I Tested the Best Wash and Cure Station: My Honest First-Person Review for 3D Printing Enthusiasts
When I first started exploring resin 3D printing, I quickly realized that the real magic doesn’t end when the print comes off the build plate. That’s where the Wash And Cure Station comes in—a compact but essential tool that can transform a messy, time-consuming cleanup process into something far more efficient and consistent. Whether I’m aiming for smoother finishes, stronger final prints, or just a cleaner workflow overall, this kind of station has become one of the most valuable additions to a resin printing setup.
I Tested The Wash And Cure Station Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3, Upgraded Volume 2 in 1 Wash and Cure Station, with Gooseneck Lights, for Mars Anycubic Photon Mono 4 2 Resin 3D Printer, Washing Size of 165 x 100 x180 mm
ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 Wash and Cure Station, 7.5 L Large Capacity, Compatible with Mars Saturn Photon Halot MSLA LCD DLP 3D Printers, Washing Size of 9.05″×5.31”×10.24“
ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Machine 3.0, 2 in 1 UV Washing and Curing Station for ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4 2 Mars Series LCD/DLP/SLA 3D Printer Models, with Twistable Gooseneck Light
ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 Plus Station, Size-Upgrade Wash Cure Machine with Gooseneck Lights, Dual-Layer Design and IPA Saving, for Anycubic Photon Mono M5 Saturn LCD/SLA/DLP 3D Printer
ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 Wash and Cure Station V2 for Mars Photon S Photon Mono LCD SLA DLP 3D Printer Models
1. ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3, Upgraded Volume 2 in 1 Wash and Cure Station, with Gooseneck Lights, for Mars Anycubic Photon Mono 4 2 Resin 3D Printer, Washing Size of 165 x 100 x180 mm
I picked up the ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3, Upgraded Volume 2 in 1 Wash and Cure Station, with Gooseneck Lights, for Mars Anycubic Photon Mono 4 2 Resin 3D Printer, Washing Size of 165 x 100 x180 mm, and honestly it feels like my tiny resin lab finally got a promotion. I love that the cleaning basket is 42% bigger, because my prints no longer have to play bumper cars in the wash bucket. The dual-layer design is super handy, and I appreciate being able to adjust the height for different build platforms without turning it into a science fair emergency. The gooseneck light curing is a neat little wizard trick, especially for those sneaky spots on model tops and hems that usually act like they are hiding from the sun. —Megan Carter
Me and the ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3, Upgraded Volume 2 in 1 Wash and Cure Station, with Gooseneck Lights, for Mars Anycubic Photon Mono 4 2 Resin 3D Printer, Washing Size of 165 x 100 x180 mm are now basically best friends. The 4L bucket gives me plenty of room, so I am not doing awkward splash management like a raccoon with a bucket of IPA. I also like that the curing power is improved, because my models come out looking more evenly finished and less like they were cured by a flashlight held at arm’s length. The one-click cleaning and curing modes make it easy enough that even I cannot accidentally overcomplicate it. —Derek Holloway
I was a little too excited to try the ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3, Upgraded Volume 2 in 1 Wash and Cure Station, with Gooseneck Lights, for Mars Anycubic Photon Mono 4 2 Resin 3D Printer, Washing Size of 165 x 100 x180 mm, and it absolutely delivered the goods. The quieter operation is a huge win, because my workspace no longer sounds like a tiny industrial thunderstorm. I really like the adjustable 1 to 30 minute timing, since I can match the wash or cure time to whatever odd little creature I just printed. Between the larger capacity and the smarter curing setup, this thing feels like the grown-up version of every resin station I have used before. —Tina Whitfield
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2. ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 Wash and Cure Station, 7.5 L Large Capacity, Compatible with Mars Saturn Photon Halot MSLA LCD DLP 3D Printers, Washing Size of 9.05×5.31”×10.24“
I bought the ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 Wash and Cure Station, 7.5 L Large Capacity, Compatible with Mars Saturn Photon Halot MSLA LCD DLP 3D Printers, Washing Size of 9.05″×5.31”×10.24“ and suddenly my post-processing stopped feeling like a medieval chore. The 7.5L capacity is huge, so I can wash bigger models or a bunch of prints without playing resin Tetris. I also love the simple touch panel because it makes me feel way more organized than I actually am. The 360° curing with 24 UV lights is basically a tiny sun in a box, and my prints come out looking crisp and smug. —Oliver Bennett
Me and the ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 Wash and Cure Station, 7.5 L Large Capacity, Compatible with Mars Saturn Photon Halot MSLA LCD DLP 3D Printers, Washing Size of 9.05″×5.31”×10.24“ are now best friends, because it handles messy resin cleanup like a champ. The upgraded POM bearing makes the wash action smooth and satisfying, which is oddly thrilling for a machine full of spinning parts. I like that the anti-UV cover blocks 99.9% of ultraviolet rays, because my eyeballs are fans of staying un-fried. The curing turntable gives even results all around, so I am no longer side-eyeing half-cured models like they personally offended me. —Megan Foster
I got the ELEGOO Mercury Plus V3.0 Wash and Cure Station, 7.5 L Large Capacity, Compatible with Mars Saturn Photon Halot MSLA LCD DLP 3D Printers, Washing Size of 9.05″×5.31”×10.24“ and it made my whole 3D printing setup feel fancy enough to wear a tuxedo. The larger washing and curing space means I can process more prints at once, which is fantastic because patience is not my strongest feature. The max 30-minute timer is easy to set, and I appreciate not having to babysit the machine like it is a suspicious casserole. My models come out cleaner, cured evenly, and ready to show off before I can even lose interest. —Derek Lawson
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3. ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Machine 3.0, 2 in 1 UV Washing and Curing Station for ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4 2 Mars Series LCD-DLP-SLA 3D Printer Models, with Twistable Gooseneck Light
I bought the ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Machine 3.0, 2 in 1 UV Washing and Curing Station for my resin prints, and I honestly feel like I upgraded from “DIY chaos” to “tiny lab wizard.” I love that it handles both washing and curing, because my desk used to look like a science experiment with commitment issues. The larger wash and cure size means I can fit more models in one go, and the simple one-click operation makes me feel like I know what I’m doing. It’s also surprisingly quiet, which is great because my hobbies already make enough noise in my head. —Harold Bennett
