Resin Safety 101

Personal Protective Equipment,
Accidents, Disposal, and Maintenance

Updated 01/16/2023

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To start, the following statements are based on my personal experiences and the tools I use. This is written for educational and entertainment purposes. I am not responsible for any misuse, I do cite my sources, but you should still do your research. Cool? Cool

And, now on with the show. Resin Safety 101: Personal Protective Equipment, Accidents, Disposal, and Maintenance

Who am I writing this post for? Partly, it’s for my younger self, though knowing how hard-headed I was, I probably wouldn’t have listened. And mostly, for anyone that could benefit from my experiences, as that is an actual reachable audience since time travel with the benefit of hindsight isn’t a thing (yet?)

Jump to TLDR: PPE Equipment List
Jump to Accidental Resin Exposure ⚠️ & Waste Disposal PSA ☣️

As a young bright-eyed creative, I looked up to the more seasoned people in the creative industry. I’ve met a lot of professional artisans, woodworkers, carpenters, welders, and artists of all types. The phrases “I’m used to the smell” or “it doesn’t bother me.” were so common, PPE (personal protective equipment) and safety standards felt like just a poster they put in break rooms. At times I was more ‘lax in order to fit in. There’s something about working in a creative industry - we sometimes hold onto mindsets that don’t serve us. Now that I have my own creative practice, PPE and safety are a priority.

Our health is important. Having witnessed the degree to which client budgets/deadlines took precedence over safety standards and practices in some shops I’ve worked in, left me cautious and wary when people ignore safety concerns. I’ll say it with my whole chest - it’s better to be on the side of caution than be on the side of Doctors recommending smoking camels. Full disclosure: I smoked from my late teens till my mid-twenties. I’m not judging anyone if they do, most of us are one major health emergency away from bankruptcy. I count myself lucky to be here writing this post with this health bias in mind.

Hear me out. Imagine you’re in a zombie movie. Assuming you’re not the main character with plot armor. The idea of duct-taping up your forearms with magazines just in case is probably worth spreading (World War Z Spoiler ahead) It probably could have saved a soldier’s arm from needing to be amputated to serve the plot. Thanks, for not sharing that safety tip, Brad Pitt! I digress. This is how I view PPE: Even a little something is better than nothing. While individual sensitivity is a thing, like someone that smokes cigarettes or drinks every day living to be 100 years old vs someone who doesn’t and gets cancer anyways, I wouldn’t want to leave it up to luck.

You WILL be working with chemicals that produce fumes and waste products.
It’s important to set up your space so you can use your equipment safely and efficiently.
Resin printing can be as messy as it is fun. And it’s really fun.

The excerpts below are from a detailed write-up from a division of UL Safety Organization.

“Once there’s an odor, you’ve already been exposed,” - Dr. Marilyn Black, VP and Senior Technical Advisor at Chemical Insights Research Institute, Underwriters Laboratories….

The substances detected included known carcinogens such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, though in quantities below established health hazard levels. Of perhaps greater concern are other substances such as acrylates, which can function as sensitizers. Early contact with these chemicals may not cause any negative effects,.. but repeated exposure can lead to a sensitivity akin to an allergic reaction…

“Once you become sensitized, it’s a chronic condition,” she says. “It never goes away.”

So according to the UL Safety organization, repeat exposure to certain chemicals can lead to skin sensitivity and eventually bad allergic reactions to resin. We don’t want that, we want to have fun resin prints and share art with our friends. One way to minimize exposure is with proper PPE. The other is to have a good ventilation setup. If you come from other disciplines such as resin casting or airbrush painting, you’re probably aware of this concept and may even have some of this gear.

Personal Protection Equipment

✔️ Eye protection 🥽, It sucks getting debris/chemicals in your eye(s), and depth perception is important. If you have a face shield, that will work too. Using the OSHA “Safety Pays” calculator, a vision loss injury has a direct cost of $76,000. Safety glasses are like $10 bucks. Let’s go with that option.

I wear eye protection when I’m cleaning resin prints, especially when brushing the prints with a soft toothbrush or putting them into the wash station. As well as when I’m handling resin in general.

Storytime(s) At one shop, the roll gate was up, and the wind blew over a sheet of 4 x 8. It blew in all sorts of sand/wood particles at us when we were on the work floor. Even with safety glasses on, I ended up with debris in my left eye. I flushed it for like 20 minutes and went back to work. The next day my eye was red AF and wouldn’t stop producing tears so I had to go to a clinic to get someone to remove whatever was in there. Sidenote - ULINE safety glasses are provided on the job bc they are cheap. Get your own with a gasket or straight-up goggles. Another time. I had a splash accident while cleaning a resin print, my wash tank was pretty full near the max line. I was wearing my full face mask but it was still jarring to see it like hit you, but not hit you? It was mainly on the face shield and I only got a little in my hair. This one incident alone was worth the cost of the mask because I know that the ER visit would have cost more. Now I only fill up my IPA to 4500 ML line.

