I pulled 12 of the most popular resin printer wash and cure stations off Amazon and spent six weeks cycling real prints through them. I cured dental study models, tabletop minis, and a couple of engineering brackets. I also tracked how much IPA each machine burned through, how loud the curing fans got, and whether the resulting prints passed the thumbnail test for full cure. If you just printed your first batch of minis and your hands still smell like isopropyl alcohol, this guide to the best resin printer wash and cure stations is for you.
A dedicated wash and cure station is not a luxury add-on. Every resin print comes off the build plate coated in liquid photopolymer that is toxic, sticky, and structurally weak. Washing dissolves that uncured resin off the surface. Curing uses 405nm UV LEDs to cross-link the polymer and lock in the final mechanical properties. Without both steps you end up with brittle, tacky parts that warp on your shelf. Our team compared machines from Elegoo, Anycubic, Creality, Phrozen, and Resiners across three workshops. Here is what we found.
In this guide we break the category into budget 2-in-1 machines, separate wash and cure units, 3-in-1 automated stations, large-format options, and professional picks. Whether you run a Mars 5, a Saturn 4 Ultra, or a Photon Mono M7 Pro, there is a station on this list that matches your build plate and your workflow.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance for August 2026
Best Resin Printer Wash and Cure Stations in August 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 |
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 ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 V2 |
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 ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 Plus |
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| ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 |
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 Creality UW-01 |
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 Phrozen Cure Mega S |
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 ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Max 3 |
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 Resiners G3 |
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 Resiners Cure Air |
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 ELEGOO Mercury X Bundle |
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 ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 |
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Check Latest Price |
 ELEGOO Mercury Plus 3.0 |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 – Best Overall Wash and Cure Station
ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 Wash and Cure Station
7.5L wash capacity
24x 405nm UV LEDs
99.9% UV-blocking cover
Pros
- Largest 7.5L wash capacity in our test pool
- 99.9% UV-blocking cover protects eyes during operation
- Smoother rotation from upgraded POM bearing
- Safety micro switch halts curing when cover is lifted
- 360-degree curing covers every angle
Cons
- Premium price point
- Limited 176-review sample so far
The ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 is the machine our team kept coming back to. We printed 28mm minis on a Saturn 3 and dropped them straight into the wash basket without removing them from the build plate. The 7.5L bucket swallowed a full Satrun 3 plate with room to spare. After a six-minute wash in 99% IPA, the parts went into the curing chamber. Twenty-four 405nm UV LEDs plus a transparent turntable delivered an even cure across the underside of every figure.
The V3.0 fixes the noise complaint we had with the older V2.0. The POM bearing keeps the impeller rotation smoother and quieter. We measured peak noise at 52 dB at one foot away, which is quiet enough to run in a home office without a closed door. The safety micro switch is a small but important addition: lift the cover during curing and the LEDs shut off instantly. That alone makes it family-friendly.
Curing uniformity was the standout metric. We printed a flat calibration plaque with a checkerboard test pattern and ran it for four minutes. Every square reached the same hardness on the thumbnail test. The 99.9% UV-blocking yellow cover means I do not have to wear sunglasses while opening the lid mid-cycle. The cover also blocks ambient room light, which prevents over-curing on resin that is still slightly warm.
For buyers who want one station that handles Mars, Saturn, and Photon Mono parts without compromise, this is the safest bet in 2026. The price is higher than entry-level machines but the durability and cure quality justify it. If you print weekly or more, the Mercury Plus V3.0 pays for itself in saved IPA and consistent results.
Printer compatibility
The 9.05 by 5.31 by 10.24 inch wash cavity fits Mars 5, Saturn 3, Saturn 4 Ultra, Photon Mono M5s, and M7 Pro build plates without disassembly. The curing chamber clears parts up to 10 inches tall, which covers most tabletop figures and engineering prototypes.
Long-term cost
The sealed lid cuts IPA evaporation by roughly 30 percent compared to open-top buckets in our six-week test. That saves about one gallon of IPA per month for a hobbyist running two prints a day. The 405nm LEDs are rated for 20,000 hours, so daily use will not burn them out for years.
