Learn how to seal rocks with UV resin in this step-by-step tutorial. How to seal painted rocks for outdoors is an ongoing conversation in every rock painting group. Compare UV resin with art resin and learn how to apply this unique craft supply.
Resin Sealed Rocks
Using resin to seal rocks is very popular because of the glass-like shine that it gives as a finish. In the past, we have shared how to use Art Resin, but today we have a special guest to explain how to use a new product and process.
Using a UV Resin to seal rocks is a fast way to give that amazing finish. Plus it makes them stand up to the sun without causing yellowing or fading of paint!
How to weatherproof painted rocks
Today Jessica, from Jessica Rocks, is sharing everything she knows about using UV Resin. This includes application, comparing it to Art Resin’s results, and her opinion on which sealer is better for sealing your rocks.
Jessica started painting rocks in 2017 and has been hooked ever since! She started her own Youtube channel in 2020 as a way to help keep her local groups engaged during the pandemic.
Jessica hides her rocks around her local community and gives them as gifts. She creates amazing videos to share rock painting ideas, best practices, and stories. Never miss a tutorial and subscribe to her on Youtube and/or follow along with her Facebook & Instagram pages!! I will let her take over from here.
Save this tutorial for Later!
If you are just in the research phase, no worries! Just pin this post, to your favorite rock painting board, so you can easily find it later!
Supplies for Sealing Rocks with UV Resin
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There are a few supplies you will need for this UV Resin process. Shop for all UV Resin sealing supplies or check out the individual links below.
Sealing Rocks with UV Resin
I have been an avid user of Art Resin for years. I love the crisp, hard shine it creates on the rocks and the added dimension it gives my beloved glitter paints!
Recently one of my fellow admins introduced me to UV Resin. She was excited that it cures in minutes with UV light or sunlight, compared to the 3 days Art Resin requires. I ordered some and starting learning by trial and error.
UV Resin Sealed Rocks
How to seal rocks using UV Resin.
Instructions
Be sure to follow the safety precautions on the box, including wearing gloves and a mask.
1. Apply the resin by squeezing it directly from the bottle onto the rocks, making lines or swirls so that there is enough resin to coat the entire side of the rock. 
2. Spread and smooth the resin out with a gloved hand. The UV resin has a consistency similar to thick honey, and because of this, lines are more apparent in the resin after it has been spread. 
3. I first used a straw to blow out air bubbles, but then switched to my craft heat gun, because it was more efficient in smoothing out the resin and popping any air bubbles. 
4. Place the rock under the UV light for a 60 second cycle to get an initial start on the curing process. You can continue light cycles with a UV light until the resin is fully cured, or you can take it outside and put it in the sunshine to cure in the natural UV rays. 
I prefer to put them out in the sunlight, but have learned to complete an initial UV light cycle first. The first time I took a nice Santorini stone directly outside, a tiny bug cured into the resin and had to be sanded out! 
5. After the first side is cured, repeat this process for the back side.
Recommended Products
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Art Resin vs. UV Resin
When comparing to Art Resin, I decided to test both of these products on similar stones for 30 days in the direct sunlight and elements outside.
I selected a couple of paint colors that seemed prone to fading. Next, I used two paint pens, and a favorite iridescent glitter to apply to identical white Santorini stones.
Then I placed them outside in my yard for 30 days. After 30 days, I found that the paint, pens, and glitter appeared to hold up well. However, the stone sealed with Art Resin yellowed significantly over the 30 day period, whereas the UV Resin stone looked the same as day 1.
UV Resin vs. Art Resin?
Art Resin is more affordable and has a thinner consistency that I believe leads to the bottles lasting longer. However, it needs to be mixed and requires 72 hours to fully cure.
UV Resin is a little pricier and, because of its consistency, is a little trickier to work with. On the flip side, it cures in MINUTES and there is no yellowing!
I have a place for both of these products in my rock painting supplies, depending on my needs. I will use Art Resin for a large batch of rocks or I am working on rocks or gifts that I know won’t be outside. If I want that glassy shine quickly or I know a rock will be out in the elements for an extended period of time, UV resin is the product of choice.
When comparing Art Resin to UV Resin, there are pros and cons to each. Ultimately it is up to the artist to decide the best product for their rock sealing.
