Trying Out UV Resin For The First Time! 

Here is a couple of things I have learned from using UV cure resin. First is that because this type of resin uses a photo chemical to create the chemical reaction that causes the resin to harden/cure it's always stinky in one way or another (I used to get migraines from it too). It's best to do the curing process with a massive amount of ventilation i.e. outdoors, a respirator and gloves as well as leave the piece or pieces several days to finish off gassing. Second you can use alcohol inks in small amounts with UV resin but not white ink or anything that is dark/opaque as the light must be able to go thru the resin to allow it to cure completely (great to create faux gemstones for a child's dress-up play treasure chest). Third is to add a mirror under the mold to assist in concentrating the light on both sides of the mold. Fourth always use clear or translucent mold, again the light must penetrate the resin to create the proper cure an opaque mold will result in sticky uncured resin like with that flower pendant that didn't cure under the flower. In that case it didn't cure because the light couldn't get under the flower to create the chemical reaction to cure that side. A way around that would have been to flip over the mold after the first cure and repeat from the bottom before removing the pendant from the mold or use the mirror tip. Fifth after removing the item from the mold cure one final time on a mirror/ reflective surface and cool completely this eliminates that slight tacky feeling that lingers on the piece after the first cure.

If you’re using a gel nail light, leave it on continuous for 5 minutes minimum. Then turn your mould over and cure for another 5 minutes on the back. If things are still a little tacky once you’ve done the curing, leave it in a sunny position for about 30 minutes to finish off the curing process.

Quick tip* when you want to add the eye hook, put the hook part through a toothpick then place it in the mold & center it & let the tooth pick rest on the top part of the mold horizontally with the eye hook in the middle.That way you won't have to hold it & start curing

To reduce stickiness of the bottom, flip the mould and cure on both sides.

I have worked with UV resin before. My trick is to Put a mirror under your molds and it will help with getting the UV light to the bottom of your molds. So that it cures MUCH better!

For UV resin I always work in small layers like 4-8 layers so that each layer cures more thoroughly and then apply another layover and whatever I want to put in~ you can make some really intricate layers and pieces that way~ hope it helps~

Wow, I just want to thank everyone for all the tips and for the video....it took me a minute to realize that uv resin was different then 2 part resin, I'm a newbie but definitely learning from this channel!

when you cure the pieces, let them set out in the sun for a while to completely harden and cure, it also dissipates the smell. use gloves and a mask when handling uv resin. keep at it. you'll get the hang of it ☺️

Remember to use a mask when using any resin.

I seal my pieces with a thin coat of Mod Podge Dimensional Magic to take away stickiness..Use a small nail brush like they use in a nail salon to brush it on and then let it dry completely..It also makes dull pieces clear and shiny again.

It's the uv resin. If it's not a really thin layer it will smoke because it gets so dang hot. Uv resin normally also shrinks as well. Throw it in the sun for 30 minutes and it will be hard hard :)

I agree with other comments, it's just the amount you're using, don't fill the all thing at once and do little layers (especially whit biger molds) and that may actually help you with the inks too.

*In a super excited happy voice* “Aww! I love that shape! It reminds me of a coffin!”😂❤️God I love this woman!

Depending on the mold, you must either cure it in layers or flip the mold over and cure the backside after curing the top. The UV light can cure most of the resin through the silicone molds in 60 seconds, but if there's too much or if there's anything blocking the UV from going through and through then it will not cure 100% in a single shot. My son likes to make globes, and those must be done in layers but will definitely come out hard as a rock when it's fully cured. We've never had any issues with smell, either, and I have used epoxy resin for years before trying the UV resins. It's a lot of fun when you nail it!

I loved the video and I’m sure people have already answered this but the stickiness just means you have to cure it more under the lamp. Also make sure you wash your hands after touching the wet resin as it can be dangerous. Finally you can get rid of air bubbles by holding a flame next to the resin when wet and it will pop all bubbles 🙂

For that brand of resin, I usually cure it for a bit longer under the UV light. If it still doesn't feel hard enough, I place the piece by the window to let sunlight cure the resin while I go out during the day.

Last comment, I promise. :p For your less shiny pieces, try brushing on a thin layer of UV resin and curing it. It will make them shiny and clear (most of the time). And yes, I know I could have made a huge comment with a bunch of tips but I thought of these at separate times.

