Craft safely!
Crafting with resin may be fun, exciting and unlimited projects...BUT it is toxic and can be dangerous if not handled properly.
First and fore most you must be safe when using Resin, afterall it is a chemical.
Every brand of resin is the same, they all require safety measures in place to keep you and your family safe.
FOOD/DRINK: Do not ever use food and drink in resin made cups/shot glasses/bowls/utensils etc. Even on trays and serving boards, food should not come in contact with resin and then consumed.
There are certain brands that claim their resin is "food safe", however, the small print states, once you add anything to that resin (glitter, colour, inclusions, etc), it is no longer food safe.
There are molds out there for shot glasses and grinders, and sadly, no one should be using these for actual use. You can use resin shot glasses for holding other things like pins, paperclips, pencils etc, but never to drink anything out of.
If you're making a serving tray, always remember to use dollies, or cloth before putting food on it. Unless the food is wrapped (cupcake, wrapped candies), no food should sit on a resin board and then consumed.
The new fad seems to be grinders. These are dangerous if you're going to actually use them. Grinding these resin parts together, can result in shavings that when smoked/heated up release toxic fumes that can injure someone. NEVER, EVER use a handmade resin grinder.
Professionally made items are using higher quality resin, than the normal crafter can get their hands on, so do not attempt to make these items yourselves for consumption.
First and fore most you must be safe when using Resin, afterall it is a chemical.
Every brand of resin is the same, they all require safety measures in place to keep you and your family safe.
FOOD/DRINK: Do not ever use food and drink in resin made cups/shot glasses/bowls/utensils etc. Even on trays and serving boards, food should not come in contact with resin and then consumed.
There are certain brands that claim their resin is "food safe", however, the small print states, once you add anything to that resin (glitter, colour, inclusions, etc), it is no longer food safe.
There are molds out there for shot glasses and grinders, and sadly, no one should be using these for actual use. You can use resin shot glasses for holding other things like pins, paperclips, pencils etc, but never to drink anything out of.
If you're making a serving tray, always remember to use dollies, or cloth before putting food on it. Unless the food is wrapped (cupcake, wrapped candies), no food should sit on a resin board and then consumed.
The new fad seems to be grinders. These are dangerous if you're going to actually use them. Grinding these resin parts together, can result in shavings that when smoked/heated up release toxic fumes that can injure someone. NEVER, EVER use a handmade resin grinder.
Professionally made items are using higher quality resin, than the normal crafter can get their hands on, so do not attempt to make these items yourselves for consumption.
Proper Attire/Gloves/Mask
When working with resin, it's good to wear grubby clothes that you don't mind if resin gets on. Resin will not come out of clothes. Trust me, I know. It is impossible to wash out and I have ruined a few items of clothing because of resin. If you're sensitive to some items, it's good to wear long sleeves just incase any may splatter on your arms. I personally, have not had issues with this, but I do know some who have. Also, since resin is a chemical substance, it's important to wear gloves. I use gloves more with 2-part resin, than I do with UV and have not had problems, but that is not to say you won't. You can use disposable, or reusable, but they come in handy when you are mixing and pouring resin. Resin on your hands is not a good thing, or easy to get off. If some does happen to get on your hands, you can usually get it off quickly with rubbing alcohol. I always keep a bottle close by along with hand wipes, which also get hands clean. Another thing to invest in is a good mask. Since these are chemicals, you don't want to be breathing them in, so make sure to purchase a mask that is specifically for chemical odours. Paper, material, cloth masks will NOT do anything with fumes, so avoid using those. |
Ventilation
Like any chemical, you need to work in well ventilated areas. That's not to say be outdoors, but make sure to have fresh air circulating at all times. There are some brands that claim "non toxic", but once the two compounds (resin and hardener) are mixed, they release gases/fumes that can be toxic and bothersome to sensitive individuals. Even if you use a brand with little to no odours, there are still gases being released during the curing process that can cause health issues with some individuals. This applies to both 2-part resin and UV resin. The one thing to keep in mind with ventilation is that resin requires certain temperatures, so if you're working with open windows and doors, that can effect your curing time and outcome. Usually on really hot, humid days I avoid working with resin. Humidity plays a factor in curing, and I've had some pieces take days to cure. If it's too cold, your resin can appear cloudy and not cure at all either. Resin can be temperamental so you need to follow data sheet instructions to a "T" for perfect outcomes. |
Work Surfaces
Since resin can be a pain to clean up, it is always important to make sure your work area is protected. When I started out, I just used a wooden desk and after many projects, the top began to look awful. So eventually, a trip to the dollar store resulted in picking up some clear shower curtains and I covered my entire surface. It works amazing. You can wipe off any wet resin with a wipe, and even pick off any cured resin. It is cheap, so you can always buy another one to replace it if it gets too dirty. You don't need to use clear, any colour will work the same. Just make sure it is in the vinyl/plastic curtains. |
Tools Used With Resin
Since resin won't stick to silicone, it is always good to use silicone mixing tools, spoons, applicators etc. This way, you can easily wipe off the item with a baby wipe, and it is clean to use again. Also, using silicone sticks and stir items will result in less bubbles in your resin. Wood craft sticks may be cheaper to get and use, but the wood can release bubbles in your resin that can ruin a project. Also, think outside the box again. Silicone muffin tins are perfect for mixing up small batches of resin, or using for UV resin. They are easy to clean, just wait until any left over resin is cured and peel out. |