If you’re considering using epoxy resin indoors, you may likely question the safety of the product. Although most resins on the market are labeled safe for indoor use, there are always important safety precautions to follow. If you’ve found yourself asking the question, “Can I use resin in my bedroom?”, it’s essential to understand how to use it safely during the application and curing process.
The short answer is yes, epoxy resins may be used in bedrooms, as well as other rooms in your home. However, it’s important that your bedroom has proper ventilation during the application process, as the fumes of epoxy may cause irritation. Additionally, you may select a resin with low VOCs.
Whether you’re coating the floor of your bedroom, or you’re sprucing up your bedroom’s furniture, using epoxy resin in your home is indeed possible. As with any other epoxy project, it’s important to keep certain tips and precautions in mind throughout the application and curing process. Below, we’ll dive into our top tips for staying safe when using epoxy in your bedroom.
Can I Use Epoxy in My Bedroom?
Epoxy resin is a popular coating for countless projects, ranging from floors and furniture to jewelry and art pieces. Because epoxy boasts a glossy appearance and easy-to-maintain surface, it is no wonder why many homeowners desire to use epoxy in their bedrooms. The unmatched beauty of epoxy resin enhances bedroom floors, headboards, closets, furniture, and many other personal belongings. If you’re considering coating your bedroom with epoxy, it’s important to first consider the safety of the product.
Before you install resin in your bedroom, it’s important to properly ventilate your workspace. Although epoxy is safe to use in bedrooms, it may still produce harmful fumes that cause irritation. Always run a fan during application and opt for epoxies with no or low VOCs.
There are two primary dangers that may present themselves during the application of epoxy: toxic fumes and physical contact. To avoid the harmful effects of epoxy resin, it’s crucial to keep appropriate precautions in mind. Wearing gloves, ventilating your workspace, and using the correct epoxy are just a few tips for ensuring your safety during application.
How to Stay Safe When Using Epoxy in Bedrooms
While most epoxies become non-toxic after application, they can be quite harmful during the liquid stage. Not only can the fumes overwhelm certain individuals, but the components of the epoxy and the hardener can cause serious irritation when in direct contact with skin. For this reason, it is important to wear proper gear when mixing, applying, and handling epoxy resin.
Unlike using epoxy outdoors, applying resin in your house requires opening windows and running a fan to ensure proper ventilation. Depending on how strong the fumes are, you may need to wear a respirator when working with epoxy.
Even after you apply epoxy in your bedroom, it’s important to continue following these precautions during the curing process. Because it will take approximately 12 hours to harden, and several days to fully cure, you will need to be extremely careful when entering your bedroom. Below, we’ll explain in further detail tips for staying safe when working with resin.
Wear Proper Safety Gear
While the effects of epoxy vary among individuals, it is important to always wear proper safety gear when applying resins. Gloves, an apron, goggles, and a respirator are the most important items to have on hand. All safety gear should be kept on during the application process, as well as part of the curing process when the epoxy isn’t quite dry.
All safety gear should fit comfortably and be non-reactive to the epoxy and hardener. If you happen to get epoxy on your skin, wash it off immediately with hand wipes or soap and water. Do not use acid or solvents on your skin, as they can react with epoxy and cause harm to your skin.
Ventilate the Bedroom
Perhaps the best way to guarantee your safety during the application process is to ventilate the workspace. This can easily be done by opening a window and turning on a fan. Ceiling fans work well for creating air circulation, as do desktop fans and standing fans. For best results, avoid running air conditioning, as the fumes may get caught up in the air conditioner’s system.
Once you finish applying the epoxy, you have the option of turning the fan off and shutting the windows. While this will prolong the scent of epoxy in your bedroom, it eliminates the possibility of outdoor temperatures affecting the resin. Of course, if you plan on using your bedroom that same day, it is best to leave windows open to minimize the fumes.
Choose Epoxy with No or Low VOCs
To ensure the epoxy is safe for indoor use, only select epoxies with no or low VOCs. Although resins with low VOCs may still have a scent, the odor shouldn’t be as strong as epoxies containing VOCs.
When working with epoxy containing no or low VOCs, it is still important to ventilate your workspace. Even if you can’t smell the fumes, epoxy may still affect the respiratory system. Always wear proper gear and run a fan as long as you are working with the epoxy.
Separate Your Workspace from Other Rooms
To avoid contaminating your entire house, it’s critical to separate your workspace from other rooms. Close all doors leading to your bedroom, and keep the air well-circulated. Because it can take several days for epoxy to cure, it is best not to use the room for at least 24 hours.
After 24 hours, you’ll still need to be careful when handling the epoxy. Even though the fumes should be gone, the epoxy is still toxic and harmful to touch. Do not place food near the epoxy and only handle the resin when wearing gloves. Generally, the epoxy is fully cured after 72 hours, although the curing time may vary among different brands. Always read the epoxy’s instructions to determine the curing time and safety of the product.