Safety first is a must!! Gloves, mask and Goggles. Always when your using any resin, I have seen too many chemical burns and chest problems.

I started off using UV resin and I've switched to epoxy. UV is good for certain projects but it isnt as easy as it seems. for stickiness, as I'm sure others have said, just bake it longer and from all sides, once you can move it more, flip the mold and get the front. then I always let my pieces sit for a few hours in the sun just to make sure they're good and cured and there's no stickiness. you can use acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove stickiness from pieces but then you've got to buff and polish them so I find it's easier to wait. ink needs to be fully mixed into the resin, think like you're making an ink prison, you don't want any escaping, so I'm pretty sure alcol ink is out unless you create a clear shell around it which is probably more trouble than it's worth. I recommend Sophie and Toffee's UV resin! very little smell and they've created a UV resin specifically for molds that doesn't shrink as much.

@Artsy Madwoman The reason they're staying sticky sometimes, is because the light can't always get through the flowers (or glitter), all you have to do is flip it and put it back in the light. The curving is caused by it curing so fast, UV resin shrinks slightly when it cures, making it pull up on the sides. To avoid it, you could try using thin layers, or putting something heavy on it when it's still warm. Your idea about layering alcohol ink between clear layers should work perfectly!

after you cure it try flipping the mold over and cure it under the light again

Another thing about that particular brand of resin. It says it cures in a couple of minutes but it can take up to ten minutes depending on environmental factors. You could just stick it on a window sill or back under the light. ^-^

You can add the eye screws later. just add a drop of resin and inbed the screw and cure it quickly.

Do super thin layers and cure. Or let it sit in the light longer

UV gels have a dispersion layer that get’s very sticky when you cure them. You can wipe off the dispersion layer with 90% isopropyl alcohol. Also to reduce heat spikes and the smoking you saw use thin layers or slowly introduce the piece to the light. Hope that helps!

I haven’t even started watching this yet. I was just watching something else and got the notification. I’m so excited to see this from you! You got me started me watching resin videos and I have been curious about UV resin. I hope it works well! 🤞🏻

You have to work in layers as u said for u.v resin. And ya when u "finish" cure it from the back again!

I'm commenting so I remember to come back to this comment section for uv resin tips 😂

Iv’e found these tips have helped me with UV resin work. After your necklace molds cure, you can just drill a hole with a hand tool, drop a bit of resin in the hole then put your screw in and dry the top. Also when the top of your work is dry, turn the tray over and let the underside dry under the light. Cheers luv your videos and work.

I have been working with epoxy resin for years. What bothers me tremendously is that the backside, the one that is not in the mold gets blotchy after a short while. It happened with every resin I have tried. It's okay with colored backsides, while ai have to throw out clear pieces. It causes the most trouble, when I use then backside as fron after doming, like working the other way around. Does that streakiness/blotchiness also occur with UV resin?

I use UV light to do my nails at home. I found that using an antiseptic medical wipe afterwards. Gets rid of the tacky layer really well. Simply wipe all over x

I'm so glad someone else is a mad experimenter! I think you're supposed to cure it longer which might explain why it's still wet. On another video the lass went over the surface with a lighter to get rid of the bubbles too! She's Estona metals and one of the best jewelers I know for explaining how to make things!

I am new to the resin world and I'm loving it so far. I just ordered my first set of UV resin so I'm excited to try it out. I found your video by accident and I have to say I'm loving it. I enjoy your personality and overall think you are fun to watch so I can't wait to see more of your videos.

You are absolutely adorable!! This is my first time watching your channel. I just started my UV resin journey a month ago. I am completely loving it. Getting the timing down has been the hard part and the thin layers. But it is so fun. Tomorrow I am trying regular resin for the very first time.

Sophie and Toffee is NerdECrafter's favorite resin... She uses it a LOT

I only use uv to stick things down so they dont float in regular casting resin when im doing a big project. I started with UV bc i thought it would be easier and was excited that it didnt take forever. But i bought a few different kinds and 3 different lamps and it still never cures. Clear molds, flipping and even sitting in sunlight never work. Not even shaking the bottle to make sure it was mixed [i thought maybe it was separated?] Changed it. They're always sticky. And yes it stinks and burns if left for too long under the lamp but you have to make sure its set... so.... 😤. It is frustrating lol. I'll stick to 2 part! (Also sorry i couldnt help. But thanks for listening to my rant lol. I applaud UV resin artists. No clue how they do it!!)