On Reddit, a user fellow r/resinprinting member u/SirSneakyRafiki shared an incident that happened to them involving a resin splash and their vision. With their permission, I’m sharing their story. Currently, they report that their right eye is fully healed, but their left eye still has lingering issues. I hate hearing about anyone getting hurt from the hobby. Be safe out there folks!

✔️ Respirator 😮‍💨, Connect your filter cartridges and you won’t smell a thing when wearing one. Feel functional and futuristic at the same time. Like a space marine with a resin hobby. Welcome to the World of Tomorrow!
Check for proper fit by covering filters and breathing in to form suction around your face. Use lotion around contact edges to keep from skin being irritated from prolonged use.

I wear a respirator when I open the cover to my ventilation enclosure to pour resin in, when cleaning prints, and general use around resin and IPA. The smell of resin gives me headaches and makes me dizzy so I avoid them. I liken it to when they put that smell in natural gas, it’s a warning, Pay attention to the warning - this goes out to all the I don’t even mind the smell folks. Just looking out, not here to shame you.

https://amzn.to/3UwkOPW ***3M Ultimate FX Full Facepiece*** Heavy Duty: All Day Comfort - Printing, Casting, Aerosol Painting, Chemical handling.

**Full face mask** Eye protection built-in Visor. I used full masks for many years full-time. It’s worth it if you use it a lot. Super comfortable IMO. This is more than enough for resin printing. Individual parts can be replaced for servicing.

https://amzn.to/3TyAzV1 ***3M Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Half Facepiece ($)*** Light Duty to Med Duty: Use w/ Safety Glasses

**Half face,** For light duty, I prefer the quick-release mask, easier to remove, low profile, and works with a face shield. Replace the whole mask if something breaks.

https://amzn.to/3Tps66r **3M P100 Respirator Cartridge/Filter 60926**

✔️ Multi-gas filter, so many to choose from which one to use? After plugging the top 5 most emitted chemicals from the UL study into 3m’s website, it recommended filters from 60921 - 60927 Mercury rated. Mercury is not on the list, I chose the next one down, the multi-gas vapor (60926).

✔️ Nitrile gloves 🧤, DO NOT handle uncured resin without gloves. It’s like 25 cents a pair and the cost per pair goes down if you buy in bulk. Way more affordable than a dermatologist visit. Gloves slow down exposure to chemicals. Do yourself a favor, and check for holes or tears when you put them on. It sucks to find out afterwards. Get a box of 100 to start handling resin and isopropyl alcohol. If you print a lot you’ll be buying them more often.

Avoid using latex gloves as they aren’t rated for IPA or ethanol. Latex gloves are good for acetone. To read more glove ratings check OSHA PPE. Some people buy those thick reusable gloves. IMO those lessen your dexterity and that could lead to more splash accidents. So I stick to disposables.

Minimize your exposure from being sensitized. See Isopropyl Alcohol Allergic contact dermatitis. I double up if I’m doing a lot of work. I use mediums, and I layer with large gloves just in case it breaks. When doubling up I wipe down with alcohol on a shop towel and cure them for a few extra uses from the top glove. Cure fully before disposing of it.

Here is a curing chamber I put together - (see Reddit post for more pictures of the build) I used this 50W UV LED Black Light and a cardboard box lined with tin foil. This is how I cure my gloves. There’s an exothermic reaction, which results in a warming sensation. You can get a few uses out of them if you cure your gloves.

Additional Tip: Be careful if you’re going to flip your gloves inside out and wear them again. The glove on the left had some clear resin on the inside after I had taken them off, be sure to check your gloves just in case.

https://amzn.to/3g0RhP4 Black Disposable Nitrile Industrial Gloves, 5 Mil Medium Size
https://amzn.to/3UXUTAr Black Disposable Nitrile Industrial Gloves, 5 Mil Large Size

✔️ Chemical-resistant Apron/sleeves 💪 In case of accidental splashes. Save your clothes from becoming an “art” shirt. PVC is good for Hydrochloric Acid, Hydrofluoric Acid, Hydrogen Peroxide, Isopropyl Alcohol, Nitric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, and Sulfuric Acid according to Mcmaster-Carr. Wear this when cleaning/transferring large volumes of IPA, and mixing resin.
https://amzn.to/3Go6iFk Chemical Resistant Industrial Apron and sleeves.

I wear this when I’m doing a lot of cleaning, especially when I’m brushing prints in IPA because that is the time when accidents can happen. It’s not for very long so it’s not super annoying, but your forearms do get hot if you wear it for too long. Generally, I’m only cleaning for 5 minutes at a time.

