May 25, 2016 at 1:23 pm#5665
Katherine Swift
Keymaster
This question comes through email by Diana:
I was concerned about safety issues when working with resin.
I know I have to be in a well ventilated area when mixing the resin and the hardener, but do I also need to keep my piece in a well ventilated area when I it is curing? I usually cover with foil to keep out dust but is that enough?
When I get the resin on my hands, I wash it off with soap, am I safe?
When you talk about needing goggles, is that to prevent the possibility of resin splashing in my eyes or when getting particles when I am sanding or am I in danger from the fumes?
May 25, 2016 at 1:37 pm#5666
Katherine Swift
Keymaster
Hi Diana,
Yes, I would recommend the piece stay in a well ventilated area while it is curing as well. Keeping it covered to keep out dust is a good idea and will help a wee bit with the fumes, but until it has reached the demolding time, I would keep the ventilation good in the area. If you have a room that you can dedicate to resin casting, you can leave the room when you are done casting, close the doors, but perhaps leave a window open and use a fan to circulate the air.
If you get resin on your hands, I would recommend washing it off with a good detergent and water. Don’t use alcohol or acetone as this will likely make the irritation worse. I would also suggest making yourself familiar with the SDS information on the resin product you are using. Included are safety measures on how to handle spills, etc. and when to seek medical attention if necessary.
The goggles are important in case the resin splashes in your eyes and when you are sanding. It won’t do much to keep fumes out of your eyes. If that is a concern or you find you are extra sensitive to the fumes, then I would suggest working the resin underneath a ventilation hood which can evacuate fumes away from you while you are working.
We also have a safety section that goes over additional information as well: https://www.resinobsession.com/tag/safety
May 27, 2016 at 4:49 pm#5693
KathyGuest
I worry a bit about safety issues too. For me in winter it is not possible to ventilate my kitchen. I’d be way too cold, for me and the resin. I also can’t keep a fan on, we pay a lot for electricity here in Germany. In summer I keep my window half open all the time. I do worry because in winter I work hour at end woth resin and can not open the door (cats) or window. How do others do it? I can’t imagine everyone having a seperate room just for crafting.
Bye!
KathyMay 27, 2016 at 10:32 pm#5697
Katherine Swift
Keymaster
Do you have a small closet or bathroom you can try? I am quite lucky that working resin in Florida is generally a good environment to do so for a large portion of the year.
February 22, 2018 at 9:42 pm#12382
HollyGuest
What can I do in a windowless bathroom? I am really at a loss for how I can have a heater in a room and then opening the window makes the temp drop big time. Thanks.
February 24, 2018 at 1:19 am#12407
Katherine Swift
Keymaster
You can try making a hot box like shown in this article: https://www.resinobsession.com/resin-resin-resin/resin-casting-in-cold-weather
May 28, 2016 at 2:48 pm#5698
See AlsoHealth and Environmental HazardsleahGuest
in my limited experience, depending on the type of resin you use, the ventilation is not 100% required. i have a small house and do my resin projects on my dining room table since it’s the most open area in our house (which is a pain in the winter because it’s also one of the more difficult rooms to keep warm). since i use only the low-odor epoxy resins, it seems to be just fine, at least in regards to the smell.
getting resin on my skin, on the other hand, i am extremely careful about. when i first started using resin (easy cast), i tried not to get it on my skin but i never wore gloves. and it only took a few times for me to have a reaction, not only to where it touched my skin when i cleaned out the mixing cup for reusal but also wherever the fumes came in contact with my skin (wrists, arms, neck, face) that was miserable lasted over a month. even when i wore a painter’s mask and long sleeves, i’d still have some reaction issues. i’ve since switched resin (had the WORST luck with easy cast curing anyway) and haven’t had as many issues, but now i still always wear gloves and try to avoid holding my arms or face directly over the resin i’ve just poured. so please, please be careful!
November 2, 2016 at 8:51 am#6999
DianeGuest
Hi, I have questions. When making a piece that involves several layers of resin, which require fully curing each layer before adding the next, would you wear a ventilator mask during the entire process? If you want to draw on a fully cured layer or apply some kind of artwork to it with pen or brush, still need to wear a ventilator mask while doing that? Thanks.
November 2, 2016 at 1:16 pm#7001
Katherine Swift
Keymaster
If your resin has fully cured, you should not need a ventilator mask.
December 23, 2017 at 9:59 am#11489
Janet daviesGuest
I have been using Plaster of Paris to cast small ornaments, but found that, apart from being heavy to post, most of the ones I sell on a craft stall are bought for children. I thought resin would be less likely to break if dropped. I am concerned about the safety issues when working with resin and is it safe for a child to play with once thoroughly dried? Is one type safer than another? I live in UK, and too cold in winter to work outside. It may have to be a summer occupation. regards Jan
December 23, 2017 at 12:13 pm#11493
Katherine Swift
Keymaster
Hi Jan, you may want to consider using the Alumilite Amazing clear cast epoxy resin. It can be found in our shop here: https://shop.resinobsession.com/collections/resin/alumilite It is considered FDA food safe once fully cured.
January 30, 2019 at 3:07 pm#29429
KimGuest
I’ve just started trying resin and alcohol inks, and have found mixed information online about safety which is making me anxious about carrying on with my new hobby. Im worried if the resin/ink fumes are dangerous to me or to others in my house (including pets). I dont have space for a dedicated crafting room. I live in UK so keeping back door constantly open would make room too cold and also impractical if have to leave open for full 24hours curing time. I dont use a ventilator mask but getting one only helps protect me not others in my house. Advice would be appriciated thank you.
As an expert in resin crafting safety, I can confidently address the concerns raised in the discussion.
Firstly, working with resin involves several safety considerations. Proper ventilation is crucial during both the mixing and curing stages. In response to Diana's question, it's advisable to keep the resin piece in a well-ventilated area even during the curing process. While covering it with foil can help with dust, maintaining good ventilation until the demolding time is essential.
When handling resin, it's important to wash it off with soap and water if it comes into contact with your skin. Avoid using alcohol or acetone, as these may worsen irritation. Additionally, understanding the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the specific resin product is recommended to learn about proper handling, spill response, and when to seek medical attention.
Regarding the use of goggles, they are crucial for protecting your eyes from resin splashes, especially during sanding. However, they may not effectively guard against fumes. If fumes are a concern, working under a ventilation hood is advised.
In response to Kathy's concern about winter ventilation, creating a dedicated crafting space or using a small closet or bathroom with proper ventilation can be alternatives. Katherine Swift suggests leaving a window open and using a fan to circulate air.
For those without window access, like Holly's windowless bathroom situation, creating a hot box as described in an article provided by Katherine can help maintain a suitable working environment.
Leah shares her experience that, depending on the type of resin used, ventilation might not be strictly required. However, it's crucial to be cautious about skin contact and potential reactions to fumes.
Diane's question about wearing a ventilator mask during the entire process of layering resin is addressed by Katherine, who clarifies that once the resin has fully cured, a mask is generally not necessary.
Janet Davies seeks advice on the safety of resin for children. Katherine Swift recommends Alumilite Amazing clear cast epoxy resin, which is considered FDA food safe once fully cured.
Finally, Kim expresses anxiety about resin and alcohol ink fumes. In the absence of a dedicated crafting room, she is concerned about the impact on others in her household, including pets. While a ventilator mask can protect the individual, maintaining overall ventilation and considering alternative ventilation methods, such as opening windows during specific stages, is crucial for ensuring a safe crafting environment.
In summary, a combination of proper ventilation, personal protective equipment, and choosing resin products with known safety attributes contributes to a safer resin crafting experience.
