If you’re a resin artist, then you know that getting resin on your hands is inevitable. It’s just something that comes with the job. However, that doesn’t mean you have to live with resin-covered hands!
In this blog post, we’ll teach you how to get resin off your hands in no time.
Keep reading to learn more!
What Is Epoxy Resin?
Epoxy resin is a synthetic polymer that is commonly used in applications such as coating, flooring, and adhesive products. It’s known for its strong adhesive properties and durable finish, making it a popular choice among artists and DIYers alike.
However, working with epoxy resin can sometimes result in getting resin on your hands. Let’s learn how to get rid of it.
How to Get Epoxy Resin off Hands
Unfortunately, epoxy resin is quite sticky, and in just a few minutes, it will take a firm grip on the skin of your hands. Getting resin off your hands can be a hassle, but with the right techniques and a bit of patience, it can be done.
Here are the most effective ways to get resin off your hands.
1. Soap and Water
Plain and simple, you can use warm water and soap to clean resin off your hands.
All you need to do is soak your hands in warm water for several minutes. Once the resin has softened, apply a decent amount of soap and rub your hands together.
If this doesn’t do the job, try using a cloth to scrub off the remaining resin off your hands.
2. Clean It With Vinegar
Vinegar can help you remove resin but you have to be extra careful because it can dry out and damage your skin. Apply it gently with a cotton ball only where the resin is.
The epoxy ought to soften, making it easy to peel off.
Afterwards, you can wash your hands with warm water and a mild soap, and apply a hydrating hand cream when you’re done.
Not only can you use vinegar to remove resin from your hands, but it can also be useful when cleaning your oven or washing your electric blanket.
3. Apply Acetone
Same as with vinegar, you can loosen epoxy resin with acetone as well. Repeat the same procedure as with vinegar, but do so in a well-ventilated area.
Soak a cotton ball or paper towel in acetone, and gently dab it over the resin.
Don’t forget to rinse your hands thoroughly afterward.
4. Exfoliate With a Citrus-Based Cleanser
Thanks to their slight acidity, citrus-based cleaners are very effective at removing epoxy. Just apply them to the affected area and wait for a couple minutes. The epoxy will soften out quickly. Then, scrape the resin with a cloth, or repeat the process until you can scrape it.
5. Homemade Sugar Scrub
Making a sugar scrub from scratch will not only help you remove resin, but it’ll also protect your hands from the harsh products that can dry out your skin.
Plus, making a resin-removing sugar scrub is really easy. All you need are two cups of plain white sugar, half a cup of oil, and a few drops of essential oil (optional).
Mix these together, and voilà! You can now use it to scrub epoxy resin off your hands.
6. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help scrub away any sticky residue left on your hands after removing the resin.
Simply mix a small amount of baking soda with enough water to form a paste and apply it directly to your skin.
Gently rub the mixture over your hands for 1-2 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
7. Petroleum Jelly
Another common household item that can help get rid of resin on your hands is petroleum jelly.
All you need to do is coat your hands with a thin layer of petroleum jelly and rub it gently into the skin. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe off any excess residue with a clean towel or washcloth.
Repeat as needed to get sticky resin off your hands until the resin is removed from your hands.
8. Alcohol
As an organic solvent, alcohol can certainly help loosen and remove resin from your hands. However, rubbing alcohol can rapidly dry out the skin, so be cautious.
Rinse well, and apply your hydrating hand cream afterward.
9. Hand Sanitizer
Post-covid, we’re sure you have some hand sanitizer laying around. Rub hand sanitizer into your hands, focusing on areas with stubborn bits of resin stuck on them.
It may take some time to remove resin from the skin, so just be sure to keep rubbing until the resin seems to be coming off.
10. Use Oil, Lotion, or Body Butter
This can help moisturize your skin and prevent it from getting dry or cracked as you continue to remove the sticky resin.
11. Use a Commercial Solvent
These solvents are designed specifically for removing sticky residues like resin from your hands and other surfaces. This can help remove leftover residue without causing further irritation to your skin.
Just be sure to read the instructions on the label carefully to determine how long you’ll need to leave the solvent on before washing it off. Commercial solvents can even get the resin smell off your hands.
Conclusion
Getting resin off your hands doesn’t have to be a frustrating and time-consuming process. There are many different methods that you can try, such as scraping it away, soaking your hands in warm water, or using exfoliating scrubs and lotions to remove any sticky residues.
FAQ
Is epoxy resin toxic?
Certain types of epoxy resins can be toxic or contain harmful chemicals, so it is important to do your research and choose a safe and non-toxic product whenever possible. However, a high-quality resin that’s properly formulated and tested doesn’t pose any health risks.
What happens if I get resin on my hands?
If you get resin on your hands, it’s important to remove it as quickly as possible. Resin can be difficult to remove and may cause irritation or damage to your skin if left for too long. Resin can lead to skin irritation, eczema, and allergic reactions over time.
How do you get resin off your hands without vinegar?
There’s a wide variety of things you can use to free your hands of resin instead of vinegar. For example, you can try rubbing alcohol, hand-sanitizer, or acetone to dissolve resin. You can find more details on how to get resin off your hands with these solvents in our guide above.
