[Paddlewise] Epoxy Do's and Dont's - and links

Robert Cline wrote:

> Erik Sprenne wrote: 
> > 
> > Acetone will solubilize *uncured* epoxy resin (but it should 
> > never be used to remove uncured epoxy from one's hands, 
> > as it will dissolve the epoxy _into_ the skin). 
> 
> Uh Oh...
> 
> Unfortunately, that's exactly what I did.
> 
> Thanks for the advice.  Uh..  What's the rest of the bad news?
>
 
If you do get epoxy on your skin, the best way to get it off is to use a
waterless skin cleaner (e.g. "Goop" Hand Cleaner), followed by thorough
washing with soap and water.  

Epoxy resin is a skin sensitizer.  If you didn't break out in a rash after
using acetone to remove the epoxy from your hands, chances are that you are
not particularly sensitive to epoxy resin.  Some people are just extremely
sensitive to the resin, and others are not.  According to Charlie
Walbridge's "Boat Builder's Manual", those most at risk to epoxy
sensitization are:

a) those with light complexions and sensitive skin
b) those with a history of allergies
c) those with a history of asthma
d) those who work with epoxies frequently

This last point reminds us that even people who aren't particularly
sensitive to epoxy can develop greater sensitivity over time.  If you
didn't get a rash, all is well and good - *this time*.  Keep up the same
behavior, and you probably will develop epoxy sensitivity.  Also consider
that most epoxy hardeners are more acutely toxic than are the epoxy resins,
and care should be taken to avoid skin contact with the hardeners as well. 
But once the epoxy and hardener are mixed in the proper ratios and allowed
to fully cure, the epoxy then becomes a very inert substance which has no
effect at all on bare skin.

The key to working with epoxies is to do *everything* you can to avoid skin
contact.  Buy disposable latex/surgical gloves, and wear them religiously
when working with epoxy.  If the gloves get 'wet' with epoxy, change into a
fresh pair rather than contaminating every surface you touch with 'wet'
epoxy resin.  Another option (though messy) is to use barrier cremes on
exposed skin.  Wear old clothing that covers all bare skin, but still do
your best to minimize contact.  And if your clothing gets wet with moderate
amounts of epoxy, change it (and use the waterless hand cleaner to clean
off the epoxy from your clothes before it cures).  When I worked frequently
with epoxy (as the fiberglass repair guru for the local AYH fleet of
Rhodes 19 sailboats), I – and everyone who helped - wore one of those white
disposable tyvek jump suits.  Also - don't forget to wear eye protection.

It's also good to minimize the breathing of epoxy fumes.  Work outside
whenever you can, provide ventilation when you can't, and – for the best
protection - use a properly-fitting respirator equipped with an organic
vapor cartridge.  

Working with epoxy resin is 95% preparation.  If you're sure that all of
your supplies and workpieces are  ready and at hand before mixing the resin
and hardener, then it's easier to concentrate on the job and about
minimizing contact with the epoxy.  If you've just mixed up a batch of
epoxy, and suddenly realize that something is not prepped or a critical
tool is missing, it's all too easy to become frantic and get careless.    

Also take precautions if you must sand your repair after it cures.  This is
where the respirator equipped with a particulate cartridge is almost a
necessity.  The respirator is much better than a dust mask which is better
than nothing.  You don't want to be breathing epoxy dust – especially if
the epoxy is not completely cured, and it takes up to several weeks to
*fully* cure.  Fiberglass dust is also very itchy, and the tyvek jump suit
taped at the wrists and ankles does a great job at minimizing dust exposure
in general, and fiberglass itch in particular.  A hooded tyvek suit is even
better.  

Even though its focus is whitewater boat building, Walbridge's "Boat
Builder's Manual" contains a wealth of information on the *how to's* of
fiberglass construction.  There's also lots of information on the Web:
 
Gougeon epoxy safety information is located at:
http://www.concentric.net/~westsys/safety/safety.shtml

The Gougeon Epoxy technical manual is located at:
http://www.concentric.net/~westsys/technical/user_man.shtml

See
http://www.systemthree.com/
for the System Three home page, and

http://www.systemthree.com/safety.htm
for MSDS sheets for System Three products

http://www.boatinglinks.com/lists/liststuf.asp?WPSid=555
is a whole page of epoxy-related links (you may have to scroll down to
'Maintenance', and then click on 'Fiberglass, Epoxy' to see the links)

Regards,
Erik Sprenne
at the southern end of Lake Michigan

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