I love watching you, because I use uv resin, but not the regular stuff, that’s what I’m watching you for. As for baby flowers, empty fields or even lawns are good for tiny flowers. Just take a few walks. You can even get some really cool green plants such as wild geranium, or tree leaves. I really should try some other resin, so I’m excited about this. And I just watched a video a few days ago that talked about diy flower drying in the microwave, and it’s great! As for your tryout, when I can’t figure out something, I go to the Google encyclopedia. Also nail lights come in different strengths and all different lights in the same machine. Make sure it’s on LED. Also remember, nail gel is a lot thinner, so it wouldn’t take long to cook compared to your molds. Off topic. You might want to check out your ads. The first one in particular are the ones most people turn off immediately, and I’m not sure the second one is legal, mimicking police lights. I don’t know if you have any say about ads, but I’ve heard if we don’t watch the whole ad, you don’t get credit. I don’t know, if you can do anything about them, But at least you will know. I love your work, and your sense of humor. Keep it up. Blessings❣️🙏🏼

I love this. I have zero patience and space to wait for resin to cure for 24 hours. This looks like I’d be able to do this. Thank you so much. 💕

I love your video. You show the pros and cons of uv resin for a beginner. I heard that anywhere the light can't reach, uv resin wont cure. Shown by the colorant in the sea shell, and the 'shadow' under the flower. Others watching the video have posted some great tips. Now I have to try it :)

So glad you did this before I went out and bought everything!! Thank you!! Maybe use some essential oils to get the smell out?

I've been using UV resin for a couple months in the trick to not get sticky pieces is have it cure a couple times under the UV lamp and do it a couple times on each side. Also wall you are working with resin do you want to be in a well ventilated area with Windows or a fan going while working with it due to the smell. Also you want to try using mica powders or regular liquid pigments to work with UV resin. I have use alcohol inks with resin and you need to cure it more times underneath the light then regular pigments.

All of your old videos are coming up these days for me watched a bunch this weekend!

I’m pretty sure you can use rubbing alcohol to get rid of the stickiness like you do with gel nails, could be completely wrong tho and try thin layers as well that might help

I wonder if you're still doing UV resin pieces. I love it and started blind as well. I watched RU-vids on it and that was a great help. I not only got into molds, but open bezels. They are a challenge and I've never seen big ones...all small. But I am into "mini" everything. Every craft I do is mini. It's a good thing when resin is so expensive. I ended up getting a 72W nail light as it takes my first one quite a few minutes to cure. If it's soft or tacky or both, it's not cured enough. Add more time. Once you take the object out, I pretty much always have to cure the other side as well. It's so fun, I think it's one of my favorite crafts. My supplies are not that expensive. Unfortunately, I get them from China mostly. MiniatureSweet is one of the best and super cheap places to get molds, bezels and all the wonderful things to put in your project. I get the same resin you used in this video. I tried the Hard-Thick and I don't care for it at all. The Hard-Thin is the best. Anyway, I enjoy watching all your resin videos. Thank you, cause I've learned a lot. Keep doing the UV as I really think you will get hooked!!

It's good to know,that 3 years later UV resin has come so far !!!

I finally ordered some things off your supply list and they will be here tonight! Thanks for sharing all of your techniques 😊❤

I use that brand for some pieces. For thick pieces like that I leave to cure for around 20min. Also helps to rotate or flip to make sure the light is hitting the resin. And it’s the resin that is smoking as it cures. You can add a layer and re- cure to fix those pieces. The resin is stinky, I tend to use a fan and an air filter for all resin use (as well as PPE), not just for UV.

Also use a blow torch to brush over your mould to take out any bubbles, and IF you get any wet parts which I find rare, you can glaze it over with a fresh fine layer👌🏽

I know this is an older video, but I found that after curing I wash the pieces with a bit of dish soap and they lose that bit of sticky feeling and any lingering scent. At least it works for me.

If you want to get the bubbles out you can use a lichter before you cure the resin I always use resin in layers it Will cure faster and its better to contral I love your Channel ❤️

If it keeps staying sticky you can flip the mold upside down before you unmold so the light hits both sides and can completely cure. If the light can’t penetrate completely it won’t set up. Also a hand held light held up really close to the mold or left out in the sun will help it cure completely. You also have to be careful how much color vs resin you mix - you have to keep the color 10% of the resin or it won’t cure. And it needs to stay transparent. Try a different resin for the smell - it shouldn’t smell once it’s cured it’s bad resin if it does.

