UV light buying guide

UV Light Buying Guide: 365nm vs 395nm vs 405nm, Torch vs Floodlight vs Bulb

A practical guide to choose UV torches, floodlights, bulbs, strip lights, spotlights and 405nm curing lights by use case, wavelength and product type.

Choose by use case Ask on WhatsApp
365nm
Inspection-style checks 395nm
Glow and decor effects 405nm
Compatible resin curing Form factor
Torch, floodlight, bulb, strip

Fast navigation

Use this page as the UV hub. Pick the application first, then choose the product type.

Compare wavelengths Compare product types Choose by use case Important limits
365nm vs 395nm vs 405nm Torch vs floodlight Pet stains Glow party Gemstones Resin curing Screen printing Leak detection
Wavelength comparison

365nm vs 395nm vs 405nm

These are practical buying directions, not guaranteed outcomes. Always confirm product specs and your material requirements.

UV wavelength buying comparison
WavelengthUsually chosen forBest product typeImportant cautionGo deeper
365nmInspection-style fluorescence, gemstones/minerals, pet stains, compatible dye checks.UV torch, black-filter torch, handheld rechargeable torch.No guaranteed detection, authentication, grading or diagnostic result.365nm inspection guide
395nmVisible blacklight glow, neon paint, fluorescent posters, glow parties and decor.Floodlight, bulb, strip light, spotlight.Glow depends on material, room darkness, distance and angle.Glow-party guide
405nmCompatible resin curing, 3D print curing, UV glue and craft resin.405nm curing light, curing lamp, suitable floodlight-style option.No fixed curing time and no compatibility with all resins.405nm curing guide
Product type comparison

Torch vs floodlight vs bulb vs strip vs spotlight

The product shape matters as much as wavelength. A torch and floodlight can share a wavelength but solve different problems.

UV product type comparison
Product typeBest forCommon use casesDo not use it forShop / learn
UV TorchClose-range handheld inspection.Pet stains, gemstones, minerals, dye-assisted leak checks, document feature checks.Large room glow or broad wall coverage.UV torch guide
UV FloodlightWide-area visible glow or larger exposure setups.Glow parties, halls, stages, fluorescent walls, screen-printing tests.Close-range detailed inspection where handheld control is needed.Shop UV floodlights
UV BulbSimple small-room glow when a compatible holder is available.Small rooms, temporary decor, low-budget glow setups.Large halls, broad outdoor areas or precise inspection work.Bulb/strip guide
UV Strip LightHidden edges and tight decorative spaces.Shelves, counters, gaming rooms, display edges.Replacing floodlights for wide room glow.Bulb/strip guide
UV SpotlightFocused glow on a specific wall, poster, prop or stage area.Fluorescent posters, photo/video zones, props and display corners.Uniform full-room coverage.Shop UV spotlights
405nm Curing LightCompatible resin, UV glue or 3D print curing.3D prints, craft resin, jewelry, miniatures and UV glue.General inspection, pet stains, gemstone authentication or medical/dental curing.405nm curing guide
Application pages

Open the exact UV guide for your use case

This hub should send confused visitors to the correct application page instead of forcing one generic UV product on everyone.

Pet stainsUV Torch for Pet Urine

For checking possible stains on carpet, floors, sofa, bedding and corners.

Open page
Glow effectsUV Blacklights for Glow Parties

For neon paint, fluorescent posters, clubs, stages and party decor.

Open page
Gemstones365nm Gemstone & Mineral Torch

For observing fluorescence in gemstones, minerals, crystals and rocks.

Open page
Resin curing405nm Resin Curing Light

For compatible resin, 3D prints, UV glue and craft resin.

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Exposure workScreen Printing & Cyanotype

For screen-printing emulsion, cyanotype and photo exposure tests.

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Leak dyeLeak & Industrial Inspection

For compatible fluorescent dye, HVAC checks, fluid traces and industrial marks.

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Small decorUV Lamps, Bulbs & Strip Lights

For small rooms, shelves, counters, display corners and gaming setups.

Open page
General inspection365nm Torch with Black Filter

For close-range inspection where lower visible purple spill may matter.

Open page
Buying rules

Quick rules before buying any UV light

Most UV mistakes happen because the buyer chooses by wattage only and ignores wavelength, distance, surface and use case.

Pick the use case first

Inspection, glow effect, curing and exposure work need different UV products.

Check wavelength

365nm, 395nm and 405nm are not interchangeable for every task.

Match the form factor

Use torches for close inspection, floodlights for wide glow, strips for edges, and bulbs for simple small rooms.

Expect variation

Results depend on material, distance, darkness, surface, angle and product specs.

Important limits

What this guide does not claim

No medical or germicidal claim

This guide is not for medical, hygiene, sterilisation, disinfection or UVC germicidal use. Do not claim UVC benefits unless actual UVC products and documentation exist.

No guaranteed detection

Pet stains, leak dye, marks, documents, gemstones and minerals may or may not fluoresce. UV can help viewing, but it does not guarantee detection or authentication.

No guaranteed curing result

405nm curing depends on resin type, manufacturer wavelength requirement, light power, distance, thickness and exposure setup.

No one-size-fits-all UV product

A UV torch, floodlight, bulb, strip light and curing light are not substitutes for one another. Choose based on the job.

Still confused?

Send your UV use case and we’ll point you to the right page

Share what you want to do, the area or object size, and whether you need inspection, glow effect, curing or exposure work.

Send us: Use case: stain, glow, curing, exposure, gemstone, leak dye Object or room size Indoor/dark-room condition Any wavelength or material requirement
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