By Jim Hingst @hingst_jim
In mixing an epoxy, the resin is combined with a hardener. As the epoxy
cures, a chemical reaction occurs in which small molecules called monomers join
to form bigger molecules called polymers. After this chemical reaction occurs
and the epoxy hardens, the resin is relatively safe, unless it burns and you
breathe the fumes. All in all, working with epoxies is much safer than working
with other chemicals.
There are, however, some precautions that you should take when working
with these materials. The real health hazard is contact with the monomers and
curing agent either through breathing the fumes, ingestion or skin or eye
contact. Some hardeners, which are highly alkaline, can cause skin irritation
and burns. How a person’s skin reacts depends on the person’s sensitivity.
Contact with some chemicals can result in dermatitis. Hardeners can also cause
irritation of the respiratory system.
Here are a few suggestions to avoid risks to your health, when working
with epoxies:
- Before working with any epoxy read the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) and the manufacturer’s bulletins for the product. Follow all instructions in the product literature and labeling. Review the safety guidelines with your employees and insist that they follow handling instructions and wear all appropriate personal safety equipment.
- Work in a well ventilated shop.
- When handling the chemicals, always wear nitrile or latex gloves to prevent skin contact. Replace gloves if they become damaged. Prevent contact with other body parts including arms, wrists and ankles by wearing overalls. If you are working with large amounts of epoxy and come into considerable contact, consider disposable clothing.
- When working with any liquid chemicals, protect your eyes by wearing safety glasses or a full face shield.
- If chemicals contact your eyes, rinse them in running water for at least 15 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention.
- If you sand an epoxy, be sure to wear an appropriate dust mask.
- After working with chemicals, wash your hands with soap and water. Never clean your hands with solvents. After washing, moisturize your hands with a skin lotion.
- Uncured resin and hardeners are generally rated as hazardous materials. You should dispose of these chemicals according to federal, state and local regulations.
Vinyl Application Videos
Squeegee Technique. Nothing is more basic in vinyl application than the squeegee. But some squeegees work better than others. And there are right ways and wrong ways to use this simple tool. This video clip reviews squeegee selection, squeegee care and squeegee technique. Click to Link
Wet Applications. Dry applications are typically recommended for most vinyl applications. For those exceptions to the rule, this instructional video explains the right way to perform a wet application. Click to Link
Application of Window Graphics. Installing vinyl graphics on glass can be challenging, because the adhesive aggressively grabs onto this high energy surface. Repositioning graphics on window is generally difficult, if not impossible. This instructional video explains how to dry apply window graphics right the first time. It also describes the necessary steps required for surface preparation. Click to Link
Transferring Frosted Window Graphics Films. Because frosted window films are highly textured, transferring cut vinyl graphics can be problematic. This video provides direction in selection of the right application tape and how to apply these films quickly, easily and without problems. Click to Link
3-Step Surface Prep. This instructional video describes how to properly clean the surface of a vehicle before applying pressure sensitive vinyl graphics to a trailer or doing a full wrap of a car or van. This three step surface prep involves detergent washing, solvent cleaning and a final wipe down with IPA. Click to Link
Vinyl Application Over Rivets. Applying vinyl graphics on vehicle surfaces with rivets is challenging for most sign makers. Vinyl failures to these surfaces are all too common. This video demonstrates some tips and procedures, used by professional decal installers, which will make these demanding applications easier and more trouble-free. Click to Link
Vinyl Application to Corrugations. Learn how to apply vinyl graphics to corrugations in a relaxed state. Forcing films into the valleys of corrugations puts too much mechanical stress on the film. Sooner or later, the vinyl will lift or tent in valleys. Click to Link
Applying Air Egress Vinyls. Vinyl films with air egress release liners have almost eliminated bubbles and wrinkles from applied graphics. Air egress release liners with their highly textured surface structure are problematic. Not much will stick to these liners other than the vinyl film. At RTape our best premask solution for air egress liners is a special Conform® tape called 4761RLA. Click to Link
About Jim Hingst: After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.
Hingst began his career 42 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer. Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.
Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 150 articles for publications, such as Signs Canada, SignCraft, Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 325 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published. Vinyl Sign Techniques is available at sign supply distributors and at Amazon.
© 2016 Jim Hingst
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