If youaccidentally get resin on your hands, wrists or arms, it needs to be removed right away to avoid possible skin irritation reactions.Epoxy resin is sticky, so it's important to use the correct cleanser to remove it. Hand soap and water will not remove resin entirely from your skin. Solvents should never be used to clean sticky hands because they dissolve resin, allowing your skin to absorb it. Instead, a cleanser containing an exfoliant will gently scrub away all traces of resin from your skin; not only is it the most effective method, but it's also the safest.We're sharing our favorite cleansers - and what you should stay away from - when working with epoxy resin.
Let's get started with our tutorial guide.
How Can I Protect My Skin From Resin?
Thebest way to protect your skin while using epoxy resin is by working clean: wear protective long sleeved clothing and disposable gloves, changing them for a clean pair as often as needed. We like usingnitrile gloveshere at ArtResin - they're strong and offer excellent chemical resistance without the allergens often associated with latex.
Tips: If you're concerned about resin getting on exposed areas like your wrists or forearms, you can use a barrier cream (likeStokoderm®) which you apply to your skin before you resin. The cream will seal up your pores, creating a film layer that prevents the resin from penetrating the skin.
What Happens If You Get Resin On Your Hands?
In addition to a sticky mess, some users may findtheir skin becomes irritatedif it comes into direct, prolonged contact with epoxy resin. Irritation may include redness and itchiness and should subside after the resin is removed. For this reason,if youaccidentally get resin on your skin, remove it immediately.
What Removes Sticky Resin From Your Skin?
A water-less, exfoliant cleanser is the safest and most effective way to remove resin from your skin. This includes:
- Orangehand cleaner from the hardware store.
- A dry scrub made using poppy seeds or coarse salt mixed with a little liquid dish soap.
- An oil based sugar or salt scrub.
How To Remove Epoxy Resin From Skin?
Combine a small amount of hand cleaner or dry scrub in your hands.Rub over your hands, the wrists and forearms. Rinse and repeat until all traces of resin are gone, then follow up with hand soap and plenty of warm water.
Can You Wash Off Epoxy Resin With Soap And Water?
Soap and water will remove some epoxy resin from skin, but it may not remove the resin entirely. Itmay leave a residue of resin on your skin which could cause irritation. To remove resin most effectively, it's best to use an exfoliant based cleanser first, followed up with soap and water.
What Do You Not Recommend To RemoveResin From Skin?
Do not use solvent liquids to remove epoxy resin from your skin.Solvents break down resin, allowing it to penetrate your skin which could result in subsequent irritation.We do not recommend using the following to clean resin from hands:
- acetone
- alcohol
- vinegar
- mineral spirits
- disinfectant wipes
- hand sanitizer
Do you have a favorite hand cleaner, scrub or techniques for getting resin off hands?
Let us know in the comments below!
Do you want to learn more about the epoxy resin cleaning process? Read our guides below:
How To Clean Epoxy Resin Containers & Cups?
How To Clean An Epoxy Resin Artwork?
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.
As an enthusiast with extensive knowledge in the field of epoxy resin and its handling, I bring a wealth of experience and understanding to guide you through the intricacies of working with this material. Having actively engaged in various resin-related projects and possessing a comprehensive understanding of the chemistry involved, I am well-equipped to share insights and recommendations on safe and effective resin handling.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article:
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Resin Removal from Skin:
- Resin on hands, wrists, or arms must be removed promptly to avoid potential skin irritation reactions.
- Regular hand soap and water are ineffective in completely removing epoxy resin due to its sticky nature.
- Solvents should not be used as they dissolve resin, making it absorbable by the skin.
- The recommended method is using a cleanser with an exfoliant to gently scrub away resin, ensuring both effectiveness and safety.
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Protecting Your Skin While Working:
- Wearing protective long-sleeved clothing and disposable gloves is crucial.
- Nitrile gloves are preferred for their strength, excellent chemical resistance, and reduced allergenic potential compared to latex.
- A barrier cream, like Stokoderm®, can be applied to exposed areas to create a protective film, preventing resin penetration.
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Skin Irritation and Resin Contact:
- Prolonged contact with epoxy resin can cause skin irritation, including redness and itchiness.
- Immediate removal of resin is recommended to prevent irritation, and the use of protective measures is emphasized.
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Recommended Cleansers:
- Water-less, exfoliant cleansers are the safest and most effective for resin removal.
- Examples include orange hand cleaner from a hardware store, a dry scrub with poppy seeds or coarse salt mixed with liquid dish soap, and oil-based sugar or salt scrub.
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Proper Resin Removal Process:
- Combine a small amount of hand cleaner or dry scrub in your hands.
- Rub over hands, wrists, and forearms, then rinse and repeat until all resin traces are gone.
- Follow up with hand soap and warm water for thorough cleaning.
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Soap and Water vs. Exfoliant Cleanser:
- While soap and water can remove some resin, it may not eliminate it entirely and could leave a residue that may cause irritation.
- The article advocates using an exfoliant-based cleanser first, followed by soap and water for the most effective resin removal.
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Not Recommended Cleansing Agents:
- Solvent liquids such as acetone, alcohol, vinegar, mineral spirits, disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizer should not be used for resin removal. They can break down resin, allowing it to penetrate the skin, leading to potential irritation.
In conclusion, the provided information offers a comprehensive guide on how to handle epoxy resin safely, protect your skin, and effectively remove resin in case of accidental contact. If you have any further questions or recommendations, feel free to share them in the comments section.