I use Lets Resin brand and I love that it’s not very smelly and also if it’s still sticky cure it a little bit longer and cure both sides. It won’t cure more unless you hit it with the uv light more. ❤❤

I used the same resin company will not use again, sticky and warps. You are doing all the things the right way.. I's the RESIN

I asked a couple of artists, & was told that I should buy a 36watt UV lamp that's used for nails. Some put homemade covers on the front so the lights don't affect your eyes. They could cause headaches, too. I think I went too big for my first try. 🤣🤣 I attempted to make a coaster for him indoors, of 2 deuces (he's a poker player), & he's actually over the moon with it (& has probably now worked out why I was asking all sorts of poker related questions). He said we'll leave it a couple of days, then sand the sides & it'll be fine. Hmmm. He's far too easily pleased sometimes. You could put cup shaped bails, or flat bails, on your pendants.

oh, and I forgot to say that when you light it with resin and it hardens, just that you'd know that it fully cured, I flip the mold over and shine light on it again, then when you pop it out, you won't get the wet parts like the one with the flower, you figured it out that the uv didn't get to it. flipping helps ;D

It was the resin that smelled, and it’s not good for you hun!!! I’m a 3D printer, sculpture dork. Crack a window, don’t take any more “whiffs”…..unless you’re a fan of Charlie from Its Always Sunny. He’s an expert on fumes the way I’m an expert on resin . We’re not, but crack a window and run a fan hun ❤

I'm so so so SO glad you talk about this smell. I'm EXTREMELY sensitive, and there are a lot of things that are made in China that they definitely put toxic chemicals in. There are petitions and people trying to change the laws of allowing this sort of thing into the items that come into the country. I can smell it on all types of plastic and faux material stuff. I have to be so careful because the chemicals make my throat and lungs itch and I can't breathe and start to throw up. I'm not the only one either. OMG. So I'm glad that others are posting other suggestions. I really would like to get into this craft - I've been watching your videos non-stop! - but the issue in this video has made me super aware.

When it's done totally for good the smell will go away that what I find out my self only doing for about 2 months

You can use a nail uv cleaner to remove the stickiness ( all the resins leave stickiness and that is the best way to remove it ) don't worry it will not get the shine out or fuzz it anyway but you also need to use lint free wipes :D . Enjoy .

Hey hun I'm a nail tech and just found the world of resin and when you cure gel in a lamp you get a sticky layer which feels wet but we wipe it of with isoproylol alcohol and then fine ,try wiping them with isoproypol alcohol

Use a cocktail stick to hold the eyelet in place across the top 👍

I love the resin crystal pendants! Also, your skin and make up is stunning!!!

Beautiful pieces! With UV resin if you do it quite thick put it in for up to 5 mins. And flip it over to do the front and back. Also it's better to do thin layers. especially for the crystal mold. You will be about 3-4 layers curing fully for I would say 1-2 mins between each. Get UV resin on Sophie and Toffee or miniature Sweet. They have sourced UV reins that don't have as strong as a smell. One of them actually has a range of floral scented colored UV resin as well. Watch their videos as well as search in RU-vid for sandrarts (I think that's right) she uses Sophie and Toffee UV resin in her projects. Hope all this helps. (0: I hope to follow your flowers in resin videos next spring!

Having not playing with the item, try putting them back under the UV light & finish curing them. Try a longer light time. Still instant gratification. Enjoyed your enthusiasm for the product, I believe I will be trying this item. 👏🏻😻

Before demolding, turn the mold over and cure from the other side too. Sometimes the light doesn't get underneath the flowers if you only cure from one side.

I don’t know anything about resin but the stickiness is ok I’m pretty sure! The same thing happens when u do a gel manicure, just clean with alcohol and it takes the tackiness away!

