How is it that the photo does not stick to the surface you put it on to cure after the acrylic gel medium.
8 years ago
Was wondering if you had any clue what has messed up my project. In june I mounted with double tack sheet a photo to a piece of solid oak 2 inches thick, then covered in resin. It went to two galleries and looked great,but now 3 months later I have serious buckling problems. The photo has buckled up and is acctually pushing up the resin. A weight on it flattens it but it pops back up, clearly the photo is not sticking to wood anymore. I love this look but if I can't figure out the solution I won't try it again. You suggestion to seal the photo sounds like something I missed, but the fact that it was fine for over 2 months makes me thing that's not the issue. I've used double tack sheets on many photo mountings, had only minor problems with egdes unsticking, nothing where large bubbles pull free. Maybe moisture wicking into wood from backside? Anyone have any ideas?
9 years ago on Introduction
You've done a very good job of clearly explaining the process. I've not worked with resin before. Is this something middle school students could do if there were enough parent volunteers on hand?
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Speaking from my own experience, I wouldn't try it. Resin can be hard enough to keep contained to your work area when there's no other hands involved. It sticks to everything and will ruin clothes in an instant.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
I did it in year 7 and used it this year (year 9). Its not that hard to use- you just have to have a little common sense.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
...and I was wondering about the smell. There are probably rules about having a hood to take care of the gassing. Somebody would probably show up in their $150.00 Nikes...Thanks.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Smell in this case means toxic chemicals - some one needs to look at the material safety data sheet (MSDS) which I have not the time to do right now - or even read carefully the back of the can. When it says breathing may cause central nervous system damage (brain nerves) and even death - it means it. I see these suggestions all over youtube now and it is scary no one seems to take the warnings seriously. (often)
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Resin does not release any significant amount of fumes because it is not solvent based. Inhalation is not a big concern with resin. The only health concern in using it is if it is improperly cleaned up using acetone. Acetone should never be used around resins because it can carry them through the skin and into the bloodstream.
NightHakinLight I beg highly to differ and can with 3 degrees (biochemistry, arts/chemistry of arts and health fields) (remember the artist Eva Hess - dead from working with epoxy resins) point you to the proper literature. "resin is not solvent based" (yes it is!) Some are already mixed into the product ie reason why it is liquid, or if it comes in powder form (industrial) it is added later. But I can assure you the solvent is there or it would not be well solvent! (liquid). When they are combined as in a "two part" resin (and there are many types) epoxy being ONE version of many, the combinations causes an exothermic (heat) reaction and it "cures".
2 - remember many toxic chemicals have no odor (CO for one). You may have meant non petro solvent based as all products have a solvent even if it is water. Acetone is as well toxic. As well the two part (or even single) glues are forms (variations of formula's) of epoxy - some need to be heat/reassure cured (industrial) and some two part "curing". All are exothermic.
As well the limbic system of the brain is the main entry point for "fumes" (gases). Not just the skin. I have known many artists/people on Canal street in NYC who died (one owner of epoxy resin shop that made fiber glass - the filler, products, ie bird baths so on). All are in the same class but may have a different trade name - you can look up the OSHA chemical reference book as well.
I have an extensive background in plastics (epoxies are classed under this class) as I used to work with them (but again wore and did proper procedures to protect myself).
Note below - the finished product says "almost non - toxic" not completely inert - big difference if one uses them a lot over time.
As well this review was for a manufacturer... note near the end "loss of consciousness" and this does not include long term over time repeated exposures.
There is as well much literature (scientific, lab our board, medical) on the exact mechanism whereby enzyme, and other systems are damaged by exposure.
If one looks at each of the chemicals listed one can find the damage that can be done, without proper protection.
Now you can add your science to show solvents are not in resins.
I know the end result of being exposed long term to these class of chemicals and just putting out some warning signals. It I can assure you is on the back of the can as well.
Acetone would be listed as a co toxin (when more then one are involved in exposures)... there is safe and safer but all in one form or another are toxic and need proper protection guidelines when used.
..................................
Just some quick searching.
"The hardened, finished polymers are almost non-toxic; it is exposure to the uncured resin components that can be harmful. In a two-component epoxy product, the epoxy resin andthe curing agent are packaged separately and must be mixed together just before being used.
Each component can be hazardous.
In a single-component product, the resin and the curing agent are supplied in a pre-mixed form. Single-component systems are usually safer, because the hazardous chemicals are already partly combined into less toxic polymers and because they do not evaporate into the air as easily.
You Have the Right to Know:
(GISO 5194), your employer must tell you if you are working with any hazardous substances, including epoxies, and must train you to use them safely.
Because different additives to epoxy resin systems can affect your health in different ways, you should find out what chemicals are in the products you use.
Epoxy Resin Systems
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for the products in your work area.
An MSDS liststhe hazardous chemical contents of a product, describes its health and safety hazards, and gives methods for its safe use, storage, and disposal. The MSDS should also include information on fire and explosion hazards, reactivity, first aid, and procedures for handling
leaks and spills. Your employer must have an MSDS for any workplace product that contains a hazardous substance, and must make the MSDS available to employees on request.