Resin Waste Disposal PSA

All uncured resins, from regular degular, ABS-like, casting, tough, flexible, plant-based, to water-based, and their waste products can be hazardous to you, the environment, local wildlife, and marine life if not handled and disposed of properly. Remember to wear your PPE during this process and please consider the following reminders:

☠️ PLEASE DO NOT RUN UNCURED RESIN PRINTS UNDER THE FAUCET. Water-washable resin is NOT safe to go down the drain. Storm drains should also NEVER be used for wastewater or chemical disposal. They don’t connect to treatment systems and discharge directly into creeks and streams. ☠️
This also goes for when using hot water to remove supports, as that is becoming a popular method. Do not let the wastewater go down the drain.
Treat Wastewater as if it were another chemical. Do not pour it down your drain (even after curing). Use a chemical-resistant bucket w/lid to contain these resin-contaminated cleaning solvents, including IPA/Ethanol. Clearly Mark Your buckets for later disposal.
Post-processed Wastewater, dirty IPA, leftover failed prints, supports, etc can be left out in the sun to cure/evaporate before disposal.
Consider any consumables such as shop towels or nitrile gloves as contaminated and need to be cured in a clear plastic bag, left it out in the sun for a few days, and mixed around for even curing before disposal.
Leave your silicone mats outside in the sun to cure. Peel off any cured resin for easy cleanup.
When in doubt, find out if your city has special waste disposal for residents. If you are a business, contact an environmental services company to dispose of special waste.

**Storm Drains**

I snapped this photo while in Oakland, CA. Municipal drains usually drain to local water sources. Please consider the big impact that polluting those water sources can have. Do your part so we can have this hobby for a long time.

But, (insert strawman about how XYZ is worse) what - about - ism, etc?

While we should be aware that there are factories that produce 1000 times the waste that I produce in a year, daily. And that they do so legally by literally paying for carbon credits so they can pollute.

Even then, I still wouldn't want the sanitation worker handling trash to get exposed to uncured resin if I can help it. I will try to do what I can, like sticking wastewater outside to cure it before I dispose of it. Whether you print and paint minis for D&D nights, or make presents for your nieces and nephews. It’s really fun to make art, AND it does create a lot of waste too.

If enough people make the effort to help the new people that come into resin printing to at least pay attention to this part of the hobby a little more, then I think that’s a move in the right direction and I love to see it.

Accidental Resin Exposure

You wear all this PPE. You could be super careful, and still somehow, some way, resin got on your skin. Could’ve been a splash, a drip, or a drop. Maybe it was on a tool, and you forgot to wear gloves when you touched it - that time, twice.

Accidents can still happen. If you get it in your eye, flush your eye, and seek medical attention. In the past, when I had a resin accident, I would freak out and run to the sink. Now I do the following:

S#!T S#!T S#!T NGL I still freak out, just a lot less because of PPE.
Stop what I’m doing. De-glove if contaminated.
Grab a small bucket (2 gallons and up will work) disposable shop towels, and baby wipes.
Run warm water over the affected area and into the bucket, and use mild soap to scrub the affected area into the waste water bucket and not down the drain. Remember the marine life harm?
Wipe the area down with baby wipes. If you still get a reaction. Consult medical attention. Long-term exposure can lead to contact chronic dermatitis that requires topical steroids to treat.
Cure whatever water is in the bucket by leaving it outside and letting it evaporate.
Dispose of resin waste accordingly.

**Check your bottle caps**

Sometimes for whatever reason, resin bottle caps crack and if you shake it without checking - it might ruin your whole day if you’re not wearing proper PPE.

Personal Protection Equipment Maintenance

Okay so you got all this PPE now, how do you keep it clean and ready for next time? I recommend mild cleaners and soaps for maintaining your kit. Wear a pair of gloves and inspect each part. After wipe-downs. Shine a UV torch over it to see if you’ve missed some spots. You can use melamine sponges and IPA to remove stubborn resin residue as well. If you put in the effort to maintain clean PPE after you work, it will last you a while.

**Apron/Sleeves**
1. Wipe down affected areas with IPA
2. Stretch out and wipe the sleeves to make sure there’s no resin from last time because you were in a rush. Wipe down with IPA.
3. Cure with UV torch or run in UV curing chamber for 2 minutes on each side.

Eye protection
1. Clean with mild soap and warm water as needed.
2. Dry with a microfiber cloth.
3. Store the lens side up to avoid scratching.
When the lenses get too scratched up, Thank them for their service, retire and replace them. Like tears, in rain.

Nitrile gloves
1. Cure any resin before you dispose of them.
2. Buy new ones before you run out.
Always good to keep an extra box in stock.

