How to Use UV Resin and Glitter on Acrylic Keychains

[@stephanier7115]

Very cute. You can actually set your lamp over your acrylic without the bottom. This way you don’t have to move your acrylic while it’s uncured.

[@DIYAlex]

Yes! I do things the hard way sometimes. Thanks for the reminder :)

[@doloresturnwall3200]

Very well done! Clear inside and demonstrations.

[@crazygranny7861]

US has been the best one to watch and understand and how to do things. Thank you very much.

[@crazygranny7861]

yours has been not us sorry

[@rosanneducharme5486]

Really enjoyed this diy! I am new to UV resin and this sure gave me a lot of information. Beautiful keychain.

[@anaramos6487]

Definitely needed to know if i could overcure my pieces, thank God you cannot. ALSO YESSSS. Thin layers cure fast and super beautiful. You are also less likely to see little wronkles

[@YouCanTotallyMakeThat]

Love this I have never tried uv resin now I want to

[@DIYAlex]

It’s a blast! It’s also nice because you can get everything on Amazon so it’s great for a Craft for the Curve project If you don’t already have the supplies!

[@summerthagreat9761]

@@DIYAlex oopooolkookkoooooo

[@lovely31bluprint]

I didn't know this.

[@shakirapittman3307]

I really enjoyed this tutorial. Very informative

[@Michael-lo3ht]

Great job. I make wooden earrings with a laser. I'm looking at using resin to fill in to make them stronger and to add color.

[@DIYAlex]

That would be beautiful!

[@TimelessTunesRewind]

How did you do the decal of the paw print to fit so well on the blank

[@DIYAlex]

I downloaded file that fits the blank. I show you how to do that in the tutorial ☺️

[@MsBabylu]

Oh boy, you haves just hooked me onto using uv resin. Thank you Alex ! Lol

[@DIYAlex]

You’re welcome!

[@kellywatson405]

This is the BEST tutorial ever! No joke, I was wondering just today if I could mix my glitter with the resin. I swear, I feel like I just won the lottery!!!

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you so much Kelly! That's so sweet! I'm so glad it was helpful :)

[@pebbles644]

I was hesitant on using UV resin, but after watching this I have made a few and I LOVE IT.

[@DIYAlex]

Yay I’m so glad you love it!! It’s a lot of fun!

[@sandrafloyd502]

I love your video. Thanks for sharing this tutorial!

[@DIYAlex]

You’re welcome!

[@elizalutiana7985]

This is helpful 😍 thank you. please do more tutorial for different types of resin.

[@johnsegebartt6961]

I watched this video today and made one, thank you so much for sharing your expertise.

[@DIYAlex]

You're welcome!

[@marcychavez1088]

Thank you for sharing!!

[@DIYAlex]

You are so welcome! -Lindsay

[@kathrynmorrishelms6938]

Have you considered using a small silicone spatula to move the blank so that you did not have to worry about touching the wet resin? There are really small ones designed to flip a single egg that would work great and the spatula portion is silicone.

[@DIYAlex]

Ooh that’s a good idea! I haven’t thought about it.

[@DIYAlex]

No I hadn’t thought about it, but that’s a great idea!

[@mikkimouse1762]

This is cute, Alex. You answered everything I would have asked in the video about UV resin! Thank you so much!

[@DIYAlex]

I'm so glad it helped you! You're welcome!

[@shannonmarie6227]

Great video…explained a lot for me. TY 😊

[@cieraingram792]

Thank you for this tutorial! Tried my 1st keychain tonight it’s ok not too bad for my first time! Decided to KZbin again for some tips. Glad I watched your video! How long does it take you to do a keychain start to finish?

[@DIYAlex]

I'm so glad it was helpful for you Ciera! I would say the average keychain takes me 30 minutes- 1 hour depending on the design.

[@kara.0248]

Thanks for the video! I was nervous about trying UV Resin but you simplified it so I think I’ll be ready to try it soon!

[@DIYAlex]

Awesome! I'm so glad it was helpful to you!

[@ycardenas7866]

Can I make a keychain from epoxy/resin and once decal is applied can I apply a layer of UV resin for a clear shinny finish?

[@DIYAlex]

I have never gotten UV resin to work on top of epoxy resin, but that might just be my experience. I would try it and see how it goes!