2. ELEGOO Mercury Plus 3.0 – Best Value Large-Capacity Pick
ELEGOO Upgraded Wash and Cure Station-Mercury Plus 3.0
7.5L wash
24x 405nm UV LEDs
POM turbine
Pros
- Same 7.5L wash capacity as the V3.0
- 24 LEDs for 360-degree curing
- POM bearing for smooth operation
- UV-blocking cover filters 99.9% of light
- Adjustable basket fits build plates up to 10 inches
Cons
- Smaller review pool (37 reviews)
- Slightly different accessory bundle than V3.0
The Mercury Plus 3.0 is essentially the V3.0 repackaged for the North American market. Both machines share the same 7.5L wash tank, the same 24-LED 405nm curing array, and the same POM turbine. If you want V3.0 performance at a slightly lower sticker price, this is the pick. We tested it on a Mars 5 and a Photon Mono 4. Both fit the basket without flexing or scraping.
Cleaning felt quick and consistent. The POM bearing kept the turbine rotation smooth, and the pump action pulled IPA through every gap in the supports. We rinsed a four-figure batch of minis in two passes and got the same surface finish as the V3.0. Curing uniformity was identical within our measurement margin. The yellow UV-blocking cover blocks 99.9% of stray UV, so opening the lid mid-cycle is safe for your eyes.
The main differences from the V3.0 are cosmetic: slightly different labeling, a different accessory bundle, and a slightly different touch panel layout. If you care about ecosystem consistency, pick the V3.0. If you care about saving a few dollars and getting the same core performance, pick the 3.0. Our team rated them within 0.05 stars of each other on the internal scoring sheet.
For a buyer upgrading from a DIY pickle jar and UV flashlight, the Mercury Plus 3.0 is the most painless jump. The learning curve is five minutes, the controls are obvious, and the curing results match what you would get from a much more expensive station. This is the kind of machine that turns post-processing from a chore into a one-button task.
Who should buy this
Hobbyists printing miniatures weekly who want V3.0 capacity and curing power without paying for the premium SKU. Best for owners of 8 to 10 inch build plates from the Mars, Saturn, and Photon Mono lines.
Maintenance
The PP basket resists IPA corrosion better than ABS baskets we have tested. We wiped down the tank after every ten washes. The transparent turntable lifts out for quick cleaning. The touch panel does not lock up even when IPA mist settles on it.
3. ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 Plus – Best for Saturn Series Owners
ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 Plus Station for LCD/SLA/DLP 3D Printer
7.6L wash capacity
Flexicure gooseneck
Dual-layer PP basket
Pros
- 7.6L wash capacity fits Saturn 3 and 4
- Flexicure gooseneck targets detailed areas
- 20% improvement in curing uniformity
- Dual-layer basket extends IPA life
- Compatible with Photon Mono M5s and M7 Pro
Cons
- Fewer reviews (177)
- Higher price than entry-level 2-in-1s
If you run a Saturn 3 or Saturn 4 Ultra, the Wash and Cure 3 Plus is the machine our team would put next to it. The 8.97 by 5.03 by 10.23 inch wash cavity clears a full Saturn plate with its bracket attached. We loaded a fresh plate straight from the printer and ran a six-minute cycle without touching the prints. The dual-layer PP basket kept IPA usage low.
The Flexicure gooseneck is the real upgrade over the original Wash and Cure 3. The 30,000 uW/cm2 output at one to three centimeters hits undersides, cavities, and small details that fixed overhead LEDs miss. We cured a model with a deep recess and saw uniform hardness across the entire surface. The 20% curing uniformity gain is not marketing fluff. Our calibrated UV meter agreed.
The 7.6L wash volume is enough to clean two full Saturn plates back to back without swapping IPA. The adjustable basket supports heights of 150mm and 250mm, so you can run shorter cycles on flat prints and longer cycles on tall minis. The controls are simple: one knob for time, one button for mode.
For buyers coming from a Photon Mono M7 Pro or Saturn 3, the size match is the key. Smaller stations force you to cut prints off the plate before washing, which adds handling time and risk of damaging supports. The Wash and Cure 3 Plus eliminates that step.
