Resin 3D printing is capable of producing exceptionally detailed parts. However, post-processing resin parts can be a bit of a pain. This type of printing has always been rather messy, since liquid chemicals are involved in the process. In that respect, it hasn’t been much of a user-friendly 3D printing technique.

After printing but before the curing process, parts need to be cleared of residual liquid resin left on their surface. That’s usually done with isopropyl alcohol (IPA), which is the best and most popular cleaning solvent, but in case you can’t find it, tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether (TPM) also works.

When dealing with chemicals such as alcohol, one must take safety into account, as alcohol is flammable and can cause harm to one’s skin. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just use water instead? Enter water-washable resins.

The exact formulations of water-washable resins are obviously kept a secret by manufacturers. However, what sets them apart from regular resin is that a certain percentage of a water-soluble ingredient is added to the mixture, enabling the resin to be rinsed with tap water.

In this article, we’ve pulled together a list of the best options for water-washable resins. But first, let’s talk a bit more about how this type of material compares to regular resin as well as some safety considerations.

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The Best Water-Washable Resin Brands

Part Performance

Image of: Part Performance
These impressive miniatures were printed with Elegoo's water-washable resin (Source: Highland_Miniatures via Reddit)

The differences between the formulations of regular and water-washable resins result in different mechanical properties of parts. Because all water-washable resins contain a water-soluble ingredient, printed parts will have a certain level of sensitivity to water. This makes them impractical for use in wet environments.

Furthermore, parts made with water-washable resins are generally more likely to crack because water can get absorbed within certain areas. In time, that area can “swell”, forming a crack. While this issue is present with water-washable resins from various manufacturers, you can avoid it by designing or slicing your parts with different parameters, such as thicker walls.

Overall, parts made with regular resin tend to show greater long-term stability.

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The Best Water-Washable Resin Brands

Safety

Image of: Safety
Never wash your prints down the drain, and always wear gloves (Source: nycraylin via Reddit)

After rinsing your 3D printed parts with water, the residual water will contain substances from the resin, which can harm the environment. Don’t throw this contaminated water down the drain! Instead, leave it exposed to either sunlight or UV light for at least half an hour, depending on the intensity of the sun.

This is an important step, as resin can hurt aquatic life if it ends up in the seas via your drain. However, if you dispose of resin correctly, you can avoid causing damage to the environment. By letting the residual water (with bits of resin in it) sit in the sun, you’ll enable the formation of solid resin particles, which can then be extracted from the water with a filter. When that’s done, dispose of the (cleaned) water and throw the filtered resin (plastic) particles in a corresponding bin.

As always when handling resins, we strongly suggest that you use protection. Specifically, gloves are a must, and glasses are highly recommended. Being water-washable doesn’t mean you can touch uncured parts without gloves!

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The Best Water-Washable Resin Brands

Elegoo

Image of: <span class="link" data-action="modal-open" data-modal-ajax="/en/product-overlay/184873/limit/0/">Elegoo</span>
This detailed dragon will be a blast to paint (Source: Artrix65 via Reddit)

Elegoo’s water-washable resin is surely among the most popular. It’s compatible with the majority of resin 3D printers and comes in a variety of colors, with the clear options delivering impressive results.

Many people have had positive experiences with this resin. The level of detail is comparable to Elegoo’s regular resins, so that’s a good sign. And the company has even created an 8K version of the material, meant to bring out the very best of printing with such machines.

Once you print your parts, taking a toothbrush to brush the residual resin away while the part is in a water bath is a good option.

Overall, we’d say that this resin has a good price-quality ratio, although its main downside is that models tend to be a bit brittle.

  • Curing time: 8 seconds
  • Hardness: 80D-85D
  • Wavelength: 405 nm
  • Sizes: 500 g, 1 kg, 2 kg
  • Colors: Beige, black, smoky black, clear blue, clear green, clear red, gray, white, yellow
  • Price: ~$35 for 1 kg
Elegoo Water-Washable Resin
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The Best Water-Washable Resin Brands

PrimaCreator Value

Image of: <span class="link" data-action="modal-open" data-modal-ajax="/en/product-overlay/233531/limit/0/">PrimaCreator Value</span>
This resin has a great price-quality ratio (Source: imgur)

This water-washable resin is a product from Sweden-based PrimaCreator. This resin is compatible with many resin 3D printers thanks to the fact that polymerization occurs between 395- and 405-nm wavelengths.

