How Long to Cure Resin Prints: Guidelines from Top Brands

Wondering how long to cure resin prints? See below for top manufacturers curing times and practical tips for getting your resin print spot on.

One of the most common questions we see is what the right curing time is for resin prints. It’s easy to wonder if you are curing for the right time. Some advice out there says that you can over-cure within minutes, and there is even speculation that over-curing is a myth altogether. With so much different information out there, we wanted to clear the air and make an easy to follow cheat sheet to help you get the perfect cure every time. 

How Long To Cure Resin Prints?

I’m going to be honest with you—there is a huge range for proper curing times for resin prints. I’ve seen recommendations anywhere from 30 seconds to several hours, and that’s just from the manufacturers themselves. Because of this, we went straight to the source and asked some of the top resin brands for their official curing times. Below, you’ll find details from each manufacturer so you can see how much these numbers vary based on the brand, resin type, and curing method.

Formlabs

Formlabs is known for top-tier 3D printing products, from their high-quality printers to their precisely formulated resins. When it comes to curing, they have specific recommendations based on each of their resins, which you can check out on their Form Cure Time and Temperature Settings page.

One key factor with Formlabs curing is that they don’t provide different recommendations for different-sized parts. Why? Because their Form Cure station includes built-in heat, which helps 405nm UV light penetrate deeper into the print. That means no matter the size, the curing recommendations stay the same. However, if you’re working with very large or thick parts, they suggest pre-heating the print with a hairdryer or slightly extending the curing time.

Resin Type	Cure Time	Temperature
Standard Resin	5 – 15 min	60°C
Tough Resin	60 min	60°C
Durable Resin	60 min	60°C
High Temp Resin	120 min	80°C

Phrozen

Phrozen has built a solid reputation for high-resolution printing and strong resin formulations. Their curing process is simple and consistent across all their Aqua 8K series resins—no matter the size or shape of the print.

• Cure Time: 30 minutes
• Temperature: Room temperature

Anycubic

Anycubic takes a more size-specific approach when it comes to curing. They provide different guidelines based on the method used: a curing station, a UV nail lamp, or good old-fashioned sunlight. While UV curing stations provide the most stable and convenient results, sunlight is the least reliable and takes significantly longer.

Anycubic Curing Time Guidelines

Print Size	Curing Station	UV Nail Lamp	Sunlight
Miniature	1-2 min	1-2 min	2-3 hours
Average-sized	3-5 min	3-5 min	2-3 hours
Large-sized	5-10 min	5-10 min	10+ hours

There are a lot of factors that can affect your final cure time—print size, print geometry, UV wavelength, resin type, and even curing temperature. While these guidelines are a great starting point, dialing in your perfect cure time takes a bit of trial and error.

To go deeper into Anycubic’s official recommendations, check out their resin curing guide.

Elegoo

Elegoo provides some of the most accessible and budget-friendly resin 3D printers on the market. When it comes to curing, their recommended time varies based on several factors, including:

• Model height
• Ambient temperature
• Bottom exposure time
• Normal exposure time

This means that rather than a one-size-fits-all cure time, Elegoo users need to adjust their settings based on the specifics of their print. If you’re printing an extremely thick model or something with high levels of detail, you may need to cure it a little longer than a small, simple object.

Key Takeaways

• Formlabs resins require controlled temperature curing for best results.
• Phrozen keeps things simple—30 minutes at room temp for their Aqua 8K resins.
• Anycubic varies cure time by size and curing method—curing stations are the fastest.
• Elegoo depends on print geometry, exposure time, and ambient temperature.

If you don’t see your specific resin manufacturer listed here, we highly recommend checking their website or reaching out to them directly. Each resin formula is a little different, and getting the right cure time is essential for durability, strength, and aesthetic quality.

Factors Influencing Curing Times

Some of the manufacturers have ranges for how long you should cure. This is typically because different factors can influence that time. Here are some common factors: 

UV Light Intensity: Not all UV lights are created equal. A high-powered curing station (like the ones from Anycubic or Elegoo) will cure your prints much faster than a weaker UV lamp or makeshift setup. If your curing light isn’t strong enough, you might need to leave your print under it for longer to get the same results. Think of it like sunbathing—stronger sun, quicker tan.

Resin Color and Opacity: Transparent or lightly tinted resins cure faster because UV light passes through them more easily. On the other hand, dark or heavily pigmented resins (like black, deep blue, or some specialty tough resins) take longer since the light has a harder time penetrating through the material. If you’re working with an opaque resin, be patient and add a little extra time to make sure the entire print gets properly cured.

Ambient Conditions: Curing works best in warm, dry environments. Cold temperatures can slow down the curing process, while high humidity can make it inconsistent. If your workspace is on the chillier side, consider using a heated curing station or at least keeping your curing setup in a room that stays warm.