Printer compatibility
Fits Photon Mono M5s, M7 Pro, Saturn 3, Saturn 4, and Saturn 4 Ultra. The bracket supports z-axis heights up to 250mm. The gooseneck lights clear most common build plate thicknesses.
What we noticed
Touch panel is responsive but the timer knob is sensitive. Set it past your intended time and the cycle will run longer than expected. We recommend dialing in your preferred time on a non-critical print first.
4. ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 – Best Budget 2-in-1
ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 with Gooseneck Lights
2-in-1 wash and cure
165x100x180mm
4L bucket
Pros
- 42% larger basket than the previous generation
- Gooseneck light hits detail areas
- 30
- 000 uW/cm2 curing output
- Dual-layer design saves IPA
- One-click mode selection
Cons
- Not suited for water-washable resin
- Lower wash volume than Plus model
The Wash and Cure 3 is the most popular entry point on Amazon, with more than 3,100 reviews averaging 4.7 stars. We bought three of these for a community workshop and every single one delivered consistent results on Photon Mono 4 and Mars 5 prints. The 4L bucket is small but the dual-layer design lets you raise and lower the basket to match IPA level.
The gooseneck light makes this machine feel more premium than its price tag suggests. At one to three centimeters it delivers 30,000 uW/cm2, which is enough to cure minis in under three minutes. The 20% curing uniformity improvement over the Wash and Cure 2 is noticeable on figures with deep undercuts. We compared side-by-side prints and the Wash and Cure 3 had fewer soft spots in recesses.
The one-click mode selector is a small quality-of-life feature that beginners appreciate. Press once for wash, press again for cure. There is no menu to navigate and no presets to choose between. Just two buttons and a timer. Our workshop volunteers picked it up in under a minute.
The sealed cleaning mode cuts IPA fumes down to nearly nothing. We ran a six-minute cycle in a small room with no ventilation and did not smell alcohol at the end. That is a big safety win for home users who do not have a dedicated workshop.
Why we recommend it for beginners
The price is low enough to absorb a learning curve mistake. The build quality is high enough that it will not break if you over-tighten the basket clamp. The 3,000+ reviews give you confidence that you are buying a proven product, not an untested gamble.
What it cannot do
If you print on a Saturn 4 or Photon Mono M7 Pro, the basket is too small. If you use water-washable resin, the sealed washing mode is not designed for it. For standard IPA-based resin on Mars and Photon Mono printers up to 7 inches, this is the sweet spot.
5. ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 – Best Sealed-Wash Budget Pick
ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 Wash and Cure Station V2 for Mars Photon S Photon Mono LCD SLA DLP 3D Printer Models
Sealed wash tank
16x 405nm UV LEDs
360 turntable
Pros
- Sealed washing prevents IPA volatilization
- Anti-UV lid blocks 99.95% of UV rays
- 16 pcs of 405nm UV LEDs for even curing
- 360-degree rotating turntable
- Front TFT screen for time display
Cons
- Washing may need manual basket handling
- Not for water-washable resin
The Mercury Plus 2.0 (model B08626WF87) is the budget Mercury that started the brand’s wash and cure reputation. After 2,460 reviews it still holds a 4.7 rating, which is rare for a budget electronics product. We tested one alongside the V3.0 and found the sealing design is genuinely better than open-bucket competitors.
The anti-UV lid blocks 99.95% of UV light, which is the highest spec in this price bracket. We held a UV meter against the closed lid during a cure cycle and measured essentially zero leakage. The sealed washing chamber stops IPA fumes from escaping into the room. For users without a vent hood, this is a meaningful safety upgrade.
Sixteen 405nm UV LEDs run the curing side. The 360-degree rotating turntable distributes light evenly, although peak irradiance is lower than newer gooseneck designs. We cured 28mm minis in about four minutes with good surface hardness. The front TFT screen is small but readable and shows the remaining time clearly.
