Water washable resins are special formulations that clean up simply with water, eliminating the need for isopropyl alcohol (IPA) for the post-processing phase. They are the ideal choice for those printing in a home, school, or in spaces where the use of flammable solvents is problematic. On Strato3D, you will find a selection of water washable resins from leading brands.
When to choose a water washable resin
- Home environment: no flammable solvents to manage.
- Schools and educational labs: no special rules for IPA disposal.
- Maker spaces and fab labs: simpler and less expensive cleaning workflow.
- Rapid prototypes: reduced cleaning times compared to solvent.
- Non-structural modeling: figures, decorations, aesthetic prototypes.
Technical characteristics
- Wavelength: 405 nm (standard LCD/MSLA).
- Cleaning: in warm water (30-40 °C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Exposure time: similar to standard resin, slightly higher in some cases.
- Mechanical performance: slightly inferior to standard resin.
- Finished water resistance: after post-cure, the print is waterproof (despite being cleaned with water before curing).
- Disposal: like standard — cure residues before disposal.
Advantages vs limitations
Advantages: simpler workflow, no IPA, safer printing environment, reduced operating cost, less odor.
Limitations: lower mechanical resistance (5-15% less), slightly higher price (10-20%), more delicate storage (absorbs environmental humidity).
Brands you can find on Strato3D
Water washable from Anycubic, Elegoo, and other specialized manufacturers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pour the cleaning water down the drain? No. The water contains uncured resin. It must be cured in the sun or in a UV station and then filtered.
Are finished prints water resistant? Yes. After post-cure, the resin becomes an inert, waterproof solid polymer.
Do all printers support water washable? Yes, any 405 nm LCD/MSLA. Just check the exposure time (usually slightly higher).
Water washable or standard? Standard for professional/production use (better mechanical properties). Water washable for home/school/hobby.