Working safely with Epoxy, what and how?
Is epoxy safe?
Epoxy is relatively safe and above all very fun to work with. Are you curious about how you can best and safely work with epoxy? Are you wondering whether you should wear a face mask or gloves while working with epoxy?
Working with epoxy is easy, but we understand that you may have questions if you have little experience with it or are starting out for the first time. On this page we answer these types of questions. Is your question not listed or are you looking for other expert advice? Then you can always contact our customer service , our experts will be happy to help you.
What is epoxy?
Epoxies are polymers that are produced as a liquid and turn into a solid through a chemical reaction. Cured epoxy is very strong. Epoxy has a compressive and tensile strength that is twice that of concrete. After the epoxy dries, a kind of hard plastic is created. Cured epoxy is completely safe for both humans and animals to wear.
How to work safely with epoxy?
Epoxy is relatively safe. However, epoxy is not made from one raw material and you cannot give one answer for all epoxy resins and hardeners. Our raw materials come from Europe and are formulated with care and comply with all applicable European guidelines for safety. However, for some products it may be necessary to wear protective equipment, such as a mask and gloves. Always read the safety information on the label and on our website, or request the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) of the product for detailed information. On these labels you will find important details about possible risks, such as hazard symbols, warning statements (H-statements) and recommended precautions (P-statements).
During the curing of a good quality epoxy, a small amount of vapour can be released. The components of the epoxy contain a very small amount of volatile components. A small amount of these are released during use and the curing process. Long-term exposure without protection is best avoided and your work area must be sufficiently ventilated.
When working with epoxy it is therefore necessary to work safely:
- Our advice is to always work with gloves and clothing that is well covered and can get dirty.
- If you work in a well ventilated area (window open) you do not need a mask. The fumes released during curing are very minimal.
- Wear gloves to prevent epoxy from touching your skin.
- If you want to be on the safe side, you can wear a vapor mask , but this is not necessary if you follow the above tips.
See the table below for recommended personal protection based on how long you will be working with epoxy.
| Protective equipment | Short | Long |
| Sufficient ventilation | Yes | Yes |
| Gloves | Yes | Yes |
| Safety glasses | No | Yes |
| Half mask | No | Yes |
Is epoxy harmful to the respiratory tract?
During curing and mixing epoxy, fumes can be released. If you work with cheap epoxies or those that come from abroad, you have a greater risk of this. Our epoxy meets all safety requirements. You will not have any problems with this.
When working with epoxy, the use of good, suitable protective equipment (a face mask, protective clothing, safety glasses and gloves) will minimize the risk of irritation to the respiratory tract and skin. If you work a lot with epoxy or are sensitive to it, you may consider wearing a vapor mask.
Can working with epoxy cause an allergic reaction?
In practice, only a very small percentage of people appear to be hypersensitive to this or even allergic. This may involve a specific substance in the epoxy or several. Follow the above tips on working safely with epoxy and the chance of this occurring will be very small . In the event of an allergic reaction to epoxy, redness, pimples, blisters, swelling can be seen at the points of contact with the skin. You may also experience irritation of the respiratory tract (coughing fits).
In case of complaints, immediately stop working with epoxy and seek fresh air. If necessary, consult a doctor. He/she can answer your question about whether you are allergic to it.
Which mask for working with epoxy?
In our assortment we have included a suitable mask for working with epoxy. Below we give a short explanation.
Half mask BLS 4000 Next (recommended):
This mask offers excellent protection if you often work with epoxy, lacquer or polyester. It protects you from fumes that are released during the use of these materials. Do you work a lot with epoxy or are you sensitive to it? Then wearing a fume mask is a sensible choice.
Our epoxy resins are among the best on the market. By wearing the right protective equipment (such as a face mask, protective clothing and gloves) you significantly reduce the risk of irritation of the skin and respiratory tract. The use of a half-face mask is especially recommended when working intensively or for long periods with epoxy.
Order the mask here: Half-face mask BLS 4000 Next
Your workplace
When working with epoxy, make sure you have everything at hand. We use baby wipes in case of spills. Always work on a silicone mat or placemat. The epoxy will not stick to this. If the epoxy gets on it, quickly remove it. Always work with an extra pair of gloves at hand. This is in case your gloves are covered in epoxy or epoxy glitter.
Is epoxy food safe?
Cured epoxy casting resin is safe for both humans and animals to use as art in your home or to wear. Epoxy is resistant to grease, oil and moisture and can withstand high temperatures. This makes it a durable and hygienic product.
You can easily make a fruit bowl in which you put a banana. Or a nice tiered stand with treats, that is no problem.
However, we do not recommend putting food (without skin) directly on epoxy. Making a breadboard with epoxy is also not recommended, because cutting and using the board can cause small residues of epoxy to end up in your food. In such a case, no UV stabilizer can be added, because it is not suitable for food contact. This is because the epoxy casting resin can react with acids in the food and can possibly release toxic substances.
Therefore, it is important to use the epoxy only as a protective coating for food contact surfaces.
Use protective equipment when working with epoxy
When working with chemicals such as epoxy and polyester, personal protective equipment is of great importance. These products can contain substances to a certain extent that can be harmful to your health if they are not processed correctly. Epoxy shop itsOkay offers a wide range of protective materials, such as vapor masks , gloves and for example a silicone mat , so that you can always find the right protection for your project.
What is the difference between the epoxy that itsOkay sells and that of another supplier?
The epoxy products that itsOkay sells are supplied by European manufacturers that meet the ISO 9001 standard. Our manufacturers produce in modern facilities with advanced technologies and have a strong focus on quality, durability and environmental friendliness. Epoxy shop itsOkay carefully selects the best, but also safest and user-friendly systems from their range. The epoxy resins that we offer have been extensively tested for technical performance and suitability for various applications and substrates.
More information?
Do you have questions about making art, jewelry or casting/coating floors or other objects? At itsOkay, several epoxy experts work with each their own expertise. We are happy to help you.
Please contact itsOkay customer service or take a look at the Epoxy knowledge center .