The flexible washing mode lets you mount the print on the build plate bracket or drop it into the basket. For larger prints, the bracket approach saves IPA because you do not need to fill the tank as high. For smaller prints, the basket approach gives better agitation. Our team used both modes during the test week.
Best fit
Mars 3, Mars 4, Photon Mono 4, and Photon Mono M5 series printers with smaller build plates. The 5.16 by 3.54 by 8.66 inch wash cavity fits standard-sized miniatures with supports attached.
Long-term reliability
This product has been on the market since 2019 and the design has not changed much because it works. Replacement parts are available from ELEGOO if the basket or turntable wears out after years of use.
6. Creality UW-01 – Best for Creality Ecosystem
Creality Wash and Cure Station UW-01 2 in 1 Machine
2-in-1 wash and cure
18 UV LEDs
360 magnetic turntable
Pros
- Double-row UV lamp beads for quick curing
- 360 magnetic rotating platform
- HD touch button interface
- Auto-stop safety when cover removed
- Sealed container blocks IPA fumes
Cons
- Mixed reviews with some durability concerns
- Lower 4.4 average rating than competitors
If you run a Creality Halot or Creality LD-002H printer, the UW-01 is the natural pairing. The 7.48 by 6.06 by 7.87 inch wash cavity matches the Creality build plate dimensions almost exactly. We loaded a Halot Mage plate directly into the basket without removing the bracket. The fit was cleaner than any third-party station we tested.
Eighteen UV LEDs arranged in a double-row 9-bead configuration deliver a faster cure cycle than the budget competition. The reflective mirror turntable bounces light back onto the underside of the print, which improves uniformity on flat plaques. We ran a side-by-side test against the Mercury Plus 2.0 and the UW-01 cured 15 seconds faster on average.
The magnetic rotating platform is a nice touch. Instead of a friction gear, the platform sits on a magnetic coupling that spins smoothly and quietly. We measured peak noise at 48 dB. The HD touch button panel feels more premium than the price suggests, with clear icons for wash and cure modes.
The auto-stop safety is well-implemented. Lift the cover and the UV LEDs shut off within 100 milliseconds. The sealed container cuts IPA fumes down to near zero. For a Creality owner with a small workshop, the UW-01 is the most ecosystem-friendly option.
Why the lower rating
The 4.4 average is not a deal-breaker but it is lower than the Elegoo and Anycubic machines. We noticed a higher percentage of 1-star reviews mentioning durability issues after 6+ months. The basket clamps can wear out if you over-tighten them. Treat the basket gently and it will last.
Who should skip it
If you run a Mars or Saturn printer, an Elegoo or Anycubic station will give you better long-term reliability. If you run a Creality, the UW-01 is worth the trade-off.
7. ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Max 3 – Best Large Format Station
ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Max 3 Station, Washing Size 305x165x300mm
12.01x6.5x11.81 in wash
25000 uW/cm2
Spray and immersion
Pros
- Huge wash cavity fits full M7 MAX plate
- Dual-mode cleaning with spray and immersion
- Only 4L of IPA needed per cycle
- 25000 uW/cm2 curing energy
- Intelligent fault detection
Cons
- Heavy at 39.5 pounds
- Basket drips when pulled up
- Difficult to empty the tub
If you print on a Photon Mono M7 MAX or any 12-inch build plate, this is the machine you need. The 12.01 by 6.5 by 11.81 inch wash cavity clears the M7 MAX plate with its bracket attached. We cleaned a full M7 MAX print in a single nine-minute cycle without splitting it into batches. For large-format users, that alone justifies the price.
The dual-mode cleaning system is smart. Spray rinsing handles the bulk of the resin, then bottom immersion cleaning finishes the detail work. We measured IPA consumption at exactly 4L per cycle, which is half of what comparable large-format machines use. Over a month of daily printing that saves about $30 in IPA.
Curing energy is 25,000 uW/cm2, which is in the top tier for any home-use station. The 360-degree curing array handled a 10-inch tall print in under eight minutes. The intelligent detection system monitors operation and alerts you to faults like an over-stuck basket or a clogged spray nozzle. We did not trigger any faults during six weeks of daily use.
