What makes ArtResin safe to use?
- What Makes ArtResin Safe To Use?
- ArtResin has been evaluated by a certified toxicologist at the American Society for Testing and Materials as being non-toxic when used as directed (conforms to ASTM D4236). It is formulated using the highest quality materials and therefore produces no VOCs or fumes. It is a clean system, meaning there are no solvents or non-reactive diluents—everything in it reacts so nothing is free to become airborne and cause health issues. It is also non-flammable in its liquid form. For all these reasons, it is classified as a non-hazardous material and is shippable by air. Furthermore, many curatives have a powerful odor, however ArtResin has only a low odor and is applicator friendly.
- ArtResin Epoxy Resin is Non-Toxic (when used as directed) and Safe for Home Use!
Does yellowing occur?
- Laboratory Test Results Measuring Yellowing of Commercial Epoxy Resins
- ArtResin is derived from museum conservation-grade materials. Many resins contain a UV stabilizer to help delay the epoxy's natural yellowing process, however this alone is not enough to prevent yellowing from happening. ArtResin contains both a UV stabilizer as well as an advanced additive called HALS (hindered amine light stabilizer) that interrupts the yellowing process before it can even begin.
What is HALS and UV stabilization?
- Epoxy resins are prone to yellowing and other degradative effects from UV light, so stabilization additives are used to help mediate the damage. A UV stabilizer works to protect against gloss loss, cracking, chalking and de-lamination, and to some extent yellowing. A UV stabilizer merely delays yellowing in resins, so ArtResin has a HALS (hindered amine light stabilizer) added for extremely efficient long term yellowing protection.
- What is HALS and UV stabilization?
Is ArtResin food safe?
- ArtResin Passes Food Safety Tests
- Yes, once ArtResin is cured, it is fully inert and can be safely used as a food contact surface.
- ArtResin has been vigorously tested by a third party for leaching and migration across worldwide standards and passed every test: when used as directed, cured ArtResin will not leach any substances into food that comes into contact with it.
- You can check out ArtResin'sSDS for further details.
What kind of coverage can I expect?
- See our Resin Calculator for your specific coverage needs
What is the shelf life of ArtResin?
- Does Epoxy Resin Expire?
- ArtResin will stay fresh for about 6 months in opened bottles, or 1 year unopened.
Can I do a second coat or multiple coats?
- Can I Apply A Second Coat Of Epoxy Resin? Can I Apply Multiple Coats Of Epoxy Resin?
- Yes, you can do a second coat of ArtResin. You may choose to do this to repair the first coat, for example if there is a bubble, hair, dust or other small imperfection in your cured resin. To apply a second layer, you will prepare and apply the resin exactly the same way as the first; however you must sand out the imperfection first, and then give the entire piece an overall sanding to provide some tooth so the second layer can adhere properly. Sanding will cause the first layer to look scuffed but don't worry; when you pour the second coat on, the scuff marks will become invisible.
- You can also pour multiple layers of ArtResin if, for instance, you need to cover areas of high relief, if you're pouring into a mold or if you simply like the look of a thicker coat. It's important to remember that theideal pour is 1/8" - if you pour any thicker, the bubbles will not be able to escape. You can layer ArtResin in multiple coats, as high as you'd like, as long as you pour in 1/8" increments.
- You have two choices when pouring multiple layers:
the first is to pour your first layer, torch out the bubbles, cover and wait 3-5 hours until your resin reaches a jelly like stage. At this point, you can pour on your next 1/8" layer, torch out bubbles, cover, wait 3-5 hrs and repeat until you reach the height you desire. This method is especially handy when pouring into a mold or a dam.
The second option isto allow your first layer to fully dry, then give the overall piece a light sanding and pour on your next 1/8" layer. Torch out bubbles, cover and let this layer dry. Repeat these steps as many times as you'd like. - Preparing A Resin Dam With Metal Tape
- Can I Pour A Thick Layer Of Resin On My Artwork?
- Keep in mind that our recommendation of a 72hr cure time is based on a 1/8" layer. The thicker your layers are, the longer the cure time will be. It could take up to 10 days for a full cure, depending on how many layers you've poured.
What safety precautions should I take when using ArtResin?
- What Safety Precautions Should I Take When Using ArtResin Epoxy Resin?
- ArtResin is considered a non-hazardous material and is non-toxic when used as directed, however there are some common sense safety precautions that every user should follow:
- Wear gloves. Epoxy resin is very sticky in its liquid form, so gloves will protect the user from a mess, as well as skin irritation. Clean skin promptly with soap and water if it does come in contact with the product.
- If the product somehow comes in contact with your eyes, flush with water repeatedly and do not rub. Promptly seek medical attention.
- Work in a well ventilated area. Wear a respirator if ventilation is poor.
- For detailed health information, please see the ArtResin SDS.
- ArtResin conforms to ASTM D-4236, meaning ithas been evaluated as safe for home use.
Why use a torch with epoxy resin?
- Why Use A Torch With ArtResin?
- Why Use A Torch To Get Rid Of Bubbles On Epoxy Resin
- Torches ( e.g. a butane-filled ArtResin™ Artist's Torch or an ArtResin™ Artist's Propane Torch Head) work extremely well to eliminate bubbles because they produce a flame which can easily be controlled and directed at an area of bubbles. When the resin is heated, it thins out which enables it to de-gas more easily. Heat guns can also work, however they are harder to direct heat to where you want it to go. An added benefit of the flame is that it will burn off tiny dust particles that may have landed in the resin. Of course, common sense and caution should be used when operating any torch or heat gun.
Can ArtResin be tinted?
- Can Epoxy Resin Be Tinted?
- How To Color Clear Epoxy Resin.
- Yes, ArtResin can be tinted with ResinTint™ pigment, as well as acrylic paint or ink. Simply drop color into the mixture while stirring for an all over saturated color. All 24 ResinTint™ colorantsare crafted for compatibility with ArtResin epoxy resin: this colorant will preserve the glossiness and translucency of the resin and will not cause a flammability risk when torched. Acrylic paint will produce a more opaque look and often greatly decreases the working time. Inks such as alcohol ink can pose a significant flammability risk when torched.
- TIP: Whichever colorant you choose, be sure not to add more than 6% of the total volume of mixed resin and hardener.
Adding more than 6% colorant mayinterfere with the delicate balance necessary for the epoxy resin's chemical reaction to take place, therebypreventing your ArtResin from curing properly.
What is ArtResin's heat resistance?
- What Is ArtResin's Heat Resistance?
- The maximum temperature that cured ArtResin can tolerate is 120F or 50C.
- At temperatures as high as that, the cured pieces may become a little flexible but once they cool off, they will harden up once again. Typically, the heat generated from a hot mug will not damage the resin surface on a coaster, but if your cured resin is exposed to temperatures beyond 120F or 50C, however - for example, you place a hot dish right out of the oven on a resined surface or you leave a cured piece in a hot car - it could cause irreparable damage.