The fumes are actually deadly, you need to use it in a very well ventilated room and even wear a respirator

I use UV resin and I find it works best for small things. The thicker your piece is, the longer it takes to cure and it will also tend to get very hot if it's thick. Also, it can help to flip the mold over and cure through the mold. Clear molds are best for UV resin 😊

I am shocked you get that bad a reaction to that resin, others in my groups say it smells bad but i do not think it's that bad, . That is a good brand resin, I've been using it for years and I never had it smoke or stink, I use a 36W lamp. I wonder if it's the lamp that's smoking, try to look. I put alcohol inks and glitter in but if it's too dark the lamp has a hard time seeing through so after 10 minutes if it looks hard then remove it, if it's still moist on the bottom then remove it and turn it over and put it under the lamp. to make the long crystals I put a food screwier through the hole in the eye/screw so it stays where I want it to. I was working with resin at my clay table, I have a very bright LED lamp on and it was curing the resin I just put in the mold! wow! when you take anything out of the mold and it's still soft just leave it by your lamp, I'd love to send you pictures

Unfortunately all types of resin (UV and the two part) need respiratory masks, gloves and a welll ventilated room. It's toxic, if you ask the company for their SDA sheets it will give you the correct information. A lot of people get headaches, coughs, skin rashes and more serious health problems like chemical pneumonia from prolonged usage, so just be safe and make sure you're protected well from the fumes until it's cured. BTW love your creative works and videos :-) x

I’m still learning the ropes with resin and the person who was teaching me said that sometimes you have to cure it several times and with darker alcohol inks and pigment inks does take several times to cure. Im still learning though and thank you for doing your tutorial videos I love them and they have helped me out so much!

its best not to breathe that smoke that comes off of the UV resin. and it will bow if you cure it too fast, and it gets too hot. i have had best luck, curing in 1-2 minute intervals. and i didnt read all the comments, but i did see where folks said you need to cure both sides. and i cure my piece, then i go back and use a jewelry drill, and drill my hole for the eye hook, and then i put a dot of the UV resin on the top of the little hole, and screw the eye hook in, and hit it with the UV light to ensure it doesnt come out. i have a hard time trying to hold the eye hook, (and keeping it straight!:) and drilling it after its cured, helps me. happy resining! :)

I have found a UV resin that doesn't have much of a smell and cures rather nicely too... Limino UV Resin, can be found on Amazon and I use it all the time to add that dome of resin on the top of my 2 part resin pieces. The size I use is the 200g and it is by far the easier of the UV resins out there, at least for me... As was brought up by others, you do want to hit the piece at least for 5 mins top and bottom in the mold with the UV light, and at times it will come out tacky, I just set it off to the side and when the sun is in a good location (live in an apartment and only get sunlight on our side in the morning hours) I will set them onto a tv tray in the sunlight and it will cure the rest of the way (take the piece out of the mold that is) I hope this helps... and yes, when it smoked a bit it did freak me out a bit, but a friend told me that's normal... And I also don't notice a chemical smell when I wear the pieces either, so that's a HUGE plus in my book... Take care and keep creating as we need more creators in this world

Oh yeah UV resin smokes a little bit. And it smells like CRAZY but you get used to it. I exclusively use UV resin due to the fact that I work with smaller things. Leave it in the sun for a little while and it'll cure the rest of the way.

Put it back if sticky for another 30 or 60 seconds or until done. I always have to put in for more time when I use alcohol ink 😇

the bigger the piece the more it will warp, for small things it is great and for things to put into other resins brilliant. I use that type and find it is horrendously smelly. I tend to have to leave the pieces on the windowsill for a few days after, and after a day or two the smell goes away... eventually :D

I dunno about us resin exactly, but I know that when I do my nails With poly gel/ builder gel or any gel polish or product, after I cure it I have to wipe off the sticky layer that is left on the nails after curing, so I feel like your finding everything sticky because you just gatta wipe off the sticky layer left after curing the resin.

you can also use a jewels drill to drill into the resin to glue in the eyelets.

Good first try! I like that you had all the same questions most of us did when we first started. So you are on the right track!

This happens to me a lot of the time when I cure UV resin. Much like traditional two-part epoxy it heats up when it cures. It is prone to shrinking a small bit but it's very much one of those stick it under a light for 5 minutes and it's completely cured. However it is significantly more finicky if you're adding things like liquid pigments or mica. If the light cannot penetrate all the way through you will likely end up with uncured resin. Most UV resin also have a minimum of three minute cure

I enjoy using UV resin. I use my UV light for gel nail polish. Works great.