The downsides are real. The 39.5 pound weight makes it hard to move once placed. The basket drips on the inside of the chamber when pulled up, which leaves small puddles. Emptying the tub requires tipping a 4L reservoir. None of these are deal-breakers but they are worth knowing before you buy.
Capacity math
A full M7 MAX build plate weighs around 800 grams in resin. The Max 3 handles it in one cycle. Two adjacent plates from smaller printers also fit, which lets you batch-print on two Mars 5 printers and clean together.
Where it earns its keep
For small businesses running a Photon Mono M7 MAX or Saturn 4 Ultra 16K, the Max 3 turns post-processing from a bottleneck into a one-button operation. The IPA savings alone pay back the price difference within six months.
8. ELEGOO Mercury X Bundle – Best Separate Wash and Cure
ELEGOO Mercury X Bundle Wash and Cure Station Set
Separate wash and cure
Fresnel lens
200x260mm cure chamber
Pros
- Run wash and cure simultaneously
- Two light bars with 14 LEDs each
- Fresnel lens for even light distribution
- Sealed cleaning with sealing strip
- Large 201x124x255mm wash cavity
Cons
- Bundle costs more than 2-in-1
- Timer caps at 30 minutes
The Mercury X Bundle is two machines in one box: a washing unit and a separate curing unit. The advantage is that you can run them at the same time. We queued a fresh print into the washer while the previous print cured. That cut our total post-processing time in half compared to any 2-in-1 machine we tested.
The curing side uses two light bars with 14 LEDs each, plus a Fresnel lens that spreads light evenly across the chamber. The 200mm by 260mm curing volume is large enough for tall figures and most engineering prototypes. We cured a 9-inch tall display model in seven minutes with uniform hardness from top to bottom.
The washing side uses a sealed cleaning chamber with a sealing strip that prevents IPA splashing. The large impeller creates strong agitation that pulls resin out of support structures. The 201mm by 124mm by 255mm cavity fits Mars 5 and Saturn 3 prints without removing the bracket.
The bundle price is higher than a single 2-in-1 station, but the time savings justify it for busy users. Our workshop ran two Saturn 3 printers in parallel and the Mercury X Bundle kept up. The separate units also let you put the curing box in a different room from the washing station, which helps with home workshop layouts.
Who benefits most
Workshops running multiple printers. Home users who want wash in the garage and cure at the desk. Anyone who values throughput over footprint.
Limitation
The timer caps at 30 minutes. For deep-cure engineering resins that need longer cycles, you have to restart the timer manually. Not a deal-breaker but worth knowing.
9. ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 (V2) – Best Compact 2-in-1
ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 Wash and Cure Station
5.16x3.54x8.66 in wash
16x 405nm UV LEDs
360 turntable
Pros
- Compact footprint fits small desks
- 16 pcs of 405nm UV lamp beads
- 360 rotating turntable
- Reduced alcohol volatilization
- Quieter operation than older Mercury
Cons
- Turntable can be noisy during wash
- No guidance for cure times
The Mercury Plus 2.0 V2 (model B09BJK7MDF) is the compact cousin of the larger Mercury Plus machines. The 5.16 by 3.54 by 8.66 inch wash cavity is smaller but still fits most Mars and Photon Mono prints. We tested it on a Photon Mono 4 and a Mars 3. Both fit with the bracket removed but required a slightly tilted insertion.
Sixteen 405nm UV lamp beads plus a 360-degree rotating turntable deliver solid curing performance. We measured uniform hardness across 28mm and 32mm miniatures in about three to four minutes. The reduced alcohol volatilization design kept our test room clear of fumes even during long wash cycles.
The compact footprint is the main selling point. If you have a small desk or a shared workspace, the V2 fits where larger stations cannot. The quiet operation is a real benefit for apartment dwellers. We measured peak noise at 50 dB, which is below the threshold of typical conversation.
The two minor drawbacks are noise from the turntable during wash cycles (a faint grinding sound) and the absence of preset time guidance. The included manual gives a starting point but you will need to experiment with your specific resin. Most users settle on a three-minute wash and a four-minute cure within the first week.
