So here we are going to talk about epoxy and UV Resin and safety.
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Epoxy Resin
You’ve chosen your epoxy resin. It arrives. You open the box, and suddenly the excitement is mixed with thoughts of “what if I get it wrong” and most importantly “is it safe”?
Resin is amazing to work with – but it deserves respect.
I remember feeling the excitement and then the apprehension the first time I used resin. Two bottles of clear liquid in front of me, knowing that once they’re mixed, there’s no undo button. It felt exciting …. and slightly serious at the same time.
Before you mix anything, here’s how I prepare my workspace and safety setup.
UV Resin
With UV resin there is no mixing to be done, it is used straight from the bottle, it can be mixed with dyes, pigments and inks – see future blog posts about adding colour. However Safety is still important with UV resin too – I recommend you carry out the same safety setup with UV resin as you do with Epoxy resin.
My Safety Setup
When I work with Epoxy or UV resin, this is what I use:
Respirator Mask
A good face mask is so important, there half-face or full-face you can see the one I personally use here its a half-face mask, and I wear safety googles with it. I find it quite comfortable to wear looks more bulky, than it actually feels while wearing it, most importantly I feel I am safe, knowing I am protecting my lungs, whilst wearing this, from the harmful toxic fumes, the resin I am working with is giving off.
Safety Goggles
Splashes can happen when mixing, so I always protect my eyes.
Nitrile Gloves
Resin on your skin is not something you want. I wear nitrile gloves because they offer better protection than standard latex gloves. You can find the type I use here if your unsure where to start
Ventilation
I always have a window open while working. I also run an air purifier to help keep the air moving, although it isn’t resin-specific. Good airflow really matters when working with epoxy resin.
Measuring Cups
I prefer silicone measuring cups rather than the plastic ones. I find they feel more stable on the table and they’re much easier to clean once the resin has cured. I’ve linked the cups I personally use if that helps.
Prepare Your Workspace
Before mixing, I make sure:
- My table is covered and protected
- Food and drinks are kept away
- Pets are out of the room ( resin and curious paws definitely don’t mix!.)
Taking a few minutes to set up properly makes the whole process feel calmer and more controlled.
And Then … The Magic Happens
Despite all the preparation, there’s still something magical about watching a clear liquid slowly transform into a solid piece. The first time you see it cure is unforgettable.
Respect the process. Prepare properly. And then allow yourself to enjoy creating.
Safety first … then the fun really begins. I’ll be sharing some of my favourite beginner resin ideas in upcoming posts.