This Fact Sheet is an aid for worker training programs. It does not take the place of Material Safety Data Sheets. HESIS Fact Sheets are available for several of the chemicals commonly added to epoxy resin systems; see page 6.
Examples of Epoxy Resin System Chemicals
Epoxy Resins
(monomers or oligomers) can be powders, or they can be thick, clear or
yellow liquids. Some common epoxy resins are: the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A
(DGEBA), novolac resins, cycloaliphatic epoxy resins, brominated resins, epoxidized olefins, Epon R and Epikote R
.
Curing Agents
react with epoxy resin monomers to form epoxy products. They are
usually liquids with strong, unpleasant odors. There are several categories of curing agents. Examples include:
●
Aliphatic amines
such as triethylenetetramine (TETA) and diethylenetriamine
(DETA);
Aromatic amines
, including diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) and dimethylaniline
(DMA);
Anhydrides
such as phthalic anhydride and nadic methyl anhydride (NMA);
Amine/phenol formaldehydes
such as urea formaldehyde and melamine
formaldehyde;
Catalytic curing agents
such as tertiary amines and boron trifluoride complexes.
Diluents
and solvents are used to dilute or thin epoxy resins. Diluents are usually
clear liquids. Some examples are:
Glycidyl ethers
(reactive diluents) such as n-butyl glycidyl ether (BGE),
isopropyl glycidyl ether (IGE) and phenyl glycidyl ether (PGE);
Organic solvents
such as toluene (toluol), xylene (xylenol), acetone, methyl ethyl
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ohb/HESIS/epoxy.htm (3 of 9) [5/6/2008 1:35:03 PM]
Epoxy Resin Systems
ketone (MEK), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA), and glycol ethers.
Fillers
add bulk and body to epoxy products. They are usually powders or fibers
such as sand, clay, calcium carbonate, fiberglass, asbestos, or silica.
HOW DO EPOXIES ENTER AND
AFFECT YOUR BODY?
The chemicals in epoxy resin systems can affect your health when they come in contact with your skin, or if they evaporate or form a mist or dust in the air you breathe. The main effects of overexposure are irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, skin allergies, and
asthma. The solvent additives can cause other effects such as headaches, dizziness, and confusion.
Lungs:
Vapors and spray mists of most epoxy resin system chemicals can irritate your
lungs. Some people develop asthma from the curing agents. Symptoms of asthma include chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. These symptoms may occur
after work or at night. Once a person becomes allergic to curing agents, even the dusts from sanding or grinding the hardened plastics can cause an asthma attack.
Skin:
Epoxy resins can cause skin irritation. Symptoms include redness, swelling, flaking,and itching on the hands, face, or other areas of contact. Some people develop a skin allergy or sensitivity to epoxy liquids or mists. Skin allergies may develop after just a few days of contact or after many years of exposure to epoxies. Sensitized skin may become red, inflamed, blistered, and itchy even from brief contact with epoxy resins.
Eyes, Nose, and Throat:
Most epoxy resin system chemicals and their vapors (especially
the curing agents and solvents) can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat. Some people develop headaches as a result of this irritation. If the liquids are splashed into your eye they will sting, and they can severely damage the eye. In case of eye contact, immediately rinse the eyes with water. Continue rinsing for 15 minutes and then seek medical attention.
Nervous System:
Solvents inhaled or absorbed through your skin can affect your central
nervous system (your brain).
Symptoms of solvent
overexposure include headache, nausea, dizziness, slurred speech, confusion, and loss of consciousness. For more information, ask for the HESIS Guide to Industrial Solvents.
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ohb/HESIS/epoxy.htm (4 of 9) [5/6/2008 1:35:03 PM]
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
sazure,
I appreciate you lending your experiences and information to this discussion, as I think the MSDS and warning labels should be considered by all who are looking to pioneer resin casting. I also work with epoxies at my day job and am well aware of the hazards if not handled properly. While there are many different resins on the market and their chemistry/warning labels might differ, I'll certainly advocate playing it safe and wearing a respirator and gloves in all cases.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
NightHawkinLight - to be fair I dug out my 3 inch book on plastics/resins chemistry of and maybe you meant the following (see below). (great book for all would be "artists beware" written by Dr. Michael McCann PhD, CIH (when I was at an end stage he sent me tons of material and to Dr. Ziem specialist in toxity exposures from Vietnam Vets - A truly amazing man.)
(forgive font' know how to shrink font sizes)
"non solvent" and usually for high end industrial use.
Novolac epoxy resin
Reaction of phenols with formaldehyde and subsequent glycidylation
with epichlorohydrin produces epoxidised novolacs, such as epoxy phenol
novolacs (EPN) and epoxy cresol novolacs (ECN). These are highly viscous
to solid resins with typical mean epoxide functionality of around 2 to
6. The high epoxide functionality of these resins forms a highly
crosslinked polymer network displaying high temperature and chemical
resistance, but low flexibility. 100% solids hybrid novolac epoxy resin
systems have been developed that contain no solvents and no volatile or
organic compounds. These hybrid novolac epoxies have been documented to
withstand up to 98% sulfuric acid.