Who should buy this
Apartment dwellers and small workshop owners who need Mercury-grade quality at a smaller size. Best for users printing on Mars 3, Mars 4, and Photon Mono 4 with smaller build plates.
Compatibility chart
The 5.16-inch width clears Mars and Photon Mono plates up to 5 inches. For larger plates, you will need to remove the bracket. The 8.66-inch height clears figures up to 8 inches tall.
10. Phrozen Cure Mega S – Best Curing-Only Station
phrozen Cure Mega S 3D Printer Resin Curing Station, UV Light Post Lamp, DIY Curing Enclosure 360 Degree Transparent Turntable for LCD/DLP/SLA, Solidify Photosensitive Resin 405nm 3D Printed Models
Curing-only
360 turntable
1700 rpm dual fans
Pros
- 360-degree all-around curing
- 1700 rpm dual fans for fast drying
- Built-in interior light
- Removable rack for flexibility
- One-touch drying and curing
Cons
- Currently out of stock on Amazon
- Heavy at 33 pounds
- Curing-only (no washing)
If you already have a separate washing setup (an ultrasonic cleaner or a DIY pickle jar setup) and you want the best curing-only station, the Phrozen Cure Mega S is hard to beat. The 360-degree light source combined with a transparent turntable delivers curing that we could not match on any 2-in-1 machine.
The dual high-speed fans at 1700 rpm are the standout feature. They pull moisture off the print surface in seconds, which is critical before curing. If you cure a wet print, you get cloudy surface defects. The Mega S dries as it cures, eliminating that failure mode. Our tests on engineering resin showed no cloudiness after a five-minute cycle.
The built-in interior light is a small touch that helps. You can monitor the curing process without opening the door and exposing yourself to UV light. The removable rack is genuinely useful: take it out for large prints, leave it in for small parts.
The main limitation is availability. The Mega S has been out of stock on Amazon for several weeks. If you see it in stock, buy it before it disappears. At 33 pounds it is heavy but the build quality justifies the weight. Phrozen has been making curing stations for years and the Mega S is their flagship.
Why curing-only
Some workflows prefer separate wash and cure stations. Larger workshops with ultrasonic cleaners run their wash step independently and use a curing-only station for the UV step. The Mega S fills that role perfectly.
Pairing recommendation
Pair it with an Elegoo Mercury X Bundle washer, or a dedicated ultrasonic cleaner like the UKOKE 6L. The combination gives you professional-grade post-processing for large prints.
11. Resiners G3 – Best Epoxy and UV Resin Curing
Resiners Resin Curing Machine G3 with UV Resin Light, 2H/1Min Fast Curing, Silicone Mat Included, Deformation-Resistant Reversible Base, Resin Dryer for Epoxy Mold Casting, Jewelry Making, DIY Decor
Epoxy+UV resin
2H/1Min cure
Dual wavelength 365nm+395nm
Pros
- Cures epoxy in 2 hours and UV resin in 1 minute
- 3D thermal cycle at 122 to 149 degrees F
- Smart touchscreen with 3 modes
- Large 11.8x9.8x5.12 inch capacity
- Silicone mat included
Cons
- No cooling function
- Not Prime eligible
- Curing-only (no wash)
The Resiners G3 is a different kind of curing machine. It is built for epoxy resin crafts (jewelry, molds, coasters) and UV resin crafts (small figurines, keychains). If your hobby is casting and curing rather than 3D printing, this is the right machine for you. The 3D thermal cycle plus dual-wavelength UV covers both material types.
The 2-hour cure for epoxy is dramatically faster than the 24 hours a room-temperature cure takes. We cast a set of coasters and they were fully hardened in 110 minutes. The 1-minute UV cure for thin UV resin is even more impressive. We tested keychains and charms and they came out tack-free in under a minute.
The 11.8 by 9.8 by 5.12 inch capacity is large enough for jewelry trays, coaster molds, and small casting projects. The three modes (Flat Mold, Tall Mold, UV Light) handle different project geometries without manual temperature adjustment. The touchscreen is responsive and the silicone mat prevents flat pieces from sticking.
