If you've ever worked with resin 3D printing, you know the process doesn’t end when the print is done. You’re faced with the challenging task of post-processing.
Cleaning up uncured resin from your models can be a messy, tedious process that involves handling chemicals like isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or other solvents. Not only does this take time, but it also requires a safe, ventilated space, and careful disposal of the solvents afterward.
For many, this cumbersome cleanup is a major downside of resin 3D printing, especially when compared to the simplicity of FDM printers.
The good news is that you don’t have to resign yourself to the headaches of post-processing. In recent years, a new solution has emerged: water-washable resin. It promises a much simpler cleanup process by allowing you to wash your prints with water rather than harsh chemicals.
And if you’ve been hesitant about water-washable resin because of its reputation for brittleness, the innovation of Water-Washable Tough Resin addresses that concern, offering more durability without sacrificing ease of use.
So, which is better: water washable resin vs normal resin? And where does Water-Washable Tough Resin fit into the equation? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the differences between these resins, helping you decide which one best suits your printing needs.
What Is Water-Washable Resin?
The trademark feature of water washable resins is their ease-of-cleaning.
Water-washable resin is exactly what it sounds like—a type of 3D printing resin that can be cleaned with water instead of chemicals like isopropyl alcohol (IPA).
This innovation in resin technology allows users to reduce their exposure to harsh chemicals, and it simplifies the post-processing steps that follow the printing process.
With water-washable resin, you simply rinse your prints in water to remove uncured resin from the surface. This means you don’t have to stock up on expensive IPA or spend time setting up a well-ventilated cleaning area to avoid inhaling chemical fumes.
Many 3D printing enthusiasts prefer water-washable resin for its ease of use. Once your print is complete, you can clean it up in a matter of minutes using just water, and you don’t have to worry about handling flammable liquids.
This makes water-washable resin especially attractive for hobbyists or those who print in smaller spaces, where managing IPA could be a safety concern. Additionally, for those printing in residential environments, water-washable resin cuts down on unpleasant smells, making the printing process more enjoyable.
But water-washable resin isn’t without its downsides. While it offers the advantage of simple post-processing, it tends to be more brittle than normal resin. Because of this, it might not be the best choice for projects that require a lot of strength or flexibility.
Many users find that prints made with water-washable resin are more prone to cracking, especially when exposed to humidity or during handling. So while it’s convenient, it’s not always the most durable option—particularly for functional parts that will see regular use.
Despite this limitation, water-washable resin is still an excellent choice for prints where ease of post-processing is the priority. It’s especially popular for miniature models and figurines, where intricate details and surface smoothness are key, but strength is less of a concern.
For example, if you’re looking to create finely detailed prints like cool 3D prints for display purposes, water-washable resin can provide a fantastic balance of quality and convenience.
What Is Normal Resin?
Normal resin, often referred to as standard resin, has been a staple in the world of resin 3D printing for years. It’s the go-to choice for many experienced 3D printing enthusiasts because it offers excellent print quality, durability, and versatility. However, normal resin requires a more involved post-processing routine compared to water-washable resin.
After a print is completed using normal resin, the uncured resin left on the surface of the model must be cleaned off, typically with IPA or other similar solvents. This means you need a dedicated cleaning area, gloves, and protective equipment to safely handle the chemicals involved.
The use of solvents also adds an extra step in terms of proper ventilation and disposal. Cleaning your models in IPA isn’t just messy—it’s also time-consuming and can be expensive over time, as IPA needs to be replaced frequently due to contamination with uncured resin.
Despite these challenges, normal resin remains the material of choice for many professionals because of its versatility. Normal resin comes in a wide range of formulations that can be tailored to specific needs.
For instance, there are flexible resins for parts that need to bend, tough resins for high-strength applications, and high-detail resins for intricate models. This makes normal resin highly adaptable, perfect for projects ranging from functional prototypes to highly detailed art pieces.
Where normal resin really shines is in its strength and durability. Compared to water-washable resin, standard resin is much less likely to crack or break under stress. This makes it ideal for parts that need to withstand mechanical forces or frequent handling.
For instance, if you’re printing engineering components or practical items that will be used regularly, normal resin’s toughness will be a huge advantage. While the post-processing might be more of a hassle, the long-term durability often makes it worth the extra effort.