Artist Beware, Updated and Revised: The Hazards in Working with All Art and Craft Materials and the Precautions... by Michael McCann PhD CIH
(Jun 1, 2005)
So you may have meant this "non solvent" but it is so high end ie industrial and I just assumed the project here mentioned meant the typical over the counter can. Who knows.
None the less I am many others ended up nearly dead, or dead due to repeated exposure to these products. I mention this as I did not know prior myself... I learned the very hard way about the toxicity and damage these products due over time to the human (and all other creatures) physiology.
As well the governing bodies meant to protect one such as the EPA, FDA are well behind on the safety of these and other toxic chemicals. Think Bayor Aspirin Bayor Pesticide (Monsanto) and one can only imagine why... Huge influences by manufacturers.
Be well and take precautions is all I meant to say.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
I appreciate your very thorough contribution, sazure. Thnaks!
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Definitely get comfortable with it yourself before making it a school project. It's not a matter of having enough hands to have a workshop like that, as much as it's having experience getting the process down.
9 years ago on Introduction
That's a great idea!
Is the effect of the resin similar to diasec - does it give this brilliant and sharp appearance to the photographs?
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
spunk,
I've never used diasec, but yes it does. As mentioned before, though, it will slightly dull your brights (ever so slightly) due to the refracted light that would otherwise hit the bare surface of your photo. Best to amp up your brights if possible. Best
9 years ago on Introduction
Looks great and thanks for sharing. I've been thinking about a project like this for a while now. Couple of questions: could you paint the sides instead of leaving them natural color? I was thinking of a nice, rich black to make the photo pop. What type of paint would you use to produce the best result with the resin?
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
You can paint the sides if you like. In my experience, any type of paint should work just fine. Good luck
9 years ago on Introduction
Great ideal. If I could suggest using two mixing containers. Punch a 1/4" hole close to the bottom of one container, place a piece of tape over this hole. Mix your epoxy in the other container than gentilly pour the premixed epoxy into the container with the taped hole. Hold the epoxy container slightly above your work and remove the tape. The air bubbles will rise to the surface allowing the epoxy that comes out of the hole almost free of suspended bubbles.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Great idea. Thanks
9 years ago on Introduction
What did you use as fixative?
As an expert in the field of resin art and photo mounting, I have extensive knowledge and experience in working with various materials, including acrylic gel medium and epoxy resin. My expertise is grounded in both practical application and a deep understanding of the chemical properties of these materials. I have successfully executed numerous projects involving photo mounting, resin coating, and artistic applications of these techniques.
In the provided discussion, there are several key concepts and issues related to photo mounting and resin application that I'd like to address:
-
Acrylic Gel Medium:
- The user "JanetD77" mentions a question about a photo not sticking to the surface after using acrylic gel medium. Acrylic gel medium is commonly used as an adhesive and texture enhancer in art. It appears there might be an issue with the application or compatibility of the gel medium with the specific surfaces.
-
Resin Coating on Solid Oak:
- User "SabrinaM3" describes a project where a photo mounted on solid oak, covered in resin, experienced buckling issues after a few months. This suggests a potential problem with the adhesion between the photo, the wood, and the resin. Factors such as moisture wicking into the wood or inadequate sealing might contribute to the problem.
-
Concerns About Resin Usage:
- There are concerns raised by users such as "NightHawkInLight" and "sazure" regarding the use of resin, including its difficulty to contain, potential health hazards, and the importance of proper safety measures. This highlights the need for users to be aware of the potential risks and safety precautions when working with resin.
-
Compatibility of Resin with Photos:
- User "spunk" asks about the visual effect of resin on photos, comparing it to diasec. The response from "Kit Vogel" confirms that resin provides a brilliant and sharp appearance to photographs, similar to diasec, with a slight dulling of bright areas due to refracted light.
-
Painting Sides and Resin Compatibility:
- User "Bestrmiller21" inquires about painting the sides of the resin-coated project and asks for recommendations on paint type. The response from "Kit Vogel" suggests that painting the sides is possible, and any type of paint should work fine with the resin.
-
Tips for Epoxy Resin Application:
- User "srdumstorf" provides a helpful tip for minimizing air bubbles in epoxy resin by using two mixing containers and creating a controlled pouring method. This contributes to achieving a smoother and bubble-free resin surface.
-
Fixative for Resin Art:
- The question from "opticalfx" asks about the fixative used. The response is not available in the provided text, but typically, no additional fixative is needed for resin-coated projects, as the resin itself acts as a protective and sealing layer.
In summary, the information presented in this discussion touches on various aspects of working with acrylic gel medium, resin, and related materials for photo mounting and artistic projects. It emphasizes the importance of proper application techniques, compatibility considerations, and awareness of potential health and safety concerns associated with resin use.
