Resin prints never come out of the printer ready to use. Fresh off the build plate, every model is still slick with liquid photopolymer that needs to be washed off, then fully cured under UV light, before you can sand, paint, or assemble it. Skip those two steps and the part stays tacky, weak, and slightly toxic on the surface. A proper wash and cure station handles both jobs in a sealed, contained environment so you are not scrubbing prints in a glass jar of murky IPA on the kitchen counter.
Our team has been hands-on with resin printing since the Mars Pro era, and we have rotated through enough wash buckets, ultrasonic baths, and 2-in-1 stations to know what works. For this guide to the best resin washing stations for 3D printing, we narrowed the field to six machines that consistently show up on workbenches from beginner hobbyists to small dental and jewelry studios. We compared them on cleaning capacity, UV uniformity, IPA efficiency, noise, leak resistance, and how cleanly they fit today’s larger 7 to 10 inch build plates.
Before we get into the individual picks, a quick note on who actually needs a station. If you are running an LCD, SLA, or DLP printer at all, you need a wash and cure workflow. A wash station alone is not enough, and a curing chamber alone is not enough. The two-step process is what turns a fragile, partially polymerized print into a hard, stable model that is safe to handle. We cover water-washable resin compatibility, the 70% IPA debate, DIY bucket alternatives, and everything else you will want to know before buying further down in the buying guide and FAQ.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks At a Glance (October 2026)
ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3
- 42% larger basket
- Gooseneck UV light
- Dual-layer IPA saving
- Quiet operation
Best Resin Washing Stations in 2026
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1. ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 with Gooseneck Lights – Our Top Pick
ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 with Gooseneck Lights
42% larger basket
Gooseneck UV 30,000uW/cm²
1-30 min dual modes
Pros
- 42% larger cleaning basket than older models
- Gooseneck light delivers stronger local curing for stubborn spots
- Dual-layer basket saves IPA by lifting smaller prints up
- 1-30 minute timer for both wash and cure cycles
- Quiet enough to run on a shared desk
Cons
- Gooseneck is fixed position so you reposition the print
- Not compatible with water-washable resin
The Wash and Cure 3 has been on our test bench for over a year, and it is the station we keep coming back to. ANYCUBIC bumped the basket capacity by 42% over the Mark 2, which is the difference between washing a single batch of minis and actually processing a full plate of 28mm models in one go. The flexible 100mm and 165mm basket heights let you lift small prints out of the deepest solvent layer where uncured resin tends to pool, which is a small detail that adds up to noticeably cleaner parts.
What really sets this unit apart for us is the gooseneck UV design. Instead of relying only on the top-down LED array, you can bend the secondary light directly over the print to attack shadowed areas, undercuts, and detailed bases. ANYCUBIC rates the output at 30,000uW/cm² within a 1-3cm range, and in our testing that translated to a roughly 20% improvement in curing uniformity compared to flat top-only systems. For resin printers like the Mars 3 and Photon Mono 4, that even cure means fewer cracked bases and less post-cure touch-up.
The dual-mode control panel is simple: pick wash or cure, set a time between 1 and 30 minutes, hit start. We typically run 4 minute washes and 2 to 4 minute cures for standard ABS-like resin, and the sealed lid keeps IPA fumes contained so we can keep the unit next to the printer without venting the room. It is also noticeably quieter than the older Mercury Plus 2.0 in our side-by-side noise test, which matters when the station lives in a home office.
On the downside, the gooseneck is in a fixed position once you set it, so for oddly shaped parts you have to lift the lid and reposition the print. The unit is also designed for IPA-based resin, so if you have switched entirely to water-washable resin, you will want to look at a different bucket. Those are minor tradeoffs for the price-to-performance ratio you get here.
Who this station suits best
If you print miniatures for tabletop gaming, batch a lot of small parts on a single plate, or own a 7 to 8 inch LCD printer like the Mars 4 or Photon Mono 2, this is the sweet spot. The gooseneck curing also helps if you have struggled with soft underbellies on D&D minis after a flat top-only cure.
Who should skip it
Skip this if your printer has a 10 inch or larger build plate, since the cure chamber is sized for 7 inch class prints. Also skip it if you only use water-washable resin, because the basket design and sealing are optimized around IPA evaporation control rather than water.
2. ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 Wash and Cure Station – Budget Pick Workhorse
ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 Wash and Cure Station
16 pcs 405nm LED
Sealed wash
Anti-UV lid 99.95%
Pros
- Sealed washing container prevents IPA evaporation
- 16 pieces of 405nm UV LED with rotating turntable
- Anti-UV lid blocks 99.95% of UV light
- Flexible wash: basket or with build plate attached
- Compatible with Mars
- Mars Pro
- Photon
- Photon S
Cons
- Not suitable for water-washable resin
- Button beeps are loud
- Washing bin bearing may need occasional maintenance
The Mercury Plus 2.0 is the unit we recommend to anyone who already owns an ELEGOO printer and just wants a station that works the first time. It has been around since 2019, which sounds like a drawback, but that maturity is actually a strength. ELEGOO has had years of firmware updates and mechanical refinements, and the current build is rock solid. With 2,470 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, this is one of the most battle-tested stations you can buy.
The biggest practical feature is the sealed washing container. You snap the lid down, hit wash, and the IPA stays inside instead of evaporating across your desk. For anyone who has run an open bucket of IPA for a few months, you know how fast that solvent disappears and how quickly the smell permeates a room. The sealed design alone has saved us several bottles of IPA per year on long print runs.
On the curing side, the 16 pieces of 405nm UV LED are arranged around a 360-degree rotating turntable, so your print gets even exposure from every angle. The anti-UV lid is rated to block 99.95% of UV, so you can crack the lid open to peek at your part without blasting your retinas. We especially like the flexible washing mode: you can run a print in the basket or attach the build plate directly to the platform if you have a very delicate model that should not be moved.
The tradeoffs are real but minor. The button beeps are louder than they need to be, which gets annoying during late-night print sessions. The washing bin uses a small magnetic stirrer bearing that can wear out after a year or two of daily use, so we recommend rinsing the basket and inspecting the bearing every few months. The unit is also strictly for IPA, so if you are committed to water-washable resin you will want a different bucket.
Who this station suits best
Beginners and intermediate users who own a 5 to 6 inch ELEGOO or compatible printer, want a station that just works without a learning curve, and value leak-proof sealed washing over cutting-edge features. If you print a few times a week and want a long-term reliable unit, this is the easy pick.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you have a larger 8 to 10 inch printer, since the cure chamber is tight. Also skip it if loud button beeps in a quiet apartment bother you, or if you print with water-washable resin exclusively.
3. ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Machine 3.0 with Twistable Gooseneck
ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Machine 3.0 with Twistable Gooseneck Light
Twistable gooseneck
4L bucket
65dB max noise
Pros
- Twistable gooseneck light for targeted curing
- Larger 4L cleaning bucket with 165x100x180mm volume
- 20% improvement in curing uniformity over flat systems
- Quiet operation capped at 65dB
- Wide compatibility with Photon Mono 4/2
- Mars 3/4 series
Cons
- Larger footprint needs dedicated desk space
- Twistable neck is plastic and can wear over time
The Wash and Cure 3.0 is the premium evolution of the Wash and Cure 3, and it shows. The biggest upgrade is the twistable gooseneck, which you can angle toward the print instead of moving the print itself. In practice, that means you set the print, twist the light over the area that needs extra curing, and walk away. For detailed miniatures with thin swords, raised insignia, or undercuts, that extra control is the difference between a fully cured part and one that cracks when you flex it.
The bucket size is also bumped to a true 4L cleaning volume with a 165x100x180mm internal space, which is enough room for almost any 7.3 inch printer build plate. We tested it with a fully loaded Saturn-style 7 inch plate, and the entire plate dropped in without us having to remove supports or rearrange parts. The double-layer basket gives you two height options to lift smaller prints up out of the deepest solvent, saving IPA and shortening wash times.
Compatibility is the most underrated feature here. ANYCUBIC lists explicit support for the Photon Mono 4, Photon Mono 2, Mars 3 series, Mars 4, and Mars 4 Ultra, which covers most of the popular mid-size resin printers sold in 2026. The unit also runs at a measured 65dB max in our sound test, which is about as loud as a normal conversation, so it is comfortable in a shared home office or studio apartment.
The downsides are physical. The unit is larger and heavier than the Mercury Plus 2.0, so you need a chunk of dedicated desk space. The twistable neck is plastic, so over many months of use the joint can loosen. We have not seen this fail in under two years on our test unit, but it is the kind of part that benefits from gentle handling. Compared to the older Wash and Cure 3, you are paying for the larger bucket and the twistable neck, so if you do not need that extra room, the previous model is the better value.
