How To Remove Epoxy Resin From Skin?
Combine a small amount of hand cleaner or dry scrub in your hands. Rub over your hands, the wrists and forearms. Rinse and repeat until all traces of resin are gone, then follow up with hand soap and plenty of warm water.
Watch our video tutorial guide:
How Can I Protect My Skin From Resin?
The best way to protect your skin while using epoxy resin is by working clean: wear protective long sleeved clothing and disposable gloves, changing them for a clean pair as often as needed. We like using nitrile gloves here at ArtResin - they're strong and offer excellent chemical resistance without the allergens often associated with latex.
Tips: If you're concerned about resin getting on exposed areas like your wrists or forearms, you can use a barrier cream (like Stokoderm®) which you apply to your skin before you resin. The cream will seal up your pores, creating a film layer that prevents the resin from penetrating the skin. 
What Happens If You Get Resin On Your Hands?
In addition to a sticky mess, some users may find their skin becomes irritated if it comes into direct, prolonged contact with epoxy resin. Irritation may include redness and itchiness and should subside after the resin is removed. For this reason, if you accidentally get resin on your skin, remove it immediately.
What Removes Sticky Resin From Your Skin?
A water-less, exfoliant cleanser is the safest and most effective way to remove sticky resin from your skin. This includes:
- Orange hand cleaner from the hardware store.
- A dry scrub made using poppy seeds or coarse salt mixed with a little liquid dish soap.
- An oil based sugar or salt scrub.
Can You Wash Off Epoxy Resin With Soap And Water?
Soap and water will remove some epoxy resin from skin, but it may not remove the resin entirely. It may leave a residue of resin on your skin which could cause irritation. To remove resin most effectively, it's best to use an exfoliant based cleanser first, followed up with soap and water.
What Is Not Recommended To Get Epoxy Resin Off Hands
Do not use solvent liquids to remove epoxy resin from your skin. Solvents break down resin, allowing it to penetrate your skin which could result in subsequent irritation. We do not recommend using the following to clean resin from hands:
- acetone
- alcohol
- vinegar
- mineral spirits
- disinfectant wipes
- hand sanitizer
Why Avoid Alcohol To Get Epoxy Resin Off Hands?
While alcohol, acetone, and vinegar are common solvents used to break down and remove sticky substances, they are harsh on the skin, removing natural protective oils and causing dryness and irritation. