Sun vs. Machine: The Complete Guide to Curing Your Resin 3D Prints in 2026

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You just pulled a print off the build plate. It's shaped right, the detail is there, the supports look clean. You wash it, hold it up to the light, and think:

Does this really need to go in a machine to finish?

The sun is out. The UV index is high. The print is right there in your hand.

The answer — maybe to your surprise — is yes, the sun will absolutely cure it. And in the right circumstances, it'll do it beautifully....