Safety When Using Epoxies & Resins in Jewelry Casting

I don't know about you but when I read an article or think up a new piece of jewelry to create that I get all excited about...I just jump in head first. A lot of wonderful work is created that way; all that energy chomping at the bit and ready to go. But a lot of mistakes can be made if you are so eager to start on your new creation and you just scan over the directions of a product you have never used before. Epoxies and Resins fall into that category. They just don't print those WARNING labels on there for their amusement. There are risks that can be hazardous to your health if you do not follow the directions regarding exposure and ventilation of chemicals used in not just casting but in metal etching as well. 

Just when I think I have a resin figured out, another wrench is thrown into the works. So at first you may be tempted to spend more time "redoing" your creation when working with epoxies, resins, etc. And by doing this you are exposing your body to potentional hazard chemicals for longer periods of time. Not a good idea...hey, common sense, right?!?  You'd be suprised.

I found a great post I'd like to share with you about using epoxies and resins. Hats off to Diane B.  for your great 101 on these products.

When working with resin: safety?

Do i need to wear one of those respirators that you use when spray painting or can i just a surgical mask?

by Diane B.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

When mixing and applying, there may be fumes that are unhealthy created by some types of resin.
When sanding or grinding cured ones, there may be particulates in the air that are unhealthy created by some types of resin.

Neither of those situations would be best dealt with just wearing a surgical or dust mask though IF you were using a polyester resin.
Epoxy resins are much safer (and less stinky), but if you do sand or grind more than just a little, you'd want a good particle mask for that too (about $20 at a hardware store).

You don't mention which type of resin you're using, so:
The most common brand of polyester craft resin is Castin Craft's Clear Polyester Casting Resin.
The most common brands of regular epoxy resin are Envirotex Lite, Ultra Glo, Crystal Sheen, etc.
The only brand of "tweaked" epoxy resin I know of is Easy Cast.
There are also 2-part epoxy resin glues (like Devcon's 2 Ton) that can be used instead of regular epoxy resin for small jobs, and a category of softer-setting epoxy resins (often used in clear vases to simulate water) which are called "floral setting resins."

There's lots more info about various resins and using them for crafts in my answers to these previous questions, if you're interested:

http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind…
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;…
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?…
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?…
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?…

HTH,
Diane B.

Cat Show - A Purrfect Success

This weekend I attended a CFA Cat show in Shelby, NC. My first time at a cat show as a vendor. It was pouring down rain all day but that didn't hurt the attendance. For my first time there, I did very well in sales. Most pleased. I think one thing that helped with the sales is that I was able to take credit cards over my phone with "Square". If you haven't heard about this, you need to check it out. A tiny device that plugs into your phone that you can swipe cards with and the funds go straight to your account. The service fee is minimal for the convenience it supplies. I mean, who carries around checks and actually uses them anymore? And if a person keeps minimum amount of cash on them for safety purposes, they will buy less. So I am proud to use "Square" for my customers convenience and mine. No I am not a paid spokes person for "Square" and I will let you know if there are any kinks in the operation.

I am waiting to hear back from many of the people who were showing their beautiful cats about personal cat pendants I create (I can do them for people, etc too). Even a custom spoon pendant featuring their cat was mentioned.

All in all I had a great time, met lots of nice folks and sold what I love to do..my recycled jewelry