Hi everyone!
I hope the series has been helpful so far in showing you what areas you need to read up on before you start. There are a few more bits of information that I'd like to share so consider this a bonus post. Lucky you!
Removal of resin from skin
Nothing is foolproof and, despite your best efforts, you may accidentally get resin on your skin once in a while (but you should try very hard to avoid it).
Do NOT use alcohol or acetone to remove resin from your skin. These solvents make it easier for resin to be absorbed into your body. Sanitising wipes and hand sanitiser may also contain alcohol and should not be used either.
If you get resin on your skin, immediately use the method listed in the MSDS to remove as much as you can and seek medical attention if necessary. It's a good practice to reread the MSDS from time to time so you can remind yourself of the information it contains, in particular the section on first aid measures. You don't want to wait until you accidentally spill resin on yourself to go scrambling to find out what you were supposed to do. Find out in advance so you'll be prepared if it happens.
On that note, you should also keep a fire extinguisher handy, especially if you use heat or alcohol (including alcohol inks) on your artwork. There are different types available so you'll have to find out which one is most suitable for you.
Safety within the resin room
This should go without saying but the area in which you practise your craft should never be used for eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum. Food and drink should stay out of the resin workplace.
Here's this guy again, showing us what not to do.
You should wear your protective gear while in the area and wear shoes that protect your feet. If you must bring your phone into the room with you, clean it when you leave so any residue on it can be removed. Make sure the cleaning method you use won't damage your phone or cause the release of any harmful chemicals. Alternatively, you can keep your phone in a sealed bag for the duration of your time in the room.
Safe, toxin-free resin brands
I'm gonna go ahead and list those for you now...
Done! That's it. I have yet to come across a genuinely safe resin. Some brands claim that their resin can be used without a respirator since they're volatile organic compound (VOC)-free and odour-free. They say that because they want you to buy it. Carbon monoxide also has no colour and no smell but it'll still kill you quite happily. Lack of an odour does not automatically make resin safe.
There are many resin brands and popular crafters who post videos of people using resin without any PPE. They may use legal loopholes to advertise their product as "healthy" or "non-toxic." It's very unlikely that these people will pay your medical bills or visit you if you get sick.
Completely cured resin is meant to be inert once made properly. The problem is that you, the maker, are exposed to it while it's still active and toxic. Their claims also rely on the resin being mixed perfectly and in just the right proportions. Unless you're a robot (in which case you won't be able to complete the form to post a comment so I'll never know), you will be making human errors. You cannot guarantee that your mixes will always be perfect, so their claims don't apply to you.
Furthermore, their claims are based on their epoxy alone. As in, no glitter, no pigments, no inks, no heat, NOTHING. The minute you add anything else to it or apply heat to it, or if you use it outside of their recommended temperature range, their claims no longer apply.
"What about food-safe resin for my cake stand?"
Some brands claim their resin is food safe when cured. The same principles as above apply to this. Even if you mixed it perfectly and added nothing to it, it would still only be safe for incidental contact, not prolonged contact.
If you plan to make anything to be used for food or drink (e.g. trays, cake stands, tumblers), or anything that will be exposed to heat (candle holders, ashtrays, etc.) do your research to find out how safe this is for your customers. Don't just take the sellers' claims at face value. It may be possible to make those items for decorative purposes, or even for food that's in a protective wrapper but you should consult with a legal professional to confirm this before putting it on the market. You should also find out whether or not you'll need to add a warning label stating that the item should not be in direct contact with food.
Resin shot glasses are pretty but not safe. Remember the earlier point about alcohol dissolving resin? Yeah, you'd be drinking a resin cocktail. Don't do that.
I don't make any of these items so my knowledge of the processes is limited but the resin communities tend to give lots of advice on ways to make these items safer for consumers. Some people have made cheese boards and cutting boards by coating and decorating only the handle with resin while leaving the majority of the board (i.e. the part that touches the food) bare. Once again, you should consult with a professional before selling these items.
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At this point I'd like to mention again that this blog is not a complete nor detailed enough account of all the information you'll need on safety when working with resin. I urge you to do thorough research and consult with professionals where necessary.
This brings us to the end of the safety series. We'll be moving onto a highly anticipated subject in the next post- where to get supplies!
Alistina Studio <3
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