This report introduces a novel UV-curing technology based on thiol-thiol coupling for polydisulfide network formation. Beginning with a model tris(3-mercaptopropionate) trithiol monomer and xanthone propionic acid-protected guanidine as photobase generator, a comprehensive characterization based on spectroscopic techniques supports the reaction of thiols into disulfides without side reactions. The best experimental conditions are described as regards to film thickness, irradiance, emission wavelength, and atmosphere composition. The results shed light on a step-growth photopolymerization mechanism involving two steps: first, the formation of thiyl radicals by thiolate air oxidation or/and thiol photolysis, and second, their recombination into disulfide. By varying thiol V C 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 117-128.