at this point if you are careful. It may scratch or dent (not ding) if you aren’t gentle enough. If you are using a slow-curing epoxy, allow it to sit for 48 to 72 hours to be touchable.
There are such things as quick-curing resins. These are usually polyurethane resins that can cure within minutes to an hour or two. Quick-curing resins are better suited for those already skilled in resin. In other words, these aren’t resins for beginners.
Polyester resins are generally touchable in about 12 hours. Silicone resins vary widely but are usually touchable twenty-four hours post-pouring.
What happens if it’s past the cure time of your resin and it hasn’t dried or cured?
It could be several things. Here are twelve reasons why your resin didn’t cure.
But, what if the resin dried, but it’s sticky?
The number one reason this happens is that you didn’t measure and mix the resin well. The good news is that it may be a fixable problem.
⭐️ BONUS: Here’s how to fix sticky resin.
You don’t have to face resin challenges alone.
Get a copy of the instantly downloadable PDF book, Resin Fundamentals. Stop spending hours reading everything you find on the web only to still be confused. Instead, read the ebook written for beginners by an artist with 16 years of experience. Go from confused to confident with resin in only an afternoon.
Unpublished Blog Posts of Resin Obsession, LLC © 2023 Resin Obsession, LLC
Hi..I have a question. What is the difference between 60g uv resin and 200g uv resin?
I’m afraid I don’t have enough UV resin knowledge to be able to explain that.
60g or 200g is the amount of resin in the bottle. g represents grams so therefore one is a 60 grams bottle and the other is a 200 grams bottle
I want a long pot time to vacuum impregnate rock so can’t be UV cure. Any suggestions?
Hi Geoff, our deep pour epoxy resin would be great for a project like this: https://shop.resinobsession.com/collections/resin/resin-obsession-deep-pour-resin
Hey so my resin seems to be done and it’s been about 10 hours, it’s amazing clear cast and on the edges if I put hard enough it kinda moves but other than that it seems sturdy
Hi Kaydence, it sounds like you need to give it more time. The amazing clear cast resin needs 24 hours for a 90 percent cure. Allow 7 days for a full cure.
Hi there – is it okay to pour additional layers of resin on a layer that has been curing for 24 hrs or more, without sanding the cured layer?
Due to my schedule I have been creating some pieces the second pour happening a full day later, or sometimes picking up projects weeks later. The final pieces do not seem to have issues, although now all the info I have found online says sanding is a necessity to do this.
Thank you!
Hi Bianca, as long as the previous surface is clean, yes you can pour another layer without sanding.
I almost insist on this especially if it’s a board you really care about. If you do a netting with the resin, sand that down a bit and then re-laminate and sand again. You can be assured the repair will last much longer.
Hi! I used the Deep Pour Casting Resin for the first time 24 hours ago and I loved how easily it mixed with so few bubbles while stirring and was so crystal clear! This is my first time working with a slow curing resin and it’s still in the “gooey” state which I expected but my question is: Do I need it to cure the full 48 hours before I can do a second layer or can a second layer be poured while it’s in this stage of curing?
Hi Shelly, it’s not unusual for the deep pour resin to be gooey at 24 hours. It freaked me out too the first few times I used it! When it’s at the gooey stage is the perfect time to pour your next layer. That’s known as the gel phase. This article explains more: https://www.resinobsession.com/resin-frequently-asked-questions/what-is-the-gel-time-of-resin/
Most of the things I do are 3/4 in or less what is best for food
Hi Tom, we have a food contact safe resin in our store here: https://shop.resinobsession.com/collections/resin/foodsafe