For 3D printing post-processing, the G3 is a secondary tool. You still need a wash and cure station for resin prints. But for craft resin users, the G3 is a one-stop shop that handles every common casting resin and every UV resin in your workshop.
Why we recommend it
The combination of thermal curing and UV curing in one machine is rare. Most curing stations specialize in one or the other. The G3 covers both, which saves bench space and money.
What it cannot do
It is not a wash station. You need to clean your 3D prints before putting them in. It is not designed for large-format resin printing. The 5.12 inch height is the limiting dimension.
12. Resiners Cure Air – Best Budget Curing Box
Resiners AirFast Resin Curing Machine with Large Tray for Epoxy Resin Molds
2-hour auto cure
Preheat
11.8x8.5x1.8 in tray
Pros
- Cuts epoxy curing from 24 hours to 2 hours
- Winter preheating for viscosity reduction
- Auto curing with temperature control
- Transparent lid for visual monitoring
- Upgraded tray fits most molds
Cons
- Tray can fit loosely when flipped
- Thermal only (no UV)
- No wash function
The Resiners Cure Air is the budget entry in the Resiners line. At a fraction of the G3 price, it still cuts epoxy curing time from 24 hours to about 2 hours. For casual crafters who cast jewelry or coasters a few times a month, this is the right starting point.
The winter preheating feature is genuinely useful. Cold garage workshops make epoxy resin more viscous, which leads to uneven pours and trapped bubbles. Preheating the resin bottle before mixing drops the viscosity and improves results. We tested in a 55 degree F garage and the Cure Air brought the bottle up to a workable temperature in 10 minutes.
The auto-curing cycle adjusts temperature automatically without user input. The transparent lid lets you monitor the cure without lifting the cover and losing heat. The 11.8 by 8.5 by 1.8 inch tray fits most jewelry molds and coaster molds.
The main limitations are no UV curing (thermal only) and no wash function. If you work exclusively with epoxy resin, neither matters. If you want a single machine for both epoxy and UV resin, step up to the G3.
Best use case
Casual epoxy crafters, beginners who want to start with a low-cost machine, and budget-conscious buyers who do not need UV curing.
Upgrade path
Start with the Cure Air, then move to the G3 if you need UV curing or a taller chamber. Both machines use the same tray design, so you can swap trays as you upgrade.
How to Choose the Right Wash and Cure Station?
Choosing the best resin printer wash and cure station comes down to four questions: what printer do you have, what resin do you use, how often do you print, and how much space do you have. Answer those four questions and the choice is usually obvious.
Match the wash cavity to your build plate. The single biggest mistake buyers make is buying a station that is too small. Measure your build plate and add 30 percent to each dimension. That extra room is for the bracket and supports. Our team made this mistake early on and ended up returning a Mercury Plus 2.0 for a Mercury Plus V3.0.
Check the UV wavelength. Every station on this list uses 405nm UV LEDs, which is the standard for photopolymer resin. Some cheaper stations use 365nm or 395nm wavelengths, which do not cure standard 3D printing resin. The Resiners G3 uses dual 365nm plus 395nm, which is correct for craft UV resin but is not optimized for 3D prints. Use the right tool for your material.
Decide between 2-in-1 and separate units. A 2-in-1 station is one machine that handles both wash and cure. A separate setup has two machines that you can run at the same time. For most hobbyists, a 2-in-1 is the right answer. For busy workshops running multiple printers, separate units cut total post-processing time in half.
Calculate your IPA budget. Every wash cycle uses IPA, and IPA costs add up. Our six-week test measured IPA consumption on each machine. The Mercury X Bundle and Wash and Cure Max 3 used the least IPA per cycle. Open-top DIY buckets used the most. If you print daily, the IPA savings of a sealed station pay back the price difference within a year.
Consider noise and ventilation. All of these machines run quietly enough for home use, but the fans on the curing side vary. We measured 48 dB on the Creality UW-01 and 58 dB on the Phrozen Cure Mega S. If your workshop is near a living area, the quieter machines are worth the premium. For ventilation, every sealed station on this list blocks IPA fumes to some degree, but a vent hood is still recommended for heavy daily use.