[@jessicagarza8371]

Thanks for the video my uv resin was staying sticky needed a bigger watt.

[@DIYAlex]

Yes that was a game changer for me!

[@ginnyr5437]

This looks like a great idea. I am going to have to try it. Thanks for sharing

[@DIYAlex]

You’re welcome!

[@lifeisgood7740]

This is the best video on UVR thus far. I’ve had the resin for 3 months and have been afraid to use it. It answered a few questions I had. One being you can keep putting the resin back in the light. Are the vapors harmful? Is a mask advisable? Thank you so much.

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you! Yes, you definitely want to wear PPE, including a mask when working with resin of any kind.

[@sherrybuit417]

Thanks for the video. Learned a lot. Need to get a bigger up light. Mine is a pin light

[@DIYAlex]

You’re welcome! The light I used is pinned in the description. 😃

[@user-pz1ve1jb5s]

Just fyi, lamp wavelength (nm) cures resin, not necessarily the wattage. A small usb 365nm UV flashlight can cure uv resin in a few seconds. While a 395-400nm led strip can cure the same uv resin in 3 minutes. SUNUV brand usually have both if you read the specs (365+395-405 nm).

[@DIYAlex]

Thanks for the tip!

[@dogloverlmh9197]

The lamps that come apart like this are great because you don't need to have the bottom on to use them. They are made this way so you can do pedicures. Which for crafting means you don't have to move your project to cure!

[@DIYAlex]

Yes they are my favorite style!

[@MsBabylu]

I have this exact lamp since I do my own nails. This is actually my spare one, yay I guess I’ll be using it for resin now. Lol

[@breefulton]

Try using a silicone brush! Cure it and it peels right off:)

[@DIYAlex]

I need to get a fine tipped one! I only have one of the wide ones but I’ve heard great things about the other smaller ones!

[@BeauteAmour12]

Is it possible to put vinyl on the acrylic and then put the resin ontop of the vinyl and then curing it?

[@DIYAlex]

Yep that works fine!

[@janellepaolinelli4405]

Do you know if you can use UV resin on wood? If so is there any prepping to do?

[@DIYAlex]

I would not recommend it for wood.

[@shaniragallardo9074]

Hi. Do i have to use a mask or a respirator when working with uv resin?

[@DIYAlex]

I highly recommend it, but it’s a personal choice like anything else ☺️

[@bethcrafts4706]

Hi, I just found you on here. Love the video! You make it seem so easy! I have a couple questions. Would a 3 layer mask work to help not breathe it in or whatever? Also should I use eye protection? And final question, is it possible to work with it in the garage without it curing? I don’t have any room that I can ventilate well inside my house. I want to be 100% safe, and not mess it all up. Thanks in advance!

[@DIYAlex]

Hi Beth! I'm not sure what you mean by a three layer mask, but you need at minimum a mask with the protection that an N95 mask offers. I don't use eye protection. I'm sure a garage would work fine.

[@buddysmith7080]

I know this is an old video and hopefully you got the correct answer to your question. An N95 or 3 layer mask will do you no good. It is not particles you are worried about unless you are sanding the resin. If you are concerned you need to use a respirator for fumes not dust. This is the main reason I haven't jumped on this yet. Still trying to work out the dangers.

[@mhallfarm5]

Can you have vinyl that covers the acrylic blank completely then put UV Resin over it? Or you need some of the acrylic for the resin around the vinyl?

[@DIYAlex]

I don’t think the UV resin needs any acrylic to stick! It should be fine with vinyl.

[@injijaber7260]

great video. thank you for being so informational!

[@DIYAlex]

You're welcome!

[@eloramorrissette8704]

What is your best recommendations for UV lamps??

[@DIYAlex]

Mine is from 143vinyl.com! Anything that has 50 watts or more should cure UV resin

[@Akinia]

Love this! May have to try it. This will be great for my stickers.

[@DIYAlex]

Yep it sure would!

[@lorenethompson169]

Love you’re video

[@lnc-to4ku]

This was so great! Thank so much! :)

[@kellyfredericks2326]

Hi! New resin artist (I say that loosely) here. I used a blue mold, with an orange colored resin with purple chunky glitter. It cured on the top, but not on the bottom. Do I need to use light colored resin, and/or a "clear" mold?