Model Geometry: A small, simple shape like a coin will cure much faster than a chunky, highly detailed figurine or a large mechanical part. The reason? UV light can only reach the surface directly exposed to it. If your model has deep crevices or overhangs, you may need to rotate it during curing to ensure every part gets hit with UV light.

What About Sunlight? Yes, sunlight can cure resin, but it’s wildly inconsistent. The UV intensity changes throughout the day, and weather conditions (clouds, season, even window tint if curing indoors) affect how well it works. Plus, it takes hours instead of minutes. If you’re in a pinch, the sun can work—but for reliable, high-quality results, a dedicated UV curing chamber is the way to go.

By understanding these factors, you can tweak your curing times for the best results. This will help your prints come out fully cured every time!

How to Tell If Your Print Is Under-Cured or Over-Cured

Curing resin prints is a bit like baking. Too little, and they’re soft and gooey; too much, and they turn dry and brittle. Getting the timing right is key to prints that last. Here’s how to tell if you’ve under-cured or over-cured your prints and what to do about it.

Signs of Under-Curing: When Your Print Needs More Time

If your print isn’t fully cured, it might feel…off. Here’s what to look out for:

• Sticky or Tacky Surface – If your print still feels slightly sticky or gummy after curing, the resin hasn’t fully hardened. This can happen if the UV exposure wasn’t strong enough or if you didn’t cure it long enough. Try placing it under UV light for a few more minutes, rotating as needed.
• Loss of Detail – Soft prints don’t hold their shape well. If fine details look slightly smudged or less crisp than expected, your resin might not have set completely.
• Soft, Easily Dented Structure – Give your print a gentle press with your fingernail. If it leaves an indentation, your resin hasn’t fully cured. A properly cured print should feel solid and resistant to pressure.

💡 Fix it: Pop your print back under UV light for another round. If possible, rotate it to make sure all angles get exposed evenly.

Signs of Over-Curing: When Your Print Has Had Too Much UV

Yes, you can cure a print for too long! If your resin gets too much UV exposure, it starts to break down, which can lead to:

• Brittle or Fragile Prints – If your print feels stiff and snaps easily under pressure, it’s likely over-cured. Some resins are naturally more brittle than others, but excessive curing makes them even more prone to cracking.
• Warping or Slight Yellowing – Too much UV can alter the chemical structure of resin, leading to slight discoloration (especially in clear resins) and potential warping.
• Loss of Flexibility – Flexible resins are designed to bend, but over-curing can make them stiff and fragile. If your once-bendy print is suddenly rigid, it’s likely been exposed to too much UV.

💡 Fix it: Unfortunately, you can’t undo over-curing, but you can prevent it by curing in short intervals and checking your print’s progress. If using a curing station, follow the manufacturer’s recommended time for your specific resin.

It really depends on the type of resin you use for over-curing. Some manufacturers say that there is no such thing as over-curing for their product. Others claim there can be shrinkage and brittleness that you wouldn’t want. 

Best Practices for Curing Resin Prints

To get the best results, there are several techniques you can use for the most even result: 

1. Remove Excess Resin First: Before curing, always wash your prints in isopropyl alcohol (95% or higher) to remove any uncured resin. Let them fully dry before curing.
   
2. Use a Proper UV Light Source: If you can swing it, a UV curing station (405nm wavelength) is the best method for curing. If you do decide to use the sunlight method, avoid midday hours where intensity fluctuates.
   
3. Rotate for Even Exposure: Turn prints every couple of minutes to make sure all sides cure evenly. This is especially important for complex shapes.
   
4. Cure in Water for Crystal Clear Finishes: For transparent resins, submerging your print in water while curing can help reduce oxygen interference. This can prevent surface tackiness and yellowing.
   
5. Avoid Overheating: Some resins can warp if cured too long or under intense UV light. Stick to manufacturer recommendations.

Common Curing Mistakes to Avoid

There are also several mistakes you can make. Try avoiding the following for the best outcome: 

❌ Skipping the Wash: Any leftover resin on the print will cure and create a rough, sticky surface.

❌ Over-Curing for Extra Strength: More time doesn’t always mean better strength. You can absolutely turn your print brittle if you overdo it.

❌ Uneven Curing: If parts of your print are still soft, try rotating more frequently or upgrading to a stronger UV light. If the print is large, you can poke a hole in the button of the center so that it cures in the center easier. 

❌ Using Weak Light Sources: Household UV lamps may not be strong enough for full curing, leaving the print under-cured. Try to buy a legitimate curing station for the best results. 

Final Thoughts

Perfecting the curing process is essential for the best outcome for your resin prints. By following these timing guidelines, using the right UV tools, and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll get consistently great results.

So next time you pull a fresh print from your resin vat, you’ll have a better idea of how long to cure resin prints for flawless results every time!