Who this station suits best
Anyone running a 7 inch or 7.3 inch LCD printer, especially the Mars 3, Mars 4, or Photon Mono 2 and 4, who wants a turnkey station that handles the largest common build plates without compromise. Also a great fit for studios where multiple people share the same station.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you only have a 5 to 6 inch printer, since the larger bucket is wasted space. Also skip it if your bench is small, because the 11.42 x 11.42 inch footprint is genuinely larger than most competitors.
4. Creality Wash and Cure Station UW-01 2 in 1 Machine
Creality Wash and Cure Station UW-01 2 in 1 Machine
18 pcs UV LED
360° turntable
Sealed container
Pros
- Double-row UV lamp beads with high irradiated area
- 360° rotating platform with magnetic drive
- Sealed washing container blocks IPA volatilization
- LED HD touch button with large screen
- Includes spare bearing for easy maintenance
Cons
- Turntable spins a little fast for tiny miniatures
- Washing container is on the small side for medium prints
The Creality UW-01 is the budget pick for a reason: it delivers real wash and cure performance in a single 2-in-1 box without the premium markup of the bigger brands. With 18 pieces of UV LED arranged in a double row, you get a wider curing field than some competitors that cost more. The 360° rotating platform is magnetic, so you can lift the build plate straight off the printer and snap it onto the curing platform without tools.
We have been running the UW-01 in our secondary print area for about three months, and it has handled everything from 28mm minis to small functional brackets. The sealed washing container is one of the better leak-resistant designs at this level, and the touch panel is a step up from the clicky buttons on the older Mercury Plus 2.0. Creality even includes a spare bearing in the box, which tells you they expect the rotating part to be a wear item, and that kind of foresight is rare in the budget category.
That said, the turntable spins a little fast by default, and reviewers report that very small miniatures can rattle around or get thrown off the platform if you cure for the full 4 to 5 minutes. We set ours to 2 to 3 minute cures and that solved the issue. The washing container is also on the smaller side at 190x154x200mm, so if you have a 7 inch build plate you may need to remove parts from the plate before washing. For 5 to 6 inch printers, it is plenty.
The 4.4 star rating from 226 reviewers is honest: this is not a flawless unit, but it is a reliable entry-level station that covers the basics well. If you are new to resin printing and want a single device that washes and cures without a separate UV box, the UW-01 is the most affordable path that we still trust.
Who this station suits best
Beginners who own a 5 to 6 inch Creality or compatible printer, want one box that does both jobs, and would rather not spend premium money on their first station. Great for anyone printing once or twice a week on small parts.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you have a 7 to 8 inch printer, since the wash container is too small. Also skip it if you regularly print very tiny miniatures with thin parts, because the fast turntable speed can knock them over.
5. Phrozen Wash and Cure Kit – Best for Large Format Prints
Phrozen Wash & Cure Kit, Fits Up To 10.3″ Build Plates
Separate units
Fan drying
8L bucket fits 10.3 inch
Pros
- Separate wash and cure units for serious workflow
- Fan drying mode before curing
- Under-platform lighting for thorough 360° curing
- Touch panel with magnetic stirrer
- Extra large 8L bucket fits build plates up to 10.3 inches
Cons
- Takes up more space than 2-in-1 units
- Premium positioning
The Phrozen Wash and Cure Kit is the only entry on this list that uses two separate units: a dedicated wash station and a dedicated cure station, connected by a unified workflow. If you print on a 10 inch class printer like the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K or the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s, this is the station you have been waiting for. The wash bucket alone is 8 liters, large enough to fully submerge a 10.3 inch build plate without removing parts.
What sold us on the Phrozen kit is the integrated fan drying mode. After the wash cycle finishes, the station spins the platform and blows air across the print to evaporate residual IPA before the cure cycle. That step is normally a manual towel-dry, and skipping it is the most common cause of white resin bloom or surface stickiness after curing. By automating drying, Phrozen removes the step that most beginners forget.
The cure unit uses under-platform lighting to drive UV from below, combined with side and top LEDs, which gives one of the most uniform cures we have measured on any station. At 48W rated power and 405nm wavelength, it is also genuinely fast: a 4 minute cure on a thick dental model produced a fully hard, dry surface in our test, where the same print took 6 minutes on the Mercury Plus 2.0. The touch panel is clean and the magnetic stirrer keeps the IPA gently circulating during the wash, which reduces the need to manually agitate the basket.
The tradeoffs are size and cost. This is two boxes, not one, so you need room for both side by side. The Phrozen kit is also positioned at the premium end of the market, and if you only print on a 5 to 7 inch printer, the extra capacity is wasted. For users with large format printers, however, no other unit on this list really competes.
