When it comes to UV Resins, there is a lot to consider. Only the best products should be used in your handmade works of art – so what’s so special about Padico?
Much like Qiao Qiao DIY products, Padico has earned a reputation for being one of the highest quality UV Resins on the market for Resin Eye Making among other art and craft related projects.
They have several options available when it comes to UV Resin, but I find that their Star Drop Gloss and Star Drop Coating Resins are the best picks for Resin Eye Making.
So what really matters when selecting a UV Resin?
- Yellow Resistance : You want a product that has high anti yellowing properties
- Clarity: You want a product that amplifies, beautifies, and enhances your work with crystal clear clarity.
- Finish: You want a high gloss mirror finish to give your resin eyes that “juicy” wet look that brings them to life.
- Durability/Scratch Resistance: You want your handmade creations to be durable enough to withstand normal handling and installation into rigid dolls without scratching or denting.
- Safety: You need a product that is deemed safe to use, and non-toxic.
- Odor: You want a product that has low/no odor and minimal, if not zero, VOC’s.
- Shelf Life: You want a product that is fresh and not been sitting on a shelf for 6-8 months as the overall shelf life of UV Resin is normally 1 year.
Padico almost checks all of these boxes, but the ones it does check, it checks TWICE. The only area that could use improvement, in my opinion, is odor. Unlike Qiao Qiao DIY, Padico off-gasses quite a bit when curing. I have videos on my YouTube channel showing a side-by-side comparison of both Qiao Qiao DIY and Padico curing at the same time under a UV light. You can visibly see the off-gassing with Padico, appearing as white whisps of “smoke”, while Qiao Qiao DIY had no visible signs.
You should always use products such as UV and Epoxy Resins in highly ventilated spaces, and when VOC’s are present, always shield your face, or better yet, use a Respirator specifically rated for VOC protection.
Padico’s Star Drop Gloss Resin Coating is one of my most favorite products, producing one of the glossiest, strongest, and most beautiful finishes for Resin Doll Eyes. It can be used over cured Qiao Qiao DIY and 2 part epoxy resin, providing a gorgeous protective layer that also adds an additional layer of UV protection against yellowing.
I do not receive any kickback or compensation for promoting this particular product or brand
Yes, it’s true. I no longer use Padico UV Resin for making eye bases or domes, simply because I find Qiao Qiao DIY to be a better price point, and much easier for me to use as it is virtually odorless and performs extremely well – however, when it comes to final coatings… Padico Star Drop Resin Coating cannot be replaced.
WARNING: Be Careful of Bootleg Products!
There are currently fake Padico and fake Qiao Qiao DIY Resin products on the market! Amazon, Etsy and other big named websites are being slammed with fake bootleg products. I’ve personally discussed this with the manufacturer of Qiao Qiao as it is a HUGE problem they are facing right now. Their labels have been copied, and many people have unfortunately been duped into buying fake products. Always check to be sure the words “Qiao Qiao DIY” are on the label, check the spelling to be sure it’s “PADICO” or “QIAO QIAO”, and lastly, only purchase from trustworthy retailers or, better yet, straight from the manufacturer’s website.
Where to Buy Padico Products
I recently decided to take a break from selling retail items, and I know that left many of you without a reliable source for products and supplies. I’ve done my best at trying to make up for that by providing you direct link access to legit suppliers and manufacturers so that you can be empowered to purchase with confidence and without depending on a 3rd party.
There are quite a few authorized Padico retailers available, but I prefer to purchase directly from Padico on their official website: https://www.padico-shop.jp/
You can get exactly what you need, and their shipping is fast and reliable. Their prices are usually the same, or even better than most retailers.
Tips on Curing and Using Padico UV Resins and Coatings
When using Padico Coating Resins, be sure to use their flocked tipped applicators and/or clean applicator brushes. There are times when this coating resin can be picky about the type of applicator used. Only a couple applicators come with each bottle, so if you need more, these applicators from Amazon are perfect! https://amzn.to/41Yaarh
Use Padico Coating Resin in THIN layers, and allow to cure under your UV light for at least 2-3 minutes. I highly suggest you do not use sunlight to cure any UV Resin Product as it is just not as reliable or consistent.
You can also use Padico Coating Resin for color wicking when creating the iris area of your doll eyes. You can color this product, just like you can UV Resin. It is very watery/thin, making it great for not only final coatings, but color wicking and color rings. See my YouTube videos for more details on these methods!
The video to the left shows Padico Coating resin used for creating the deep sapphire blue color ring, the color wicking lines in the iris area, and the final coat which brings the eye to life.
Absolutely gorgeous finish!
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