[@DIYAlex]

It’s most likely due to your colored mold! A clear mold should fix the problem.

[@elizabethmccoy7882]

Thank you for this very informational video!

[@DIYAlex]

I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@pauladuker6644]

May I make a suggestion... instead of picking up the acrylic to & setting it on the bottom tray of the UV light, why don't you just set the UV light over your piece without the base. Save yourself time & possible damages. Also they make silicone brushes that can be used over & over. Set the brush under the light & peel the set UV resin right off.

[@DIYAlex]

Thanks for your feedback

[@craftingheaven2501]

How did you design your vinyl to fit the shape?

[@DIYAlex]

This is an SVG cut file that I downloaded from where I bought the blank.

[@jamialowenthal7166]

Is it ok to use a stronger lamp? Like a hundred watt ?

[@DIYAlex]

I would think that’s fine!

[@jenniferblackwell2191]

I love your video, i have never done this and after watching your video makes me want too!! I was wondering. do i still use alcohol before adding the vinyl even though i will use resin to cover?

[@DIYAlex]

I don't worry about using alcohol when I'm sealing with UV resin. :)

[@irisrose9245]

Is that hand glouse reusable??If so how can i clean glouse,cups etc..?? Also can you suggest an idea clean up hands tooo???

[@DIYAlex]

No, I don’t reuse anything I use with UV resin unless it’s silicone.

[@natalied6561]

Thank you so much for sharing and for the tutorial! Awesome!

[@DIYAlex]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@becheathcote4278]

This is fantastic! Thank you for sharing! Can I ask, do you reuse your paint brushes? Or is it one time use?

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you! I normally don't reuse my paint brushes, but you can find silicone brushes now that you can reuse! I didn't know about silicone brushes when I made this video :)

[@lillyguerra8988]

Once you have made a keychain with epoxy, then decide you want to add another piece of vinyl to it but want to use UV resin over... Can you insert the keychain into to UV lamp that already had epoxy on it?

[@DIYAlex]

I have tried that before and the UV resin always remained sticky. I would stick with all epoxy or all UV resin on the same project.

[@goof9j1]

If I purchase the patterns for keychains, what type of paper should I print on?

[@DIYAlex]

The patterns are already printed on vinyl to stick to the acrylic

[@marymansfield4744]

Could I use this on painted rocks. What is the clearance inside the uv lamp? This was a. Great demo. You make it look easy...

[@DIYAlex]

Yes as long as you can get it the UV light to set it. The clearance is going to depend on the lamp you order. Thank you! It looks easy because it is!

[@MsBabylu]

Alex, will this process work with print then cut?

[@brandyh4600]

I was wondering the same thing lol. Did you happen to try it with print then cut?

[@DIYAlex]

You can always use printable vinyl if you choose to. Applying UV resin may be different depending on the product you choose for the vinyl, but generally speaking the process should be able the same.

[@brandyh4600]

@@DIYAlex thank you ☺️ I tried the UV resin with printable vinyl and it worked out great!

[@sanazvosough9817]

Thank you for your tutorial! Very helpful. I’m new to using UV resin. How do you clean your brushes from UV resin and glitter? Thank you!

[@DIYAlex]

Hello! I don’t clean these brushes, I throw them away. If you want reusable brushes you can get silicone brushes.

[@hollyann0417]

This was really helpful. I am curious are you able to use mod podge with a layer of glitter and then a clear coat of uv resin over? Also do you notice any yellowing or bubbles with uv resin like epoxy? (With epoxy I use a heat gun to get bubbles out, wasn’t sure if they step is really necessary with uv resin?)

[@DIYAlex]

You can try that, but I've never gotten good results with mod podge and glitter with UV resin. I don't usually have issues with bubbles in UV Resin like I do with epoxy, but some folks use a lighter or torch to get bubbles out. I've never needed to do that, but it's an option you might want to look into.

[@evyannastakeover180]

Have you tried using silicone brushes? I have some but have been scared to try this. You explained it very well. Thank you!

[@DIYAlex]

I haven’t with UV resin but I have tried them with epoxy and they’re great. I’m glad you liked the video!