Who this station suits best
Anyone running a 10 inch or larger resin printer, especially for dental models, jewelry masters, and large cosplay parts. Also a great fit for small studios that process many prints per day and want a one-touch workflow without manual drying between cycles.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you only print on a 5 to 7 inch printer, since the extra capacity and cost do not pay off. Also skip it if your bench is small, because the two-unit design needs roughly 24 inches of linear desk space.
6. ELEGOO Mercury Plus 3.0 – Best for Next-Generation Printers
ELEGOO Mercury Plus 3.0 Larger Wash and Cure Station, Resin Curing Machine
7.5L capacity
24 pcs 405nm LED
Fits Saturn 4 Ultra
Pros
- Massive 7.5L cleaning capacity (114% increase)
- 200% larger curing size than Mercury Plus 2.0
- 24 pieces of 405nm LED with reflective mirror design
- Two cleaning modes: basket or hanging platform
- Compatible with printers up to 10 inches including Saturn 4 Ultra
Cons
- Wash cycle is louder than older Mercury models
- Plastic construction feels lighter than the 2.0
The Mercury Plus 3.0 is ELEGOO’s answer to the new wave of larger, faster resin printers like the Saturn 4 Ultra and Mars 5. The headline number is the 7.5L cleaning capacity, which is a 114% jump from the Mercury Plus 2.0, and a 200% jump in curing size. If you have recently upgraded to a 10 inch class printer, this is the ELEGOO station that finally fits the build plate without compromises.
The cure chamber uses 24 pieces of 405nm LED paired with a reflective mirror design that bounces UV into the shadowed areas. In our testing, that translated to noticeably fewer undercured pockets on tall minis with deep undercuts, which is the exact failure mode that bigger printers expose. The vortex cleaning mode creates a swirling motion that pulls resin off the print surface faster than a stationary basket, cutting wash time on thick parts.
The two cleaning modes are a thoughtful addition. Basket mode is the classic setup, where small parts tumble in a perforated basket. Hanging platform mode lets you snap a full build plate onto a vertical hanger, which is the only way to wash a fully populated 10 inch plate without removing parts. That flexibility matters for batch workflows where you do not want to spend 20 minutes popping supports off a fresh print.
On the downside, the wash cycle is louder than the Mercury Plus 2.0, and reviewers report the vortex mode can be a bit aggressive. The plastic construction also feels lighter in the hand than the 2.0, which makes sense given the larger footprint, but it is worth handling one in person if you can. With only 61 reviews so far, long-term reliability data is still limited, although ELEGOO’s track record on the 2.0 gives us confidence.
Who this station suits best
Owners of the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra, Mars 5, or any 10 inch class printer who want an ELEGOO-native station that fits the new generation of build plates. Also a strong fit for anyone planning to upgrade their printer in the next year and who wants a station that will not become obsolete.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you have a 5 to 6 inch printer, since the 7.5L bucket is overkill. Also skip it if you want a station with a long track record of owner reviews, since the 3.0 is still relatively new to the market.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Wash and Cure Station?
Choosing the best resin washing station for 3D printing is less about brand loyalty and more about matching the station to your printer, your resin, and your workspace. Here are the six factors we weigh on every station we test.
Cleaning Capacity vs Your Build Plate
The single most important number is internal basket volume. A 5 to 6 inch printer needs at least a 2L bucket. A 7 to 8 inch printer needs 3.5 to 4L. Anything 10 inch or larger needs 7L or more, and you should also check the maximum internal height, because tall prints with deep supports will not fit in a short chamber even if the basket is wide. When in doubt, size up. Reviewers on resin printing forums consistently report that the most common upgrade regret is buying a station that is too small, then outgrowing it within a year.
UV Light Type, Wavelength, and Uniformity
All six stations on this list use 405nm UV LEDs, which is the standard for photopolymer resin. What matters more is how the LEDs are arranged. A single top-down array creates hot spots directly under the lights and cold spots in corners. Stations with side, bottom, and adjustable gooseneck lighting, like the ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3.0 and the ELEGOO Mercury Plus 3.0, deliver noticeably more even cures. If you print detailed miniatures with undercuts, that uniformity is the difference between a hard part and a soft one.
Wash Modes: Basket vs Suspension vs Vortex
Basket mode is the standard, where parts tumble in a perforated basket. Suspension or hanging mode lets you wash a full build plate without removing parts, which is essential for large format printers. Vortex mode, used by the Mercury Plus 3.0, uses a swirling motion to speed up cleaning on thick parts. We recommend at least basket and suspension modes, because there will be days when you want to wash a single delicate miniature and other days when you want to wash a whole plate.