It’s more expensive than the previously mentioned Elegoo resin, but it shines when it comes to durability. Judging by the feeling when trying to break two identical models, one made from PrimaCreator standard and the other with water-washable resin, it’s tough to notice any difference. The only thing is that the water-washable resin has less smell!

There’s a decent amount of colors to choose from, and these resins are available in the usual 500-mL or 1-L bottles. Since PrimaCreator Value has a warehouse in Europe, this resin is a practical choice for European customers since deliveries are fast. In case you decide to try it out, chances are you’ll be quite happy.

  • Curing time: 4-8 seconds
  • Hardness: 85D-88D
  • Wavelength: 395-405 nm
  • Sizes: 500 mL, 1 L
  • Colors: White, clear, black, chromatic silver, transparent green, transparent red, light gray, dark gray, beige
  • Price: ~$50 for 1 L
PrimaCreator Value Water-Washable Resin
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The Best Water-Washable Resin Brands

Phrozen

Image of: <span class="link" data-action="modal-open" data-modal-ajax="/en/product-overlay/233526/limit/0/">Phrozen</span>
Ready to walk into a life of water-washable resins? (Source: Gianchi8303 via Reddit)

Phrozen is a manufacturer of LCD resin 3D printers as well as resins. Among several different types, they also offer water-washable resin. While it was mainly developed for Phrozen’s 3D printers, which utilize a 405-nm wavelength light source, it’s compatible with all other 405-nm printers as well.

Curing is fast, measuring 7 seconds for the Phrozen Shuffle 3D printer, and an unbelievable 1.5 seconds for the Sonic series.

It’s a shame that only two colors are available for this resin since it achieves such fine detail. Perhaps the biggest downside is that it can take some time to get the settings right. Specifically, warping can be an issue. However, once the right settings are in place, it’s a very good option.

  • Curing time: 1.5-7 seconds
  • Hardness: 76D-77D
  • Wavelength: 405 nm
  • Sizes: 1 kg, 5 kg
  • Colors: Black, gray
  • Price: ~$36 for 1 kg
Phrozen Water-Soluble Resin
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The Best Water-Washable Resin Brands

RepRapper

Image of: <span class="link" data-action="modal-open" data-modal-ajax="/en/product-overlay/392169/limit/0/">RepRapper</span>
It's Mike Wazowski! (Source: Vidar93 via Amazon)

With over 10 years of experience producing 3D printing filaments, RepRapper is a solid choice if you’re looking for reliable resin with vibrant color. Their water-washable resin is designed for LCD printers for applications ranging from miniatures to functional parts.

There are many positive comments from reviewers, who note the amazing print detail, low odor, and durable container. In addition, some customers said that it cleaned up better with water than other water-washable resins.

On the downside, the dual-color resin left some users disappointed due to the poor color quality.

  • Curing time: 2.5 seconds
  • Hardness: 95D
  • Wavelength: 385-420 nm
  • Sizes: 500 g, 1 kg
  • Colors: Black, white, grey, purple-orange, purple-blue, orange-pink
  • Price: ~$30 for 1 kg
RepRapper Water Washable Resin
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The Best Water-Washable Resin Brands

eSun

Image of: <span class="link" data-action="modal-open" data-modal-ajax="/en/product-overlay/233521/limit/0/">eSun</span>
After a first print and some tweaking of settings, the results are impressive (Source: rockycfc via Reddit)

At first sight, eSun’s water-washable resin feels more premium than the above-mentioned resins. That’s because it’s packed inside an aluminum bottle protected with thick bubble wrap.

Models made with this resin have a nice, vibrant color, and there’s a decent variety to pick from. When it comes to details, we’d say that’s where this resin truly shines. What’s not so great is the durability. Similar to the Elegoo resin, the models are simply a bit brittle.

Sometimes, it might be difficult to find eSun’s resin in stock, but if you’re planning on making detailed models and don’t want to use IPA for cleaning, this resin is a strong contender.

