The invention is directed to an apparatus and methods for curing a surface that is coated with a curable resin, such as an ultraviolet light-curable surface coating. The method involves directing radiation to the curable coating material using an apparatus of the invention to form a cured surface without substantially increasing the temperature of the work surface. The surface coating material can contain ultraviolet reactive photo-initiator compounds. An apparatus for curing a surface coating material is also provided. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a source of ultraviolet radiation that emits radiation having wavelengths in the range of about 315 to about 400 nm, an air cooling system that maintains an optimum temperature that maximizes the ultraviolet energy output and vents exhaust air away from the targeted work surface, and a positioning panel that holds the ultraviolet light source and allows the ultraviolet radiation source to be rotated both in the horizontal and vertical directions such that the apparatus can be accurately directed towards the target surface coating material.