Epoxy Safety Tips You Need to Know

By Olivier Onorato, Last updated: 4/27/2026

If you own a boat, it's highly likely that you'll need to work with epoxy and fiberglass cloth at some point or another as it is one of the most useful materials for repair and construction. However, before you use epoxy, it is critical to take some basic steps to protect yourself - exposure to unhardened epoxy can have serious short and long-term health consequences. Below, we outline some information on working with epoxy safely.

Key Takeaways: How to Work With Epoxy Safely

• Always wear PPE. Use nitrile gloves, safety goggles, and a protective coverall whenever handling epoxy resin or hardener to prevent skin contact and eye exposure.
• Use a quality respirator. Epoxy fumes and sanding dust pose serious inhalation risks, especially in confined spaces. Always wear a cartridge-type respirator, and note that partially cured epoxy dust remains hazardous for up to two weeks after application.
• Control heat when mixing. Mixed epoxy in a deep container can generate dangerous heat, potentially melting the container or releasing toxic vapors.
• Ensure adequate ventilation. Work in well-ventilated areas and maintain airflow for 24–72 hours after application until the epoxy is fully cured and odor-free.
• Clean up spills carefully. Use a scraper and absorbent towels for spills; contain large spills with sand, clay, or cat litter — never sawdust. Clean resin residue with acetone or lacquer thinner (on surfaces only, not skin).
• Dispose of epoxy responsibly. Fully cured epoxy can typically be disposed of as non-hazardous solid waste, but always check local regulations and follow all product label directions.
• Know your emergency procedures. For skin contact, wash with soap and water. For eye exposure, rinse for at least 15 minutes. For fume inhalation, move to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

Understanding the Types of Epoxy and Related Resins

Epoxy resins are versatile thermosetting polymers widely used in the marine industry. Created through a chemical reaction between an epoxide resin and a polyamine hardener, they deliver exceptional durability, chemical resistance, and moisture protection. These qualities make them ideal for use in adhesives, protective coatings, flooring, and composite materials, where long-lasting performance is crucial. However, working with uncured epoxy resins requires caution, as they may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can affect respiratory health and irritate the skin. To ensure safe handling, proper personal protective equipment (PPE)—including gloves, masks, goggles, and protective clothing—should always be used.

Skin Protection

The first rule in working safely with epoxy is to keep it off your skin. Even minor contact can cause dermatitis (inflammation) or a more dangerous allergic reaction (sensitization). Once sensitized, further exposure to resin, hardener, their fumes, or even sanding dust from partially cured epoxy can bring on a reaction – and this lasts for the rest of your life! To make sure this does not happen to you, wear neoprene or quality nitrile gloves when working with epoxy. When cleaning up, you may need to switch to heavier solvent-proof gloves as neoprene and nitrile gloves may not withstand cleanup solvents such as acetone or, especially, lacquer thinner.

When working on larger jobs in little places, splatters and spills will inevitably occur. This is why it's important to wear eye protection goggles at all times along with protective clothing – such as a coverall. If you do get resin, hardener, or mixed epoxy on your skin, make sure to remove it as soon as possible.

• Resin is not water soluble – so you will need to use a waterless skin cleanser to remove resin or mixed epoxy from your skin. Some people have also had luck using white vinegar if you are looking for a more “natural” cleaning solution.
• Hardener is water soluble – so you can wash with soap and warm water to remove hardener from your skin.

Even if you avoided getting anything on your skin, it's still important to wash off with soap and warm water after working with epoxy – showering is even better! Remove the clothes you've been using and if you have spilled epoxy on them, change immediately to avoid skin contact. Even partially cured epoxy on your work clothes can be a skin hazard with repeat exposure. Avoid wearing contaminated clothing from a previous work session by using inexpensive, disposable coveralls.

Remember that the more often you are exposed, the more likely you are to develop a problem. It's worth noting that you should never use solvents to remove resin or mixed epoxy from your skin as they can transport toxic components into your bloodstream. Always use a waterless skin cleaner instead.

Inhalation Risks

Epoxies typically have low emissions. However, the risk increases when ventilation is inadequate, exposure is prolonged, or when the products are heated. Mixed resin and hardener that become hot can generate toxic vapors, including volatile organic compounds. Cured epoxy can emit vapors when heated – as when using a flame to release epoxy-mounted hardware. Because of these factors, it's safest to always use a quality respirator when working with epoxy.

Extreme caution should also be used when sanding partially cured epoxy. Although epoxy is firm enough to sand within two hours, the curing process may not complete entirely for up to two weeks. Until then, sanding dust may contain unreacted hazardous components which can be inhaled or settle on your skin.

Do not overlook or underestimate this health risks hazard. Always wear a cartridge-type or hooded powered respirator when sanding recently applied epoxy. Dust from fully cured epoxy, however, is inert and is only considered a nuisance dust.

Mixing Safety

Mixed epoxy can generate an amazing amount of heat. If a big batch of mixed epoxy resin and hardener is left in a deep container, the heat generated by the chemical reaction can build up faster than it can escape. This can cause the temperature to rise high enough to melt the container and produce smoke or toxic vapors. In extreme cases, the heat can cause the epoxy to ignite.

To prevent the mixed epoxy from getting too hot, transfer it from the mixing pot to a wide, shallow container. If you have unused epoxy after the job is done, make sure to monitor the batch – ensuring you have adequate ventilation and that you don't leave solvent-filled rags nearby while you wait for it to cure for disposal.

Workshop Safety

Make sure you have good ventilation, especially when working in confined spaces – such as boat interiors. If ventilation is inadequate, wear a respirator with an organic vapor cartridge. It's best to clean up spills with a scraper, then absorbent towels. Use sand, clay, or cat litter to contain large spills. DO NOT use sawdust, as a fire hazard may result. Clean up resin or mixed epoxy residue with acetone, lacquer thinner, or denatured alcohol (but never on your skin). Clean hardener spill residue with warm soapy water.

Disposal of Leftover Resin and Hardener

Epoxy resin and hardeners are not considered hazardous wastes, but as always – check your local regulations. Fully cured epoxy may usually be disposed of as a non-hazardous solid. And of course it goes without saying that when you are working with epoxies, you should read and follow all product label directions and warnings.

When worked with properly, epoxy can fix or build a lot of things – so don't let these warnings scare you off. Just make sure that you follow the simple resin safety precautions and recommendations above and use best practices along with good common sense. Use quality personal protective equipment (PPE) safety gear, work as cleanly as possible with adequate ventilation, and try your best not to get epoxy on your skin!

Emergency Procedures for Epoxy Accidents

In the event of an epoxy accident, knowing the correct emergency procedures can significantly impact the outcome. If skin contact occurs, promptly wash the affected area with soap and warm water. For eye exposure, rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention if irritation persists. If epoxy dust or fumes are inhaled, move to fresh air immediately, and if symptoms develop, such as difficulty breathing or persistent coughing, seek medical attention right away.

It's crucial to have a first aid kit readily available and to ensure all individuals working with epoxy know the location of emergency equipment, such as eyewash stations. Understanding the health effects and hazards associated with epoxy can help you respond effectively in emergencies, ensuring both safety and swift recovery.

FAQs

Is there such a thing as non-toxic epoxy?

Yes, there are non-toxic epoxy options available on the market. Many brands now offer epoxy resins that are specifically formulated to be free of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Bisphenol A (BPA). These formulations aim to minimize the release of harmful fumes during the curing process and reduce concerns about potential health risks associated with BPA. Always check product labels and choose brands that prioritize safety to ensure a healthier working environment while using epoxy materials.

How long should I ventilate an area after using epoxy?

Maintain ventilation for at least 24-72 hours after application, or until the epoxy is fully cured and no longer emits odors. As epoxy cures, the chemical ingredients react and can continue releasing vapors during this process.

What common mistakes do beginners make when working with epoxy that can lead to safety issues?

One common mistake beginners make when working with epoxy is underestimating the importance of protective gear, leading to skin irritation or respiratory problems. Another frequent error is inadequate ventilation; working in confined spaces without proper airflow can exacerbate the risks associated with inhaling fumes. Lastly, beginners often fail to follow mixing instructions meticulously, which can lead to improper curing and increased health hazards.

Fisheries Supply carries a large selection of  epoxy products for your next big project - along with all the tools and chemicals you need to get started and to stay safe. We hope you've enjoyed this article, but if you have additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact our product experts at (800) 426-6930.