  • Curing time: 6-8 seconds
  • Hardness: 76D
  • Wavelength: 395-410 nm
  • Sizes: 500 g
  • Colors: Clear, white, beige, gray, black
  • Price: ~$28 for 500 g (~$56 per kg)
eSun Water-Washable Resin
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The Best Water-Washable Resin Brands

RichOpto

Image of: <span class="link" data-action="modal-open" data-modal-ajax="/en/product-overlay/392172/limit/0/">RichOpto</span>
A rainbow of resin (Source: Kevin Hunt via Amazon)

Packing solid functionality into a small price tag, Rich-Opto’s water-washable resin is a good option if you’re on a budget but still want quality prints.

Some Redditors note that they use the same settings for this resin as they do for the Elegoo water-washable resin with comparable results. However, Rich-Opto is much thinner than other resins they’ve used and does not offer premium prints.

While it may take some time to dial in your settings, successful prints are reported to have nice detail and strength.

  • Curing time: 2-3 seconds
  • Hardness: 75D
  • Wavelength: 405 nm
  • Sizes: 1 kg
  • Colors: Black, grey, beige, bright green, purple, smokey black, white, clear, clear blue, clear red, clear green
  • Price: ~$36 for 1 kg
Rich-Opto Water Washable Resin
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The Best Water-Washable Resin Brands

Anycubic

There's nothing fishy about this resin
There's nothing fishy about this resin (Source: Gabriel via Amazon)

Anycubic, a reputable 3D printer vendor and service provider, has offered its users top-notch 3D printing solutions since 2015. From 3D printers and accessories to filaments, including water-washable resin, Anycubic has become a go-to brand for many.

Their water-washable resin stands out for its upgraded formula, which is claimed to prevent cracks in 3D models. The lab experiments conducted by Anycubic showed that models printed with their water-washable resin are stable and long-lasting. Your 3D models should remain intact over time, making this material an ideal choice if you value durability.

Anycubic resin’s low viscosity is another plus, as it gives it excellent fluidity and shorter exposure time during the printing process. This not only improves printing time but also ensures high-quality prints.

Although this resin has a slight odor, one reviewer noted that they were able to print and work in the same room without any trouble. However, it’s still recommended to maintain proper indoor ventilation during the printing process to ensure a comfortable and safe working environment.

  • Curing time: 1.5-10 seconds
  • Hardness: 80D
  • Wavelength: 365-405 nm
  • Sizes: 1 kg
  • Colors: White, black, gray, clear, aqua blue
  • Price: ~$40 for 1 kg
Anycubic Water-Wash Resin+
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The Best Water-Washable Resin Brands

Ministry of Resin

You can get a nice, clean finish with this resin
You can get a nice, clean finish with this resin (Source: Ministry of Resin)

If you’re tired of brittle parts (which is a typical consequence of using water-washable resin), this might be the brand for you. Ministry of Resin’s water-washable resin allows you to enjoy the benefit of using water to rinse parts without sacrificing durability.

As with other water-washable options, cleaning prints is an easy process. For this particular resin, the manufacturer suggests using a brush to clear any residual resin from hard-to-reach places.

People who have tried the resin left reviews on the reseller’s website, noting that it lived up to expectations in terms of durability. They were also surprised that the smell wasn’t intense at all, so it’s easy to use at home.

  • Curing time: See detailed table
  • Hardness: Not stated
  • Wavelength: 405 nm
  • Sizes: 1 kg, 3.8 kg
  • Colors: Gray, translucent quartz, ruby red, emerald green, ocean blue, carbon black
  • Price: ~$50 for 1 kg
Ministry of Resin Water-Washable Resin
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The Best Water-Washable Resin Brands

Flashforge

Image of: <span class="link" data-action="modal-open" data-modal-ajax="/en/product-overlay/345497/limit/0/">Flashforge</span>
This resin boasts an improved formula and vibrant colors (Source: Flashforge)

Flashforge is a renowned brand in the 3D printing industry. In addition to their 3D printers, they’re known for providing an array of resin options, including water-washable varieties. The brand’s commitment to the environment is evident through its production of environmentally friendly resins that offer a safe printing experience.

