Resin crafts has surged in popularity in recent years, with plenty of crafters specialising in resin crafts as well as incorporating it into other creative hobbies such as jewellery making.
One of the downsides of using epoxy resin is that it requires a relatively long time to cure, with the common two-part epoxy resins taking roughly 24 hours to harden completely. This can put a limit on your creative output, but can also be particularly frustrating if you’ve waited all that time only to find a fault in your creation.
But there’s a solution to this problem - the G3 Resin Curing Machine from Resiners©.
Summary
This clever little machine is a game changer for fans of resin crafts, massively speeding up curing times for your epoxy resin creations. While the instructions could be clearer, the Resiners G3 curing machine is incredibly safe and easy to use.
How we tested
Resiners sent us their G3 Resin Curing machine and a bottle of their clear hard type UV resin to review. I tested this at home following our how to make resin rings tutorial. This was my first time using UV epoxy resin and a curing machine.
The results
Pictured are three separate test rings produced using the Resiners G3 Resin Curing Machine (using dried flowers, pink alcohol ink and glitter) – all cured perfectly in a matter of minutes. While my pouring technique could do with some practice to reduce bubbling and get a more even result, the enhanced curing process provided by the Resiners curing machine was flawless.
Resiners G3 Resin Curing Machine review
Key features
- 2-in1 curing – AB and UV resin compatible
- Large capacity
- Flip-ready base for +/-0.7º industrial-grade levelling
- Built-in silicone mat
- 3D heat circulation
- Multi-mode temperature control
1. Setup and instructions
As this was my first time using a resin curing machine, I was pleasantly surprised that it was just a case of unboxing the machine and plugging it in. When ordering the G3 Resin curing machine you have the option to select the appropriate plug and voltage type for your region, with US, EU, AU and UK options available.
While the instructions include clear illustrations and there is nothing technically wrong with them (and there are simplified instructions on the Resiners website), they are very much solely about the functionality of the machine and feel like they have been translated into English from another language. Complete beginners like myself may find it helpful to read through our epoxy resin for beginners guide first.
We were sent a bottle of Resiners UV resin to test, but you will need to source your own moulds. We have a roundup of the best resin moulds to help inspire you.
2. Functionality
There are two main functions of the G3 Resin Curing Machine – the ability to cure both AB (two-part) resin and UV resin, and the ability to flip the base to allow different heights of resin molds.
First, you position the base according to your mould height – opening facing downwards for flat moulds (less than 1in for UV or 2.6in for heat curing), or with the opening facing upwards for tall moulds (less than 3in for UV, 5in for heat curing).
Insert the silicone mat on top of the base and then place your mould on top of the mat. Then it’s time to power on and select the curing mode, which you do by pressing the power button. Pressing the power button cycles through the two heat and UV curing modes, with the heat mode displaying in hours and minutes (starting with a default of 2 hours), and the UV mode displaying in minutes and seconds (starting with a default of 30 seconds).
You can also press the time/temperature switching button to cycle between the time and temperature settings (temperature only needed for heat curing mode). You can then adjust the desired temperature using the plus and minus buttons, and you can also switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit. After heating, the machine will go into cool mode for approximately 20 minutes.
3. Performance
I specifically tested the G3 Resin Curing Machine following our how to make resin rings tutorial, to see if I could achieve a similar result using UV resin in a much quicker time. Overall, I was very impressed with the performance, as it completely set the UV resin in under 4 minutes – the functionality of the machine itself was flawless.
Personally, I found the timer a little frustrating. When you press the power button and select the mode, it loads with the default time (30 seconds for UV) and then starts automatically, even if you’re still adjusting the desired time. It’s a minor annoyance, but I would prefer it if you had the opportunity to set the time first and then tell it to start.
It’s also important to be aware that while you do have a large 13.28 × 11.33in working area, there are some minor limitations. Because the UV unit with its 30 LEDs extends into the machine, this slightly reduces the height available in the centre area. This is only a slight height limitation for heat curing, but in UV mode this does mean your curing area is limited to just the centre area with flat moulds, or approximately 75-80% of the base area in tall mould mode.
That said, when using UV resin, I feel like the speed of this machine means you can adjust your approach to quickly creating a couple of pieces rather than trying to do a big batch of moulds. I found that when I tried to do too many, the sunlight in the room started to set the top of the UV resin before I turned the machine on.
The removable silicon mat is a really nice and useful feature. It means that you can place your molds on top and fill them in position, meaning you don’t need to worry about moving them. And if you do spill any resin (or anything else such as glitter or inks), you can simply remove and clean the mat afterwards – as it’s flexible and hardened resin easily peels off.
While I was only testing this unit using UV resin, I did test heat mode without any resin present. The Resiners G3 Curing Machine boasts a 3D heat circulation feature, giving you 53% more uniform heating, plus the custom wavelength of 365+395nm provides enhanced curing efficiency. In flat mode this equates to a constant temperature of 60°C for even heating and bubble prevention, and in tall mode the adaptive heating ranges between 20-60°C which helps to prevent yellowing and overheating.
The heat mode features a low noise level of less than 55dB, which is loud enough that you can hear that it’s on, but not so loud that it’s disruptive.
I also particularly appreciated the fact that the bottle of UV resin provided came with an extra nozzle for easier pouring, and was actually small enough that I could use it directly into the mould I was using.
4. Appearance
The G3 Resin Curing Machine is a nice and tidy bit of kit, with its mint green colouring giving it a soft and stylish appearance.
The silicone heat resistant handle is not only functional but can also be positioned flat when not in use, giving it a neater appearance. The translucent lid helps to protect your eyes but also means you can completely see what’s going on inside.
The size and style of this machine means it won’t take up too much space or look out of place when set up in a home studio environment, but is also easy to put back in its box and store away if space is limited. It’s worth noting that the plug lead length is approximately 1m which will affect where you can position the machine in relation to your power source (or will require an extension cord).
5. Value for money
What’s in the box:
- Resiners G3 Resin Curing Machine including silicon mat.
- Options of bundles including other Resiners products are available.
With an RRP of £120 (and currently on sale for £96 from Resiners.com), the G3 Resin Curing Machine is definitely good value for money for people who regularly participate in resin craft.
Our verdict: Should you buy the Resiners G3 Resin Curing Machine
The G3 Resin Curing Machine is a must-have accessory for anyone that is serious about Resin Crafts. Whether you’re a small indie producer or hobbyist, the ability to hugely speed up the curing process means less time waiting and more time creating!
If you’re just dabbling in the world of resin you might not need a resin curing machine right from the start, but if you’re serious about your craft, this will vastly increase the amount you can produce in a much shorter time.
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