You can check out our detailed guide on choosing the right resin for 3D printing. It's an exhaustive article that walks you through the different kinds of resin and helps you understand which one's are best suited for your needs.Water-Washable Resin vs. Normal Resin: The Key Differences
When comparing water washable resin vs normal resin, it’s important to look at the entire printing process—from print quality and ease of use to post-processing and durability. The following factors are critical in understanding which resin is right for you:
Post-processing: This is where water-washable resin has a clear advantage. Cleaning prints with water is significantly easier and safer than using IPA or other solvents. If you value simplicity and safety in your post-processing routine, water-washable resin is a no-brainer. However, if you’re printing functional parts that require durability, you might be willing to accept the more involved post-processing of normal resin for its strength.
Print Quality: Both types of resin can deliver high-quality results in terms of detail and surface finish. However, normal resin generally offers a slight edge when it comes to print accuracy, especially for parts that require fine tolerances or intricate details. Water-washable resin, on the other hand, is perfectly capable of producing beautiful prints but may not hold up as well under stress or frequent handling.
Durability: Normal resin easily outperforms water-washable resin in terms of toughness and flexibility. While water-washable resin is more prone to cracking and can be brittle, normal resin offers a more robust solution for projects that need to endure stress. If your print will be exposed to environmental factors like humidity or will see regular use, normal resin will be the better choice.
Environmental Impact: Water-washable resin has the advantage of using less hazardous materials during the post-processing stage. Instead of needing to dispose of solvents like IPA, you simply wash your models with water. However, it’s important to note that the water used to clean prints still contains uncured resin particles, which must be treated carefully before disposal. You can’t just pour the water down the drain—you’ll need to leave it out to allow the resin particles to cure in sunlight before filtering them out.
Cost: While water-washable resin can be more expensive upfront, you save on the cost of solvents like IPA in the long run. Normal resin, while generally cheaper per bottle, comes with the added cost of regular IPA purchases, making it potentially more expensive over time depending on how much you print.
Enter Water-Washable Tough Resin: The Best of Both Worlds?
Now, what if you could have the best of both worlds? What if you could enjoy the convenience of water-washable resin without sacrificing durability? That’s where Water-Washable Tough Resin comes in. It’s designed to address one of the major complaints about traditional water-washable resins—brittleness.
Water Washable Tough offers more durability than standard water washable resins.
With Water-Washable Tough, you get a resin that is twice as tough as standard water-washable options, making it a viable alternative for projects that require more strength.
A 3D model with great details crafted using the Water Washable Tough.
Water-Washable Tough Resin is perfect for larger models or functional parts that need to withstand handling or stress. Unlike normal water-washable resin, this tougher formula gives you the flexibility to print parts that won’t crack or break easily, all while maintaining the convenience of easy water-based cleanup.
Let’s say you’re printing miniatures or figurines that will be handled frequently—Water-Washable Tough Resin is ideal for these projects. It provides enough durability to withstand normal handling, and the post-processing remains simple, with water-based cleaning.
This resin is also great for hobbyists or professionals who want to avoid the mess and complications of IPA without giving up the option to print larger, stronger parts.
If you’re just getting started with 3D printing, Water-Washable Tough Resin offers a forgiving entry point with less mess and more durability. You can also check out a 3D printer buying guide if you’re still unsure about what to look for in your 3D printer.
Practical Tips for Getting the Best Results
No matter which resin you choose, there are a few strategies to ensure you get the best results. For water-washable resin, always remember to rinse your prints thoroughly, but avoid soaking them in water for extended periods, as this can weaken the surface. For Water-Washable Tough Resin, a final rinse with ethanol can help you achieve cleaner, crisper results without any surface residue.
Proper curing is also essential, especially with Water-Washable Tough Resin. Let your models dry fully before curing, whether by air drying or using a compressed air gun. Curing your prints under UV light for the right amount of time is key to maximizing durability and preventing cracks.
Lastly, be mindful of waste disposal. For water-washable resins, don’t pour uncured water directly down the drain. Let the water sit in sunlight for a few days until the resin particles fully cure, then filter the water and dispose of the cured particles in the trash. This simple step can make a big difference in reducing your environmental impact.