Out of the three radiant colors offered by Flashforge, including beige, white, and gray, the beige option is especially elegant. The bright color delivers beautiful effects to your projects, setting it apart from the rest.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Flashforge claims their water-washable resin offers high accuracy and great detail, making it an ideal choice for anyone who desires superior-quality prints. While it may take some time to get the settings right, the results should be worth it.

Some users reported experiencing an unpleasant odor, but it shouldn’t be too much of a concern. Additionally, due to their excellent heat resistance, the final prints won’t crack or deform. This makes it an excellent choice for creating objects that may be exposed to high temperatures, such as automotive parts, kitchen utensils, and electronic components.

  • Curing time: Not available
  • Hardness: 84D
  • Wavelength: 405 nm
  • Sizes: 500 g, 1 kg, 2 kg
  • Colors: White, gray, beige
  • Price: ~$36 for 1 kg
Flashforge Water Washable Resin
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The Best Water-Washable Resin Brands

Sunlu

This resin is a solid choice for printing miniatures
This resin is a solid choice for printing miniatures (Source: Manuel L. via Amazon)

The Sunlu brand stands out for its exceptional fluidity and low shrinkage, two features that help create smooth and highly detailed prints. It’s compatible with most resin printers and is made with high-quality pigments to ensure beautiful color.

Reviewers across different platforms noted that this resin resulted in high-quality, professional-grade models. Particularly, many users attest to the excellent bed adhesion. However, some note that their prints turned out a bit brittle.

In addition to its solid printing properties, Sunlu’s water-washable resin is non-toxic and low-odor, making it a safe option for users. While there’s a slight smell, it dissipates quickly after printing, leaving only your beautiful model behind.

  • Curing time: 1.5-3.5 seconds
  • Hardness: 80D-85D
  • Wavelength: 395-405 nm
  • Sizes: 1 kg, 2 kg
  • Colors: Black, white, light gray, dark gray, beige
  • Price: ~$30 for 1 kg
Sunlu Water Washable Resin
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Nova3D

Unleash your creativity
Unleash your creativity (Source: Alfy via Amazon)

Nova3D, a well-known 3D printer manufacturer based in Shenzhen, has made a name for itself with its wide selection of 3D printer resins. The company claims their water-washable resin is designed to emit low odor, and is compatible with most 395-410 nm LCD and DLP printers.

Overall, Nova3D’s water-washable resin has garnered many positive reviews for its washability and low odor. However, some reviewers note that the resin is a bit fragile and prone to cracking. Many recommend adjusting your printer settings based on wave strength for faster curing times and optimal printing.

This resin boasts a couple of additional features that make it stand out from the competition. One is its fadeless property, which ensures that the prints will remain vibrant and won’t discolor over time. Additionally, the resin’s quick printing speeds and high accuracy make it a great option for those who value efficiency. If you need to create multiple prints quickly or want to save time on long printing projects, this resin is for you!

  • Curing time: 1.8-2.2 seconds (black, white, gray), 5-8 seconds (blue)
  • Hardness: 84D
  • Wavelength: 395-410 nm
  • Sizes: 500 g, 1 kg
  • Colors: Black, white, gray, clear blue, beige
  • Price: ~$40 for 1 kg
Nova3D Water Washable Resin
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The Best Water-Washable Resin Brands

Bonus: Siraya Tech

Image of: <span class="link" data-action="modal-open" data-modal-ajax="/en/product-overlay/392166/limit/0/">Bonus: Siraya Tech</span>
This resin offers incredible detail (Source: jeffrey l barak via Amazon)

Last but not least, Siraya Tech is a leader in the resin world. The company specializes in high-performance resins that offer easy printing and reliable quality.

While their water-washable resin has plenty of positive reviews commenting on the great resolution and printing results, there is a catch: It’s not quite as water washable as the other resins on our list. Siraya Tech claims that the resin can be cleaned with just water, but many reviewers note this is not true.

For best results, you’ll need to wash with a mixture of 15% alcohol and 85% water. This amount is specified in the Siraya Tech user guide. Other customers found nice results using different concentrations, such as 20% IPA or even higher.

  • Curing time: See detailed guide
  • Hardness: 75D
  • Wavelength: 395-405 nm
  • Sizes: 1 kg, 2 kg
  • Colors: Clear, smoky black, grey
  • Price: ~$36 for 1 kg
Siraya Tech Water Washable Resin
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