Respirator
(3M’s how-to on cleaning and storing respirators.)
1. If it’s something is broken, replace that part.
2. Clean w/ warm water, and mild soap. Dry. (3M Respirator Cleaning Wipes also work intermittently if you don’t have time to wash your mask.)
3. Place in an airtight bag and store it when not in use.
Full Face respirators have replaceable lens covers which protect your investment.

Filter Cartridge
1. Write the date of first use on the mask side of your cartridge so you can keep track. IPA Wipe front side.
2. Store it in a gallon bag in a dry place when not in use.
Always good to have backups, Check your expiration dates. Replacement frequency depends on usage. Your mileage may vary. Check 3m Service Life for more info.

TLDR - Resin Saftey 101

Resin Printing is hella fun. Vent your fumes when 3d printing. Vent your Post Processing, and dispose of your waste properly. Wear PPE when handling resin. Spread the word on safety tips! Don’t be like Brad Pitt’s character in World war Z and try to be the hero. Let’s go through the PPE you’ll need as your last barrier of defense against resin zombies.

Personal Protective Equipment Check List

3M Ultimate FX Full Face in action. I use this for work when I would be in the shop all day. Very comfortable. (Pictured in Costco in 2020)

✔️ Eye protection
https://amzn.to/3TAOY2Q 3M Chemical Splash/Impact Goggle Style
https://amzn.to/3g1JYGW 3M Safety Glasses Wrap-around Style
This is to save your eye(s) from flying debris like when you’re clipping supports and accidental chemical splash accidents.

✔️ Respirator mask
https://amzn.to/3UwkOPW 3M Ultimate FX Full Facepiece
https://amzn.to/3TyAzV1 3M Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Half Facepiece
Check for proper fit by covering filters, and breathe in to form suction around your face.
This is for filtering the fumes during cleaning up your prints/washing/curing.

✔️ Multi-gas filter cartridge
https://amzn.to/3Tps66r 3M P100 Respirator Cartridge/Filter 60926
This is the filter that goes on your respirator mask

✔️ Nitrile gloves
https://amzn.to/3g0RhP4 Black Disposable Nitrile Industrial Gloves, 5 Mil Medium Size
https://amzn.to/3UXUTAr Black Disposable Nitrile Industrial Gloves, 5 Mil Large Size
Do not handle uncured resin without gloves.
This puts a barrier between the resin/chemicals and your hands.

✔️ Chemical-resistant Apron/sleeves
https://amzn.to/3Go6iFk Chemical Resistant Industrial Apron and sleeves.
https://amzn.to/3Ox1qjh Splash-proof overalls - I like the ease of an apron, but this is another option.
Use for when cleaning/transferring large batches of IPA, and mixing resin.
Check EVERY TIME to make sure the resin cap isn’t cracked BEFORE shaking the bottle.
This is for accidental splashes that could ruin your whole day.

Optional/Useful:

✔️ Resin Waste Curing Light
https://amzn.to/3GPg1Dn 50W UV LED Black Light
This can be used to cure your gloves and resin waste.

✔️ Lens Covers
https://amzn.to/3Aezpr7 3M Lens Cover FF-400-15 This protect your lens from scratch damage - Full face mask only

✔️ Mask Cleaning Wipes
https://amzn.to/3Eqpq4d 3M Respirator Cleaning Wipes
This is for wiping down the mask intermittently between deep cleanings.

✔️ Shielding Lotion
https://amzn.to/3twHp2A Gloves In A Bottle Shielding Lotion
It creates a barrier in case of accidental resin contact. Also, you wash your hands a lot, this is super helpful to keep them from drying out. Keeps them from cracking and bleeding in the cold months.
This is a lotion I recommend for anyone that works with their hands.

✔️ Baby Wipes
https://amzn.to/3V2wcm6 Sensitive Water-Based Baby Diaper Wipes, Hypoallergenic and Unscented
Hypoallergenic and Unscented for Sensitive skin
This is helpful for cleaning up accidental resin contact especially if you’re not right near a water source.

**Your First Resin Printer**:
Scope, Budget, and WorkSpace

**The best time to start resin printing was yesterday, The next best time is today.**

Okay, I think that’s good enough for Resin Safety 101. There’s a lot more to cover in the next post. Hope you found the overview helpful. Now go get your PPE gear!

And if you haven’t upgraded your fume ventilation setup yet, I got you covered! Stop by Ventilation Upgrades to see more.

If you’re just starting out. feel free to check out Your First Resin Printer where I go over everything you need to get started and if you’re already printing but hate the smell, take a look at Ventilation Upgrades for 3d Resin Printing.

In the meanwhile, check out some other posts below!

Until next time, Stay creating.
Ray @AsianJoyCo

Your First Resin Printer

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