There is something captivating about resin, whether it's the versatility in shaping it into what you want or its transparent aesthetic. I love the way it preserves dried plants and flowers, and was quite successful with my small business. I have since moved away from this material due to several factors, including production safety and environmental waste, but since many know me as someone who worked with resin, I would like to share some knowledge for those who choose to work with this medium.
Resin is a highly toxic substance during production. At the same time, I have seen way too many careless usage of it, from working without proper safety equipment, working in enclosed indoor settings, and even working with kids at the same time. Resin releases fumes while mixing and curing (before it fully hardens) and while it may at times be odourless, these fumes can be harmful and cause respiratory distress and long terms health problems.
If you choose to work with resin, it is highly important to take basic precautions.
i) Work in a well-ventilated area
Always work in a space with good airflow, preferably near an open window with a fan. I have seen studios with suction fans and air purifiers, but if you can't afford to purchase more equipment, the least you can do is not work in an enclosed space.
ii) Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Respirator mask: prevent yourself from inhaling resin fumes by wearing a proper respirator with an organic vapour cartridge. I personally used the 3M respirator.
• Gloves: avoid skin contact at all cost. Prolonged exposure to resin can cause sensitivity or allergic reactions over time.
• Safety goggles: protect your eyes from accidental splashes or exposure to resin fumes.
iii) Use a dedicated craft surface
Resin can permanently damage surfaces. I used a small crafts table back then and didn't line it which caused the occasional spills to harden permanently, leaving the table damaged and unusable in the end. I would encourage lining your surfaces with a silicone mat (where you'd be able to roll drips off after they harden) or using designated trays to avoid contamination and protect your workspace.
iv) Don't mix resin in your kitchen or dining area
Keep food and crafts areas separate. Resin is toxic if ingested and can linger on surfaces.
v) Keep children and pets away
Self-explanatory. If it's bad for you, it's terrible for them.
vi) Take frequent breaks
Getting fresh air helps in reducing exposure. Your health is more important than any project you might want to work on.
As stated by gluethings, these fumes can cause significant damage to your respiratory system, ranging from mild irritation to severe lung damage. If you run a quick search on YouTube, you'd be able to find multiple videos of creators sharing how their health has been permanently damaged from their ignorance when working with resin. I personally think that all resin supplies should come with warning and educational slips, because from experience, most of them do not. Everything I learned was from reading up articles and watching videos online prior to working with the material.
I know how important our projects can be to us, but really, it will serve us no good in the long run if we end up with a chronic illness that renders us disabled and unable to practice said projects. If you know anyone who works with resin, please share this with them. Take care and work safely out there.
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