Best 3D Printer Resin
Different resins give you different finishes and let you make anything you can think of.
Our Experts
- 6 years working professionally in the 3D printing space / 4 years testing consumer electronics for large websites.
Our Picks
Resin 3D printing requires a completely different set of machines, materials and cleaning products to use safely. Most of the best 3D printers use a material called filament to produce prints, but some use reactive resin to create stunningly detailed models. These printers use a special type of UV resin that comes in a variety of colors and chemical compositions, each of which can create a different type of end result.
What is the best 3D printer resin?
No matter how many different resins I test, I always end up coming back to Siraya Tech's Fast resins. They print with such ease and produce such good models that everything else seems like too much of a hassle to use. I've used Fast resin on every printer I've tested and the quality is always right on point.
Many of these resins are special that you aren't likely to need every day, but it can get complicated when you're searching for the right material. We've put together this helpful list of the best resins for you to choose from. The list will get updated as more resins are tested by our team.
Best 3D printer resin
Siraya Tech Fast is the perfect balance of price per gallon and functionality. There are cheaper resins, but a lot of them tend to split or become sticky if handled improperly. Fast has been my go-to for the last few years and never lets me down when it comes to reliability.
I also use it for all of my resin 3D printer reviews so I know what each printer can handle. The smoky gray color is my favorite, but there are some amazing colors to choose from.
Almost glass-like quality
Anycubic High Clear resin
The holy grail of clear resin is to stay clear after curing. When you add UV light to clear resin, it tends to turn slightly yellow, making it look more like nicotine-stained glass rather than freshly made. Anycubic's high clear resin resists the yellowing of other clear resins and, as long as you don't over-cure it, will maintain the clear look of crystal.
Pro tip: After you've cured the model, spray it with several coats of high gloss clear coat to really make it shine.
A great bulk buy
Sunlu 3D printer resin (4-pack)
When you're just starting out it's helpful to buy a bulk batch of inexpensive resins to get your collection started. This four-pack of 500-gram bottles of resin can be mixed and matched so you can have four different colors, perfect for creating different effects on your models.
A great budget option
Elegoo plant-based resin
While Elegoo touts its plant-based resin as a nonirritant and safe, it is much better than any other resin in that regard. It should still be handled with gloves, respirator and goggles until it is fully cured.
It is cheap, easy to use and gives reliable results for the price. I also like that the smell of resin is almost nonexistent with plant-based resins.
Make your models shatter-resistant
Anycubic tough resin
Resin can be quite brittle, and if you're building parts that need to have stress exerted on them, a resin similar to the tough resin from Anycubic might help with its longevity.
The tough resin works the same as other resins but allows for some flexibility in the final model. This reduces the chances of it shattering into pieces like dry spaghetti.
For jewelry-makers
Siraya Tech Cast
One of the coolest things I've ever done with a resin printer is to make a cast for jewelry. I used some of this resin to print a Green Lantern ring, then took it to a friend of mine with a kiln. She wrapped it in plaster and fired it. The resin has a high wax content that helps it melt away, leaving a perfect mold behind for pouring silver.
This resin is not cheap, but if you're interested in making your own jewelry and have access to a kiln, this may be for you.
3D printing resin FAQ
Resin 3D printing is a lot different from other types of additive manufacturing. It can be hazardous, but it is incredibly rewarding if you can get it right. Here are some of the frequently asked questions I get asked about the process.