The Pros and Cons of Nunn Design 2-Part Resin and Gel du Soleil UV Resin

Let’s take an overview of the differences between Nunn Design 2-Part Resin and Gel du Soleil. These two resins both have their pros and cons and it isn’t an either/or choice when I’m designing. I often use both resins, depending on the technique.

Nunn Design 2-Part Resin

Nunn Design 2-Part Resin, requires that you mix the resin (part a) and the catalyst (part b) fully in order for the resin to cure. Both parts have to be exactly measured, with a minimum mixing quantity for each batch of resin being worked with. The resin must be mixed and blended fully until clear. It can be a bit scary and intimating for the beginner, but once you push through the fear, working with this medium can become automatic, like driving a car.

To learn more about working with Nunn Design 2-Part Resin, you can access many tutorials on our “How-To” section of our website. (Must be signed in as Nunn Design Wholesale Customer to access.)

Pros to Nunn Design 2-Part Resin:

Pro: Costs slightly less.
Pro: Creates a high dome.
Pro: Is good for producing high volume production.
Pro: Can be colorized with opaque pigments & dyes.

Cons to Nunn Design 2-Part Resin:

Con: You need to purchase mixing cups and stir sticks.
Con: The resin can potentially be mixed incorrectly, causing the resin to not cure properly.
Con: The resin and working environment must be around 70 degrees.
Con: You must mix 1 fluid ounce (30 ml) each time.
Con: Mixed resin sets up quickly, requiring you to work quickly.
Con: Resin takes 24 hours to cure.
Con: Resin can release bubbles and needs to be “observed” during curing.

Gel du Soleil

Gel du Soleil is the brand of ultraviolet resin produced by our friends Judi and Rob at Judikins. We have been a distributor of their products for close to twenty years.

There is no mixing of this resin because the catalyst is ultraviolet light. When the Gel du Soleil is exposed, with an ultra violet lamp or natural sunlight, the resin will cure and be hard to the touch within 20 minutes. Can you all say “SWEET!”

Pros to Gel du Soleil

Pro: It is available in two sizes, allowing you to test it!
Pro: The ultraviolet lamp is very inexpensive and has replacement bulbs you can purchase.
Pro: No mixing.
Pro: No waste.
Pro: You have as much time as you need as long as you keep the resin out of ultraviolet light.
Pro: It can be colorized with translucent dyes.
Pro: It is easy to create intricate pieces that have multiple layers.
Pro: Cures in 20 minutes.

Cons to Gel du Soleil

Con: Costs slightly more.
Con: All aspects of the Gel du Soleil has to be exposed to ultraviolet light or the resin will not cure. This includes dark opaque pigments used for colorizing.
Con: It is challenging to create a high smooth domed surface.
Con: You need to have an ultraviolet lamp or natural sunlight (that is a challenge for those of us who live in the Pacific Northwest!).
Con: You have to transfer the Gel du Soleil filled bezels into the ultraviolet light tray. This can be nerve racking to the beginner because the resin can spill.
Con: If you are doing a large production of jewelry pieces, you will need multiple ultraviolet lamps. The curing area for the lamps we offer can get pretty crowded.

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