7 Key Things I Learned After Buying My First Resin 3D Printer

As someone who has been dabbling in 3D printing for a while, I thought I knew what to expect when I upgraded to a resin printer. Spoiler: I didn’t. While FDM printing had been my go-to for years, switching to a 3d resin printer opened up a whole new world—full of learning curves, messy workspaces, and jaw-dropping print details.

If you’re thinking about jumping into resin printing, let me save you some surprises. Here are the seven key things I wish I’d known before getting started.

1. Print Quality is on a Whole Other Level

The first thing I noticed? The detail. Resin printers use UV light to cure liquid resin layer by layer, producing prints that are incredibly smooth and finely detailed. Whether you're printing miniatures, dental models, or high-precision prototypes, the results are leagues ahead of standard FDM prints.

But here’s the kicker: you don’t need a wildly expensive machine to get this level of quality. Even mid-range resin printers today can rival what only industrial setups could achieve just a few years ago.

2. Resin Isn’t Just Plug-and-Play

Resin printing isn’t difficult, but it isn’t “set it and forget it” either. The resin itself is sensitive to temperature and light, meaning storage and handling require a bit more care. Also, mixing your resin before each use is crucial—settling can affect your print quality.

Another heads-up: different resins behave differently. Some are brittle, others are flexible, and some are designed for specific uses like dental modeling or jewelry casting. Learning which type suits your needs is part of the journey.

3. Post-Processing Is a Must

Unlike FDM prints that you can pull off the bed and use right away, resin prints need a bit of TLC. After printing, you'll need to:

• Rinse your print in isopropyl alcohol to remove excess resin.
• Remove supports carefully (and ideally with gloves).
• Cure it under UV light to strengthen the material.

This adds a few extra steps but also gives you a lot of control over the final product’s look and durability.

4. The Smell is Real—Ventilation Matters

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: resin smells. Some brands are worse than others, but most resin has a chemical odor that lingers. Don’t even think about printing in your bedroom or a poorly ventilated space.

I ended up setting up my printer in the garage with a small exhaust fan pointing out a window. If you're working in a tighter space, consider an enclosed printer with a built-in air filter. Either way, good airflow makes the whole process more pleasant (and safer).

5. Safety Gear Is Non-Negotiable

I learned this one the hard way: always wear gloves and eye protection. Resin is toxic in liquid form and can irritate your skin. Some people even develop allergies after prolonged contact. I now keep a box of nitrile gloves and safety glasses within arm’s reach at all times.

Also, having a silicone mat under your workstation makes cleanup so much easier. Spills happen—especially when you’re learning.

6. There’s a Learning Curve with Supports and Orientation

One of the trickiest parts of resin printing is understanding how to orient your models and generate supports effectively. Poor orientation can lead to suction issues, failed prints, or even damage to your printer’s FEP film.

Most slicer software like Lychee or ChiTuBox offers auto-support tools, but don’t rely on them blindly. I learned that customizing support placement and print angle often leads to fewer failures and better surface quality.

7. Maintenance Is a Bigger Deal Than You’d Think

With FDM printers, I was used to cleaning nozzles and tightening belts. With a resin printer, the priorities shift. You’ll need to:

• Regularly clean the resin vat and replace the FEP film as needed.
• Check the build plate for leveling.
• Avoid cured resin bits that can float in the vat and ruin future prints.

It sounds like a lot, but once you’re in the habit, maintenance becomes second nature.

Bonus Tip: Find a Reliable Source for Resin and Parts

One of the smartest decisions I made early on was sourcing resin and accessories from reputable vendors. Cheap resin can lead to brittle prints, failed jobs, and frustration. Stick with trusted brands or official stores—especially those that specialize in resin printing.

I’ve had great experiences ordering from platforms that focus exclusively on 3D resin printing gear. Whether you need a new build plate, specialized resin, or a reliable 3d resin printer for your next project, shopping smart saves you time and hassle.

Final Thoughts

Buying a resin 3D printer completely changed how I approach 3D modeling and fabrication. The detail, the versatility, and the overall quality are on another level—but so is the responsibility. From ventilation to post-processing, resin printing comes with a set of unique challenges that are well worth the effort if you’re willing to learn.

So if you're on the fence, I’d say go for it—just be prepared to get your hands (gloved) a little dirty and your brain a little sharper. With a bit of patience and the right setup, you’ll be producing stunning resin prints in no time.

Are you considering making the leap to resin printing? What kind of projects are you hoping to tackle first?