20 Things You Should Know Before Using Resin For Art

Use of Resin for DIY projects has become a trend of late. People are using their creative curious brains to birth some of the most inspiring and unique resin arts. But for somebody who has little to no knowledge of Epoxy compounds, should not start using Resin and hardeners that come with it, before leaning a few important things about the organic compound.

These are the 20 things that you should know before getting your hands on Epoxy Resin.

1) Resins Are Naturally Obtained

Resin is a hydrocarbon secreted by many plants, especially coniferous trees. So basically it is natural and harmless you’re thinking about consuming them.

2) Plants Developed Resin As A Defence Mechanism

Plants evolved many complex chemicals as defences against herbivores. That may be the origin of these resins, which are certainly not good to eat.

3) Resin Is Used In Many Domestic Applications

Humans value them for their chemical constituents and uses. They are used in varnishes, adhesives, as raw materials for organic synthesis, or for incense and perfume. Fossilized resins are the source of amber. The term is also used for synthetic substances with similar properties.

4) Excellent Moisture Resistance

Due to its water resistant properties the epoxy resin is highly effective moisture resistance. One of the reasons why it is used for concealing electronic things.

5) Excellent Chemical Resistance

The Epoxy Resin solution along with the hardener is inert. So it doesn’t react with any chemicals after setting. Making it an excellent weather resistant coat.

6) Good Electrical Properties

Resin is known to have good electrical properties, that’s why it is used as an insulator on circuit boards and water resistant devices.

7) Increased Mechanical And Fatigue Strength

Use of Resin results in increase of mechanical and fatigue strength of a material.

8) Impact Resistant

As Resin shows properties of elasticity, it is known to absorb impact. Making it highly useful in layering of fragile things.

9) No Toxic Fumes

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a large group of chemicals that are found in many products we use to maintain our homes and cars. Once these chemicals are in our homes, they are released or “off-gas” into the indoor air we breathe. Epoxy Resins does not produce any such fumes.

10) Long Term Direct Exposure To Epoxy Resins Can Cause Allergic Reaction

Exposure to epoxy resins can, over time, induce an allergic reaction. Sensitization generally occurs due to repeated exposure (e.g. through poor working hygiene or lack of protective equipment) over a long period of time.

11) Resin Has A Long Shelf Life

As its naturally inert so it can be kept on the shelves for long times without being used.

12) Epoxy Resins Come With Hardeners That Act As An Adhesive And A Catalyst

The primary risk associated with epoxy use is often related to the hardener component and not to the epoxy resin itself.

13) Industrial Resin Hardeners Are Cancerous

Amine hardeners in particular are generally corrosive, but may also be classed as toxic or carcinogenic/mutagenic.

14) Epoxy Resin Doesn’t Settle On It’s Own

Starting with the basics, Epoxy resins consist of two components that react with each other forming a hard, inert material. Part A consists of an epoxy resin and Part B is the epoxy curing agent, sometimes called hardener. In order to discuss the more specific classifications of epoxy resins we must dive into some technical info.

15) Cycloaliphatic Amines Are Commonly Employed For DIY Uses

There are various type of Hardeners but due to their hazardous effects, they are only limited to industrial use or are restricted. Cycloaliphatic Amines on the other hand are recommended for domestic use because these hardeners show no toxic properties.

16) Raw Liquid Resin Can Cause Irritation In Eyes And Skin

Liquid epoxy resins in their uncured state are mostly classed as irritant to the eyes and skin, as well as toxic to aquatic organisms.

17) Solidified Forms Are Considered Safe On The Other Hand

Solid epoxy resins are generally safer than liquid epoxy resins, and many are classified non-hazardous materials.

18) The Allergic Reaction Generally Appears As Dermatitis In The Highly Exposed Areas

Allergic reaction is often visible in the form of dermatitis, particularly in areas where the exposure has been highest (commonly hands and forearms).

19) People Who Work With Epoxy For An Occupation Have A High Chance Of Getting Asthma

Epoxy use is a main source of occupational asthma among users of plastics. Bisphenol A, which is used to manufacture a common class of epoxy resins, is a known endocrine disruptor.

20) Resin Is Impermeable

The molecules in the resin are tightly packed in the form of long chains with very little space in the molecules. These spaces are so small that they don’t allow anything to pass through including something as small as water molecules. This property makes it protect against any chemical or other intrusions.