Making resin jewelry is fun and easy, as long as you follow the necessary safety guidelines. Even a resin labeled “low odour” will still give off fumes and therefore it is always essential that you wear the necessary safety equipment when handling resin.
In addition to the general safety guidelines below, you should always read and understand the manufacturer’s safety precautions provided with the product.
work environment
The most important consideration when working with resin is that the room is well ventilated. If an exhaust fan is not available, doors and windows should be opened to create airflow. This ventilation must remain for several hours after working with the resin, as vapors persist and continue to be generated during the curing process. The work area should also be away from any normal living areas where other people or animals could be affected by the fumes.
All obstacles within the room should be removed to prevent accidents and spills, and a layer of wax paper placed on the work surface will catch any spills and prevent the resin from soaking through and damaging the work surface.
a respirator
Respirators can be purchased at most hardware stores and should be worn while mixing, pouring, and working with resin. The fumes produced by the resin are harmful and therefore the filter of the respirator must be designed for the prevention of fumes and not dust.
Disposable gloves
Disposable latex gloves should be worn while mixing and pouring the resin to protect the skin. Latex gloves should be the type used for medical use, food handling, or light cleaning, as other types of rubber gloves can allow resin to soak into the material and get on your hands.
protective cream
This can be used as an extra precaution to protect your skin and can be used in addition to disposable gloves. Barrier cream can be purchased at most pharmacies and will prevent the resin from sticking to your skin and therefore irritating it.
glasses or goggles
Purchased at most hardware stores, glasses or goggles should be worn at all times while working with resin. A tiny drop of resin can be harmful to the eyes as can the small particles generated when sanding resin parts.
dust masks
A dust mask should be worn while sanding resin parts after they have cured, as small airborne particles created by sanding can damage the lungs. Dust masks can be purchased at most hardware stores.
After working with the resin, hands should be washed with soap and water and used materials should be disposed of properly.
Don’t let these safety precautions intimidate or discourage you from making resin jewelry. They are there to provide you with security and allow you to continue making resin jewelry while protecting your health.