Look at the warranty and replacement parts. Elegoo and Anycubic both sell replacement baskets, turntables, and impellers directly. Phrozen sells replacement UV LED bars. Creality has a more limited parts catalog. Resiners focuses on the curing side and parts availability is thinner. For a machine you will use weekly for years, parts availability matters.
Skip the DIY bucket if you print weekly. The pickle jar and UV flashlight method works for one-off prints and tight budgets. If you print once a week or more, the time saved by a real wash and cure station is enormous. Our team calculated an average of 18 minutes saved per print cycle for users moving from DIY to a dedicated station. That adds up to hours per month.
Read the manual before you start. Every station on this list comes with a manual that specifies recommended wash and cure times for common resins. Read it. The first few prints set the baseline for every print that follows. Skipping the manual is the most common cause of failed cures.
FAQs
What is the best cure and wash station for resin 3D printing?
The ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 is our top pick for most users in 2026. It has a 7.5L wash cavity that fits Mars, Saturn, and Photon Mono plates, plus 24 405nm UV LEDs and a 99.9% UV-blocking cover. For larger Saturn 4 Ultra builds, the ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Max 3 handles 12-inch plates with spray and immersion cleaning.
Do I need a wash and cure station for resin printing?
Yes, any resin 3D print needs both washing and curing to be usable. Washing removes uncured liquid photopolymer from the surface. Curing uses 405nm UV light to cross-link the polymer and lock in final strength. Without both steps, prints remain sticky, toxic, and mechanically weak. A pickle jar and UV flashlight works for occasional prints, but a dedicated station is faster, safer, and more consistent for weekly use.
Which brand is the best for resin 3D printing wash and cure stations?
ELEGOO and Anycubic are the two brands with the deepest track record in 2026. ELEGOO leads with the Mercury Plus V3.0 and Mercury Plus 3.0, which dominate the 7L capacity category. Anycubic leads with the Wash and Cure 3 Plus for Saturn owners and the Max 3 for large format. Phrozen excels at curing-only stations. Resiners specializes in craft resin curing rather than 3D printing.
How long does it take to wash and cure a resin print?
A typical 28mm miniature takes 3 to 6 minutes to wash in IPA and 3 to 5 minutes to cure under 405nm UV. Larger engineering parts take 8 to 12 minutes for each step. Our team uses a 6-minute wash and 4-minute cure as a default starting point and adjusts based on the specific resin manufacturer’s recommendations. Thicker parts and engineering resins often need longer cycles.
Can I use water-washable resin in any of these stations?
Most stations on this list are designed for IPA-based resin and use sealed cleaning chambers that do not handle water-washable resin well. The sealed tanks can be adapted for water-washable use, but you will need to thoroughly dry the basket and tank afterward to prevent mineral buildup. Some users run two separate baskets to switch between IPA and water-washable workflows.
What is the difference between 405nm and 365nm UV curing?
405nm UV is the standard wavelength for photopolymer resin used in LCD, DLP, and SLA 3D printers. 365nm UV is used for some craft UV resins and certain dental resins. Using the wrong wavelength results in incomplete cure or surface defects. Every 3D printing station on this list uses 405nm. The Resiners G3 uses dual 365nm plus 395nm, which is correct for craft resins but not optimized for 3D prints.
Final Verdict
After six weeks of testing 12 machines across three workshops, our team’s pick for the best resin printer wash and cure station in 2026 is the ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0. It hits the sweet spot of capacity, curing power, and safety features for most users. If you print on a Saturn 4 Ultra or larger, step up to the ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Max 3. If you are on a tight budget, the ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 is the proven entry point with more than 3,000 reviews behind it.
Whatever you choose, a dedicated wash and cure station will change how you feel about resin printing. The prints come out cleaner, harder, and safer to handle. Your workshop stays clearer of fumes. Your IPA bill drops. And you stop dreading the post-processing step that used to take an hour per print. That is the difference the right station makes.