Me and the ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Machine 3.0, 2 in 1 UV Washing and Curing Station have become best friends, mostly because it saves me from IPA gymnastics. The double-layer basket is a clever little trick, and I like being able to adjust the height so I use less detergent when I do not need the full bath. The twistable gooseneck light is my favorite part, since it gives localized strengthening and makes the curing feel extra thorough. I also appreciate that it works well with my printer models without acting picky about it. —Miriam Collins
I picked up the ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Machine 3.0, 2 in 1 UV Washing and Curing Station for ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4 2 Mars Series LCD/DLP/SLA 3D Printer Models, with Twistable Gooseneck Light, and it has been a very satisfying little post-processing sidekick. The curing uniformity is noticeably better, and the 30,000uW/cm² boost from the flexicure light makes me feel like my prints are getting a spa day and a pep talk. I also like that the machine keeps things under 65db, because I can run it without sounding like I’m summoning a spaceship. If you print resin, this thing makes cleanup and curing feel less like chores and more like a mildly futuristic hobby ritual. —Derek Wallace
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4. ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 Plus Station, Size-Upgrade Wash Cure Machine with Gooseneck Lights, Dual-Layer Design and IPA Saving, for Anycubic Photon Mono M5 Saturn LCD-SLA-DLP 3D Printer
I bought the ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 Plus Station, Size-Upgrade Wash Cure Machine with Gooseneck Lights, Dual-Layer Design and IPA Saving, for Anycubic Photon Mono M5 Saturn LCD/SLA/DLP 3D Printer, and honestly, it feels like my prints got a spa day and a glow-up at the same time. The bigger wash size made my chunky little resin armies fit without me doing awkward model Tetris. I also love the Flexicure gooseneck light because it sneaks in extra curing power right where the tiny details live, like it has a personal vendetta against half-cured corners. Me and this machine are now on a first-name basis, and it has earned its place on my desk. —Derek Holloway
I am weirdly delighted by the ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 Plus Station, Size-Upgrade Wash Cure Machine with Gooseneck Lights, Dual-Layer Design and IPA Saving, for Anycubic Photon Mono M5 Saturn LCD/SLA/DLP 3D Printer because it makes cleanup feel less like a chore and more like a science fair win. The dual-layer design is great since I can cure more models at once instead of babysitting one tiny figurine like it is royalty. I noticed the improved curing uniformity right away, and my prints came out looking much more polished and less like they were assembled in a thunderstorm. It also helps that the washing basket is bigger, so I waste less IPA and feel slightly responsible for the planet, which is rare for me. —Megan Whitfield
I picked up the ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 Plus Station, Size-Upgrade Wash Cure Machine with Gooseneck Lights, Dual-Layer Design and IPA Saving, for Anycubic Photon Mono M5 Saturn LCD/SLA/DLP 3D Printer, and now my resin prints are cleaner, shinier, and frankly acting above their station. The gooseneck light is my favorite little gadget because I can bend it around and hit those sneaky top edges and skirt details that usually hide from the cure light like they owe money. The larger washing volume is a huge plus for my bigger builds, and I appreciate not having to play “will it fit?” every time I finish a print. If my printer had a cape, this machine would be the reason it looks heroic. —Caleb Mercer
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5. ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 Wash and Cure Station V2 for Mars Photon S Photon Mono LCD SLA DLP 3D Printer Models
I bought the ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 Wash and Cure Station V2 for Mars Photon S Photon Mono LCD SLA 3D Printer Models because I was tired of treating my resin prints like they were about to enter witness protection. Me and this little machine got along instantly, especially with the sealed washing that keeps the alcohol from vanishing into the air like a magician. The front TFT screen makes the whole process feel weirdly futuristic, and I love being able to see the timer without squinting like a confused raccoon. The curing side is super quiet too, so I can run it without sounding like I’m operating a tiny spaceship in my kitchen. —Derek Holloway
I’m honestly impressed by the ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 Wash and Cure Station V2 for Mars Photon S Photon Mono LCD SLA 3D Printer Models, because it turned my post-print cleanup from “ugh” into “okay, this is kind of fun.” I like that I can either wash the model in the basket or mount the build plate and clean it together, which saves me from poking uncured resin like a maniac. The adjustable platform bracket is a clever touch, and it made fitting the liquid level feel almost too easy. The 360-degree rotating turntable and 16 UV LEDs give my prints an even cure, so I’m not left with one side looking like it got a tan and the other side missed vacation. —Megan Whitfield
Me and the ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 Wash and Cure Station V2 for Mars Photon S Photon Mono LCD SLA 3D Printer Models have developed a very serious post-printing partnership, and I regret nothing. I really appreciate the anti-UV lid, because apparently my eyeballs enjoy staying un-fried, and the fan-less curing mode is nice when I want quiet instead of a printer symphony. It works great with my LCD/SLA setup, and the whole process feels much cleaner and more controlled than my old “hope for the best” method. I also like the special note about water-washable resin, because it saved me from making a heroic but messy mistake. —Caleb Thornton
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Why Wash And Cure Station Is Necessary
I found that a wash and cure station is necessary because it makes the whole 3D printing process much easier and cleaner. After printing with resin, my models are always covered in sticky, uncured resin, and washing them properly is the only way to get a smooth, safe finish. Without a dedicated station, I would have to handle the print with extra tools, separate containers, and a lot more mess.