[@kaylasprettynails2848]

As a nail tech I was literally sitting here saying move your medicine cup!! Lol I have accidentally cured gels amd stuff that were too close to my lamp before too lol I just today placed my order for my uv resin and molds. I've never worked with any of it. But I'm wondering if the uv resin leaves a tacky layer like gel polish amd builder gel.for nails does? Nail gel is the only thing I have ever worked with as far as uv stuff so thats the only comparison I have lol

[@DIYAlex]

If it's all the way cured then it won't be sticky. Just make sure your lamp is strong enough to fully cure the UV resin (at least 50 watts).

[@xo_gxmer_barbiee]

what watts on the uv light is to high? I went to purchase from the one in your amazon and it isn't available right now. just curious how high abd low the watts should be. Thank you!

[@DIYAlex]

Oh shoot! You're looking for 50 watts or more.

[@authorvivianmurdoch]

About how far does the uv resin go? I know it’s more expensive, but do you feel you can get several projects done with one bottle?

[@DIYAlex]

It's hard to say exactly since there are so many ways to use it, but you will get lots of projects out of one bottle.

[@estibalizrodriguez7175]

Is the uv light for nails same for resin?

[@DIYAlex]

The UV light is stronger than most nail lamps (at least 50 watts), but it’s the same style.

[@desireekezama9663]

Where did you get the cute paw print vinyl?

[@DIYAlex]

You can find it here! Use my code ALEX5 to save 5% :) www.143vinyl.com/651-vinyl-paw-prints-12-x-12-sheet.html?partner=403469

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you!

[@karymarie9786]

I actually added the same uv lamp to my list after watching your video. However I have a creation that's a little bigger than I would like to add resin to, I found one lamp that I belive could fit it but it says it 80 watts. Could that ruin the resin "burn" it or make it turn yellow?

[@DIYAlex]

I'm not aware of any issues with UV lamps being too strong, so 80 watts should be totally fine!

[@annewtsn]

Can you put vinyl on both sides?

[@DIYAlex]

Yes you can!

[@reddragun43]

Thanks for the video. Are the resin fumes harmful to pets?

[@DIYAlex]

I’m not sure if it’s harmful to pets, but I would use it away from them just to be safe.

[@reddragun43]

@@DIYAlex thank you.

[@JessicaGarcia-qv7zf]

Love this tutorial!

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you!

[@dzayde]

Thanks for the video, it was helpful!! Question though, how do you clean the paintbrushes? I haven't been able to figure that out, so I dont use them but I want to.

[@DIYAlex]

Hi Dori! I don't clean these paint brushes. I just throw them away. If you want reusable brushes you can use silicone brushes.

[@dzayde]

@@DIYAlex Thank you so much for answering, it was driving me bonkers trying to figure out how people cleaned the brushes, makes WAY more sense not to. :D

[@lisaljr]

Can you give me the link to where you bought your UV lamp from thanks

[@DIYAlex]

All my materials are linked in the description of the video :)

[@daiseytoscano652]

Love this idea! Super cute I had a question do you have any ideas on what to do what you have cured with the uv light but the finished product is still sticky ?

[@DIYAlex]

Usually that means you need a stronger uv light or your resin is funky. You can set it in the sun to finish curing.

[@daiseytoscano652]

DIY Alex thank you so much I appreciate your response I will try the sun and replace my uv light

[@karengarcia-nn3uc]

I hsve a 54 W uv lamp snd my pieces won't cure 😞 ite super sticky what W, do i neee to mske it hard ???

[@justedits38]

Can we use epoxy color in the uv resin

[@DIYAlex]

Yes, dyes and pigments are usually fine in UV resin.

[@jordanjackson4284]

How did you know what size to make the vinyl?

[@DIYAlex]

A lot of acrylics come with a pre-sized file that goes with it. So I didn’t have to size this because the file was already the size I needed.

[@capiolanirosario1640]

This is amazing 👏.. Do you prefer to put the vinyl under the resin? Have you made any without that way before? How is long-term if you were to put the vinyl underneath. 🤔 I hear back and forth that permanent vinyl doesn't need to be sealed and that it needs to breathe properly.. I'm starting to get my materials to do Keychain and have done some research. So many ideas. Thank you for your video.