I just started with UV resin and I am using Blue Moon brand, It had very very little smell. I did find out in the class I took alcohol inks do not work at all, and if you are putting large items in pendants or keychains. after you cure it on the front, turn it over and cure from the other side. They have little UV lights that come with the kits that don't smoke either. If your piece is tacky cure it again for another minute and let it cool good before you unmold it. You can also put the piece in the sun for a couple minutes. I put mine in the sun for about 30 minutes and the whole piece turned brown, So I limit it to no more than 5 minutes.

Girl you should makeup videos too! Your eyes are BOMB!!

You have to cure each layer 5 to 10 that should also help with getting rid of the stickiness and the odor

I had the same problem with stickiness. Just leave it in sunlight for a few hours. The smell will dissipate after a while. The way to avoid wet resin in the mould is to coat it with a very thin layer of resin, swish it around in the mould and then cure it. Being fairly new to this myself I'd recommend several thin layers of resin, curing each one before doing the next. This is going to sound silly......have a look at RU-vid for videos about this. There's loads out there. Not as creative as you are......😉 but there are many on the subject of UV resin. Give it a week and you'll be an expert at this too!!! I wait with much excitement to see your progress. ❤❤❤

The resin heats up and could cause the mold to bend a little. It's best to let it cool before taking it out of the mold.

Do you HAVE to wear masks when you use resin?? If not what type would you suggest?? I’m a beginner btw 😂🌻🌻🌻

once you cured the upside, turn the mold over to cure from the backside. the mold is semi transparent and it will help to get UV-light to the hidden spots

Did you give up on UV resin after this? I guess I'll do another search. Very informative! Thanks!

Set out in the sun works wonders use the uv light for a longer duration

Question!! What is the working time for UV Resin?? Like how much time can you work with it until it starts to cure up ??

Ive seen someone say to make sure it's fully hardened to flip it over onto the back while still curing so there's no stick

i just started playing around with uv resin too for some reason no matter what i try it is always tacky. i bought it mostly to add the metal pieces to my necklaces after i've made them with the 2 part resin. i felt disappointed with the uv. i tried using a top coat uv nail polish to top it. it worked ok. any way i saw you were doing one with uv and i was excited to see what you came up with .

I almost forgot. In the Sophie and Tophee site, they have tools or mini items like a small hand drill to puncher the resin for making holes for the jump rings

I’ve got the exact same UV resin first time ever using resin I also noticed it was a bit Bendy and like sticky so I left it in the sunshine for about 20 minutes and I made it really hard not too sure why it would smoke maybe mesage seller.

UV resin do smoke while curing, but soon dissipates. I use UV all the time ,as I don't have the space for Epoxy Resin. I find it easier to work and works well with all kinds of resin inks and alcohol inks. Working on jewellery box for somebody and I can say hand on heart is the best to use and cheaper, too. It is just two part resin together with a catalyst that responds to UV light and heat. Longer the cure the better it turns out.

You can also use a UV Flashlight for larger areas. Just don't shine it in your eyes or pets eyes. It can cause blindness. You should do it in a well ventilated area. Mine never got hot. Hmmm? I use rubbing alcohol to wipe off the stickie. I love your videos. You're so cute. It looks like a coffin. Lol. I haven't used this in the molds yet. I use it on my diamond paintings. It also works well for doing some repair jobs on things that get broken. Okay, now I have to try my UV resin for other things. Yours turned out so nice! Time to pull out my molds. I do have a question for you on how do you figure out how much to MIX up with the 2 part resin. Is it more of a hit and miss? Try painting on a layer over then cure it. I had that stickie problem with the alcohol ink too. Powder dye works better for me.

i loved the shell you can watch it dry on the video you see it moving around great video thank you

You can buy a small jewellers hand drill, has the tiniest drill heads, you can use it if you forget to put the jewellery pieces in , I had the same issues with the same resin , I used rubbing alcohol to get the sticky off , didn't have the smoking issue, but I haven't an LED light , maybe the LEDs compared to uv bulbs?? Not sure. I was lucky I didn't experience the smell, but I found it not the best, I've moved to crystal clear art resin , and epoxy with separate hardner , I found them so much better, no spell, no sticky, and didn't dull. Great videos, it's all trial and error, iam working on a live wood edge river shelf for my sink in the bathroom , nothing like jumping in, was scared to start with resin, but hey ho got to try 👍

I get the same way, I have to wear my mask whenever I use it. I have another UV light that I leave the pieces under for longer and always cure both sides. Once it has completely cured you don't get the smell any more. Love your content, keep it coming x