Solvent Efficiency and IPA Saving
IPA is expensive, especially if you print often. Stations with dual-layer baskets or adjustable height platforms let you lift small prints up out of the deepest solvent, so you can use less IPA per cycle. The ANYCUBIC units and the Mercury Plus 3.0 both offer this. Reviewers report that over a year of regular use, a dual-layer basket can save several bottles of IPA compared to a single-bucket setup. If you have switched to water-washable resin, you can skip this concern entirely, but most water-washable resins still benefit from a final IPA rinse for the cleanest surface.
Noise Levels and Workspace Placement
Wash stations are mechanical devices with stirrers, pumps, and fans. The Mercury Plus 2.0 and the ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3.0 are the quietest in our testing, sitting around 60 to 65dB. The Mercury Plus 3.0 in vortex mode is louder. If your station will live in a bedroom, home office, or apartment, prioritize the quieter units. If you have a workshop or garage, noise is less of a concern and you can trade volume for capacity.
Safety, Sealing, and UV Protection
Leaking IPA is the number one complaint in resin printing communities. Look for a sealed washing container with a proper gasket, not just a snap-on lid. Anti-UV lids that block 99% or more of UV light are essential for eye safety, especially if you have kids or pets in the room. The Mercury Plus 2.0 and Creality UW-01 both rate well on sealing. A bonus we appreciate: a clear viewing window so you can monitor cycles without opening the lid.
DIY Alternatives: When a Bucket Is Enough
For the budget-conscious, a sealed plastic bucket, a magnetic stirrer, and a separate UV nail lamp or flashlight will technically wash and cure prints. We have seen working setups on r/resinprinting for a very low cost. The downsides are no automation, open IPA fumes, inconsistent curing, and a higher risk of spills. If you only print once a month, a DIY setup is fine. If you print weekly or more, a sealed station pays for itself in saved IPA, fewer failed prints, and a less smelly room.
For more on the printer side of the workflow, our guides to the best resin 3D printers under 500 and best professional resin 3D printers cover the machines these stations are designed to support. If you are focused on miniatures for tabletop gaming, the best resin 3D printers for miniatures roundup pairs well with the stations above.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you wash resin 3D prints?
Remove the print from the build plate, then submerge it in 90%+ isopropyl alcohol inside a wash station basket for 2 to 4 minutes. Agitate gently or use a station with a magnetic stirrer. After washing, lift the basket and let excess IPA drip back into the bucket for 30 seconds before moving to the cure station.
Is a wash and cure station necessary for resin printing?
Yes, if you want prints that are hard, dry, and safe to handle. A wash station removes liquid uncured resin from the surface, and a cure station completes the polymerization under 405nm UV light. Skipping either step leaves prints tacky, weak, and slightly toxic on the surface.
Can you use 70% alcohol to clean resin prints?
You can, but 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol works much faster and leaves less white residue on the surface. 70% IPA has more water content, which can leave a chalky film on ABS-like and tough resins. If 70% is all you have, plan on a second wash with fresh IPA for the cleanest result.
How long should you wash 3D resin prints?
For most standard resins, 2 to 4 minutes in IPA is enough. Tough and ABS-like resins often need 4 to 6 minutes for a fully clean surface. Over-washing can actually dull fine details, so start with shorter cycles and only extend if you see uncured resin still clinging to the print.
Which brand makes the best wash and cure stations?
ANYCUBIC and ELEGOO consistently lead the category, with the largest user bases and most refined designs. Phrozen is the strong choice for large format 10 inch printers, and Creality is the most reliable budget option. For most users in 2026, the ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 is the best overall pick.
Final Verdict
After testing all six units, the ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 with Gooseneck Lights is our pick for the best resin washing station for 3D printing in 2026. It hits the right balance of capacity, curing power, IPA efficiency, and noise, and the 3,157 reviews averaging 4.7 stars make it the safest long-term bet.
For pure value, the ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 is still the gold standard at a lower cost, and it will serve most 5 to 6 inch printer owners for years. If you are running a 10 inch class printer, skip both and go straight for the Phrozen Wash and Cure Kit, which is the only station on this list that actually fits a 10.3 inch build plate with room to spare.
Whatever station you pick, do not skip the cure step. A clean wash plus a full UV cure is what turns a fragile print into a finished part. If you want to learn more about the printer side of the workflow, our guides to best resin 3D printers under 2000 and 3D printing pens for kids are good next reads.
