After sharing the supplies needed to make epoxy tumblers I received quite a few emails and comments about safety tips for epoxy. Instead of sharing how to prep and glitter a tumbler, I wanted to share safety tips for making epoxy tumblers first. Epoxy is a chemical and if correct safety precautions are not taken it can be dangerous.
After I shared the image below on my Instagram yesterday, I was met with a DM about Auntie Tay’s video post to YouTube which was all too timely. View the video for yourself as she talks candidly about how important safety is when working with epoxy.
Epoxy should not be left out around children and the user (YOU) should read the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) before using. While both parts A and B can be a skin and eye irritant, Part B in the Alumilite Clear Cast is the most hazardous.
I work around hazardous materials at work and have received safety training, so like many chemicals or hazardous materials, as long as you are following precautionary measures to stay safe there shouldn’t be an issue. Making yourself aware of the possible dangers and precautions are the biggest step in keeping yourself safe.
Epoxy is an Eye and Skin Irritant
I always wear gloves and a few weeks ago my husband bought me a respirator mask to wear while making tumblers. Epoxy is a chemical just like bleach and paints. Not to mention, I spray paint my tumblers and the spray paint fumes shouldn’t be inhaled.
Epoxy can irritate your eyes and skin if you get it on yourself. (I really hope nobody is rubbing it on their skin or in their eyes but accidents do happen.) Avoid touching epoxy without gloves and wear eye protection. If you get epoxy on your skin you want to wash it off with soap and water.
When epoxy is in it’s liquid form it can be sticky and hard to get off. Use a pumice stone but DO NOT use alcohol or acetone to try to remove epoxy from your skin.
Work in a Well Ventilated Area
Due to the fact that epoxy is a chemical it should be used in a well ventilated area. Work in a space where you can open windows or doors as well as turn on a fan. I personally do my epoxy on my screened in back porch so the chemicals remain outside of my house.
I mentioned I wear a respirator mask. I want to protect myself from the fumes I can smell and even the ones I can’t smell. Sometimes I need to lightly sand a tumbler and wearing the mask is imperative so the dust is not inhaled.
Wear Protective Clothing
Wearing protective clothing such as an apron is a good idea. It will assist in making sure you don’t spill on your skin as well as protect your clothing. Once you get wet epoxy on your clothing it won’t come off.
Is Alumilite Toxic?
I pulled this question and answer directly from the Alumilite website –
Alumilite urethanes are non – toxic and virtually odorless. First of all, we recommend you read any and all SDS (Safety Data Sheets) and warning labels on any product that you use. All urethanes contain some type of Isocyanate. We have a very small, diluted amount of MDI Isocyanate, which was deregulated as hazardous and is not considered to be a hazardous material. Alumilite resins do not contain mercury. Alumilite is not recommended for children under the age of 13 without adult supervision. If you have questions about safety and suitability of our products, contact Alumilite directly at 269-488-4000.
Alumilite Clear Cast is FDA Compliant
Note that NOT all of the Alumilite products are FDA compliant. Alumilite Clear Cast Resin IS FDA COMPLIANT.
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I JUST watched Auntie Tay’s video before finding this post. I was so frustrated with myself for not looking more into applying epoxy. I just bought everything I needed for creating tumblers over the past month. I’ve completed 2 cups as gifts, just bought all the glitters for 2 more promised cups. I wanted to gift some so I could learn to make them before attempting to sell. Now I feel defeated and like I can’t move forward with it. I live in Pennsylvania so there’s no way I can attempt to make them outside this time of year.