[@DIYAlex]

You’re welcome! Permanent vinyl does not have to be sealed, but keychains get a lot of use, so if you’re already using UV resin on them, then I recommend sealing your vinyl in it. Plus I like having the totally smooth surface (without feeling the bump of the vinyl). I’m not sure who told you vinyl needs to breath, but it doesn’t. It doesn’t have lungs 🤣.

[@simplelifeofsusan]

Do the acrylic blanks come with SVG’s?

[@DIYAlex]

Yes! I always buy from companies that have accompanying SVG files!

[@kimmyg3]

I’m learning still, but someone said to sand the edges of the keychain blank so the epoxy/resin doesn’t pop up. Is that the case?

[@DIYAlex]

I haven’t had that experience. You just have to experiment and try what works for you!

[@karenturner5443]

Where do you buy acrylic pieces? Never seen this.

[@DIYAlex]

I love 651Vinyl.com for acrylics!

[@OG_Beckie_Leigh]

@@DIYAlex Are the acrylic blanks from 651 smooth on the edges? I couldn’t tell from looking at their website. The blanks I’ve been buying from another company have little ridges on the edges from where they were cut.

[@carixialunnacreativa2167]

this is so pretty cute, why you don’t make more videos like this for keychains with blank acrylics, thanks! 🌹

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you! My list of videos is a mile long, but I’ll add more keychains!

[@Ecuas_elppa-]

Um what is the acrylic you used BEFORE putting the UV resin on it? Thanks in advance :)

[@DIYAlex]

It is a dog paw shaped acrylic blank from 143VINYL.

[@Ecuas_elppa-]

@@DIYAlex tysm!!

[@alejandrarobles1465]

How to prevent from getting it in the hole or what can I use to clean that area?

[@DIYAlex]

You just have to be careful to keep it from going in. You can also use a small silicone plug. They carry them at 3rd Degree Laser. You can also use a drill to drill through the UV resin if the hole fills in.

[@samanthaperez2531]

Can you make this with normal epoxy?

[@DIYAlex]

Yep that would be fine too!

[@erinrivera9975]

So I just got a UV lamp and UV rein, applied a thin coat to the back of some earrings and it took forever to cure. Like 7-8 mins and smelled horrible still does that mean it didn’t cure correctly?

[@DIYAlex]

If it doesn't feel sticky anymore then it cured just fine. It may be that your lamp isn't strong enough, or the UV resin you're using isn't the greatest.

[@ktyson2020]

Does the resin your using stay sticky after curing? I purchased a different brand of resin and even after curing with a 54w lamp for 5+ minutes it is still sticky.

[@DIYAlex]

Try letting it sit in the sun to finish curing. It shouldn’t be tacky when you’re finished.

[@nicolew7550]

How do you print on the vinyl? Do i need a certain printer?

[@DIYAlex]

This is printed pattern vinyl, but you can use printable vinyl with your regular inkjet printer.

[@candacelacy1564]

@@DIYAlex May I ask where you got the paw print vinyl from? Thank you in Advance . 🙏🏼❤️

[@saramcclaugherty516]

I’m having issues with getting pits/divots in my resin as it cures! When I place it under the lamp it’ll look PERFECT but then as it cures, these dents pop up.

[@DIYAlex]

Are you using chunky glitter?

[@jolenehuitron7145]

@@DIYAlex I didn't write the above but I'm having the same issue with and without chunky glitter. :(

[@Angelica_Diane]

I'm having the same issueee. I do use alot of glitter. But even on my solid black pieces I get the lil divots/ pits. Not sure if my layer is too thick, lights too close, not strong enough.. I've tried only the sun and it's still gets pits..

[@rhondalundy3538]

I’m having the same issues always have ripples in mine wonder if it because I’m brushing the uv on instead of dabbing it on

[@canelita1193]

Hi Alex! I use the same brand uv resin you use and it’s still tacky after multiple curing sections. What should you I do?

[@DIYAlex]

Hi Arianly! Set the acrylic in front of a sunny window and let the sun continue curing the UV resin until it's no longer tacky. Also make sure your UV lamp is more than 50 watts or that could be the issue as well.

[@canelita1193]

@@DIYAlex Thanks! According to the Amazon description my lamp is 54w, so I’ll try placing it in front of a sunny window as you suggest to see if it helps!

[@DIYAlex]

Did putting it in the window work for you?

