Dennis,
The issue is a chemical one, and often is a result of cumulative
exposure to the liquid and/or dust forms. I know one boatbuilder who
has always been allergic, and another that used to be immune, but is
now so allergic that he can't be in a shop where they've sanded an
epoxy boat unless he has on a full tyvek suit and respirator. Of
course, this fellow practically bathed in liquid epoxy and epoxy dust
for years, because he was "immune", so he is best seen as a cautionary
tale of being arrogant.
Epoxy doesn't bother me in the slightest, but I want to keep it that
way. When I use it, I wear gloves, and take reasonable precautions to
keep the liquid and dust from getting on my skin or in my lungs.
You'll know if you have an allergic reaction. I itch with just about
any fiberglass, but am not allergic to epoxy. The difference is like
poison ivy versus a bunch of mosquito bites.
If you're not allergic, a little dust probably won't make you
allergic. It's a case of the less exposure you have, the better. Long
sleeves and pants, a respirator, a sander with a dust bag, and a fan
with a gentle breeze (away from your face, obviously) might keep you
fine forever. Or not.
For future reference, check out MAS epoxies. They have a great range
of products for different pot lives, and their epoxies don't get the
amine blush. Not trying to sell them -- just saying they're worth
looking at.
I'm a big fan of Durabak paint for anything that can be
rough/nonskid. It's got great grip, a nice soft surface, hides all
sorts of fairing sins, and is almost indestructible. They drag 9-ton
moorings across ship decks coated with this stuff. They have four
varieties: rough and "smooth", in both uv-stabilized and indoor
versions, in about a dozen colors. But, at $200 per gallon, it's
probably far from the bargain you're looking for.
- Mike
On 9/11/2010 7:42 AM, Dennis Cox wrote:
I've heard about the allergic reactions to epoxy in general, but I've never seen it and haven't figured out the difference between it and when I get "itchy". I understand it can be a "build-up" thing. IOW, I may be fine now, and have more and more trouble later on. Right now, I get it even getting up in the attic with the pink fiberglass insulation. Once I take a good shower its gone. Is the "allergic" reaction something obviously different? Is it a chemical contact while the epoxy is still liquid or can I get sensativity to even the cutting and sanding dust? That's a lot harder to avoid since its everywhere?Ductile - There wording is "cures as the most flexible laminate."I'd be interested to hear what you come up with, with the new paint. I wouldn't have thought about house paint. But for MLM, I'll try anything. The house paints sticks to fiberglass? I might could get a Oop's gallon for $5. :)Dennis