there are basically three types of resin: polyester, epoxy, and polyurethane/urethane. almost everybody in this community is using urethane bc it gives amazing results such as the clarity and shine BUT that comes at a price which is how temperamental it is, namely to moisture/humidity. plus, it has a very short pot life. i dont know of any that you can work with more than 20minutes. epoxy resin does not react this way to humidity and some epoxy can sit around for over 24hrs and still remain pourable, but you cant polish it in the same way you can urethanes. polyester is typically the most inexpensive. it cures with a very hard finish and can be buffed to a shine. on the other hand it will yellow over time (unless it never sees any sunlight.) now, in my opinion this stuff is nasty as heck. when i go to the resin shop that sells this stuff i feel like my throat swells up. epoxy has less "harmful" vapors (honestly all of this stuff is harmful BUT some are more harmful than others) and urethane the least vaporous. and i wouldnt touch any of it when it is wet. this should serve as a guideline. do more research and talk to manufacturers to find whats right for u. cheers
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Awesome reply, thanks so much! I recently bought some Smooth Cast 326. It doesn't tell me what type of resin it is but looking forward to tweaking and seeing what works/doesn't!
Are there actually serious negative effects to not using a respirator with urethane?
326 is a great clear urethane resin. it will work well for transparent and colored effects. and yes the vapor is harmful. i found this at blog.greenguide.com
Effects of Polyurethane to the Body
Scientists found isocyanates, a compound that can bring potential harm to one’s lungs, in materials made up of polyurethane. Exposure to the said product can cause lung irritation and asthma attacks. Furthermore, it can also irritate skin and cause difficulty in breathing when lung infections develop. People with migraine and other related body issues should keep at bay from polyurethane fumes because it can swell brain cells that bring about severe head pain. Meanwhile, pregnant women, elderly and sick and young children should never be exposed to polyurethane fumes because it could cause coughs and colds, wheezing, and other symptoms that are related to asthma. Workers who are frequently exposed to polyurethane fumes experience several health disorders including unsettled stomach, vomiting, and dizziness.
How to Avoid Inhaling Polyurethane
Keep away in places where polyurethane fumigation is frequently done such as areas where finishes and varnishes are usually processed. Avoid using polyurethane foam as your bed mattress and steer clear in your home where such job is still ongoing. Open all windows and doors and make sure that the room where wood finishes and varnishes are being done is well ventilated. Finally, do an independent research about polyurethane. After all, knowledge is the key to having a healthy body and sound mind.
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