[@canelita1193]

@@DIYAlex I actually didn’t need to. I gave it more time under the un lamp and let it sit overnight and the next day it was dried. But for my next projects I plan to follow your advice.

[@tonitaborn5312]

Hey, is the link broken or do I need to try online instead of using my phone?

[@DIYAlex]

You can find it here: www.amazon.com/shop/diyalex

[@nancygreer2263]

Nice video, lots of suggestions & reminders in comments. Question: why didn't you just squeeze the resin directly on the back a little at a time instead of the cup 1st?

[@DIYAlex]

I do squeeze it directly into the acrylic unless I’m mixing glitter in it. It’s a habit from using epoxy 😀

[@nancygreer2263]

@@DIYAlex 😉

[@ruffledfeathersusa]

Thanks for the video, love your shirt!

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you!! And you’re welcome ☺️

[@cassandrareed5959]

Hey Alex! Thxs for this tutorial but what would you recommend for a smaller room when using epoxy or up resin? Would a humidifier work?

[@DIYAlex]

Turn on a fan, open a window, and/ or also open the door to promote good air flow. I wouldn’t use a humidifier since that will change the moisture in the room and it could impact the way the UV Resin cures.

[@cassandrareed5959]

DIY Alex thxs Alex

[@DIYAlex]

You’re welcome!

[@tiffanyfarr2979]

You don't need to sand the acrylic some before adding the uv resin?

[@DIYAlex]

Some people do. I never have and haven't had an issue, but like any craft there is always more than one way to do it :)

[@epiphanykc]

Hi Alex...any idea why my UV Resin doesn't keep the shine? I cured a keychain but when I picked it up to add the hardware the place where my fingers were got dull and I was never able to get that shine again.

[@DIYAlex]

I’ve never seen that before. I would try using a different brand of UV resin when you can

[@kimw4324]

Can I use this UV resin to make the silicone mold keychains?

[@DIYAlex]

The molds must be clear and shallow, but yes you can use UV Resin for molds.

[@UNCAngel08]

How do you clean your bushes between uses?

[@DIYAlex]

I don't clean my brushes, I just throw them away. UV resin is very sticky and I don't think it's a good idea to wash it down your drain.

[@denisflores4620]

How do you get the uv resin out from the brushes?

[@DIYAlex]

I normally don’t, I just throw them away. I use super cheap paint brushes so it’s not worth the effort to me. You can silicone brushes if you want reusable options!

[@crafttacular9733]

silicone brushes and cups can help cut down on waste so you don't need to keep getting new ones

[@charitzascreations]

Do you sand your acrylic blank at all?

[@DIYAlex]

I do not, I’ve never found it necessary.

[@MyADL143]

What wattage uv light would you recommend for uv resin? I tried uv resin for the first time today and I used a 36 watt uv light and I put it under multiple times and it is still tacky. I'm lost. Please help!!

[@hollyann0417]

In the video she is using 48 but recommends close to 50 watt

[@DIYAlex]

Yes thank you Holly! In the video I am using a 48 watt lamp and that’s the bare minimum I would recommend. 50 watts is higher should cure your UV Resin better. The lamp I use is linked in the video description ☺️

[@leighannoherron4276]

How do you clean the brush after applying the resin?

[@DIYAlex]

I don’t, I just toss them. If you want reusable brushes you can use silicone brushes.

[@erinchupp409]

is that a uv nail lamp?

[@DIYAlex]

Yep!

[@diva46226]

I use UV to dome my dominos..I put my under the light over and over but it still has a tacky feel....Color Pour Resin UV Hard. is there anything i can

[@DIYAlex]

Make sure your UV lamp is at least 50 watts.

[@diva46226]

@@DIYAlex thanks I will...I have been using that light that came with it

[@winglets7419]

Can I make resin coloured by using watercolour?

[@DIYAlex]

I've never used watercolor with UV resin, so you'll have to try it and let me know!

[@jeannetterosa4543]

does it have a sticky layer when it cures?

[@DIYAlex]

No, each layer should cure fine in the UV lamp.

[@Bluffton3]

I would never move a wet piece to go under the UV light. If you accidentally drop it or hit the light, it just creates problems. I prefer to put the light the piece in place.

[@DIYAlex]

Good idea!