I don’t have a fancy project or an in depth tutorial for you today. Instead we’re going back to basics and going over my top 10 tips to keep you safe when working with resin.
Resin is a lot of fun… but it’s also really intimidating. And one of the reasons it’s intimidating is that it’s toxic… but that doesn’t mean it can’t be used! It just means we need to be careful and safe.
Luckily it’s easy to be safe… and I’ll show you how.
You can read through all 10 tips below OR you can download them with this handy printable PDF! Just enter your email and it will be on it’s way to your inbox.
Enjoy!
1. Good Ventilation is the Best!
Work in an area where fumes can be removed (or you can leave when you’re done)! When push comes to shove work outside & move your piece inside to dry.
Getting started with resin? Feeling overwhelmed? I’ve shared every singe item you’ll need to make this specific tray in the supply list below but if you’re just getting started with resin you might be a bit overwhelmed. Don’t worry! Let’s take it back to the beginning. I’ve written an entire post on what to buy to get started with resin post just for you! Then you can jump into Resin 101: Working with resin for Beginners where I’ll answer all of your resin project questions!
2. Wear Disposable Gloves!
Protect your hands darling! Nitrile gloves won’t react with the resin (like latex) but they’ll protect your skin. Putting on a moisturizer or barrier cream will protect super sensitive hands (like mine)!
These are the gloves I wear but you can use any that are labeled nitrile.
3. Wear a Respirator
Even in a well ventilated area resin is toxic y’all. Wearing a respirator will protect your lungs… which are important.
I use a respirator with replaceable filters that are graded for resin. Makes it easy to know I’m safe!
4.Label Resin Tools & Cups
Many of your resin supplies could also be used in a kitchen: mixing cups, stir sticks, baking pans. Label anything you use for resin so you don’t accidentally use it again for food… or dogs! I tend to use dog food scoops for resin cups and resin is toxic to puppies too!
5. Wear Protective Clothing
Resin stains y’all, which means you need to wear clothing that will a) protect you (no short shorts!) and b) won’t be upsetting if it gets resin all over it!
6. Wear Safety Goggles
If you’re worried about your lungs your eyes are probably important to you too! Make sure to wear eye goggles when sanding resin to keep flying pieces OUT of your peepers.
7. Dispose of Resin the RIGHT Way
Which means NEVER in a drain or sewer system. Liquid resin will need to be treated like a chemical, dry resin however can be tossed in a trash can.
8. Clean Up Spills Immediately
With resin there isn’t a “I’ll get that later”. If you spill a bit clean it up right away so that no one else can come in contact with it (and it can’t dry and bond to your counter for ever).
9. Wear Protective Gear When Sanding
Once your resin dries you may need to sand it or manipulate it in some way. A mask, safety goggles and respirator are just as important when sanding dry resin as pouring wet resin.
10. When in Doubt Check the SDS
The SDS or Safety Data Sheet can be different for different products (even if they’re both resin!). So if you’re unsure about safety check the SDS.
Looking for more resin projects? I’ve got you covered!
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