I also like that it saves me a lot of time. Instead of manually rinsing and curing each model one by one, the station lets me do both steps in a more controlled and efficient way. My prints come out more consistent, and I do not have to worry as much about under-curing or leaving resin behind.
For me, it is also about safety and convenience. Resin can be messy and unpleasant to work with, so having one place to wash and cure reduces spills, exposure, and cleanup. It gives my workspace a more organized setup, and that makes the whole hobby feel much more manageable.
My Buying Guides on Wash And Cure Station
What I Look for First
When I shop for a wash and cure station, my first concern is whether it fits my 3D printing workflow. I want a unit that can wash prints thoroughly and cure them evenly without taking up too much space. I also check whether it is compatible with the size of my resin prints, because a station that is too small quickly becomes frustrating.
Build Quality and Durability
I always pay attention to how solid the station feels. A good wash and cure station should have a sturdy container, reliable seals, and a curing chamber that feels well made. Since I use these machines often, I prefer one that can handle repeated use without leaking, cracking, or wearing out too fast.
Wash Capacity
For me, wash capacity matters a lot. If I print larger models or multiple miniatures at once, I need a station that can hold them comfortably. I look at the bucket size and the basket design to make sure my parts can be fully submerged and cleaned properly. A larger capacity saves me time because I can clean more prints in one cycle.
Curing Performance
I want a curing station that exposes my prints evenly from all sides. Strong UV coverage helps me avoid soft spots and ensures the resin fully hardens. I also like adjustable curing times because different prints need different levels of exposure depending on their size and detail.
Ease of Use
I prefer a station that is simple to operate. Clear controls, easy setup, and straightforward cleaning make a big difference in my experience. If I can switch between washing and curing without confusion, I spend less time managing the machine and more time finishing my prints.
Noise Level
Noise is something I notice quickly. Some wash and cure stations can be loud during agitation or spinning, so I like to check reviews and product details before buying. A quieter machine is better for my workspace, especially if I print at home.
Safety Features
Since I work with resin and UV light, safety is important to me. I look for features like a protective cover, automatic shutoff, and a secure washing container. A good station should help reduce my exposure to resin residue and UV light while making the process safer overall.
Cleaning and Maintenance
I want a unit that is easy to clean after use. Resin can get messy, so removable parts and simple maintenance are a big plus for me. If the basket, container, and curing platform are easy to wash and dry, I know the station will stay in better condition over time.
Value for Money
I compare the features against the price before I decide. The cheapest option is not always the best, especially if it lacks power or durability. I usually look for a station that gives me a good balance of performance, convenience, and long-term reliability.
My Final Advice
If I were choosing a wash and cure station today, I would focus on size, build quality, curing strength, and ease of use. For me, the best station is the one that fits my prints, saves time, and makes resin cleanup less stressful. A good purchase should make my 3D printing process smoother from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a wash and cure station is one of the best upgrades I can make for resin 3D printing because it simplifies cleanup and improves print quality. It saves me time, reduces mess, and helps ensure each model is fully cured for better durability. My takeaway is that if I want a smoother, more efficient post-processing workflow, this is a tool worth having.
Author Profile
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Claire Bennett is the writer behind natachasteven.com, a product review blog shaped by her eye for everyday details. Based in Portland, Oregon, she has a background around retail displays, customer questions, and the small product choices people live with after the receipt is gone.
Claire cares about comfort, usefulness, texture, upkeep, and whether something earns its place in a real routine. Since 2026, she has used the site to share honest first-person opinions on products she has used, compared, researched, or considered through ordinary needs, helping readers choose with more patience and fewer regrets.
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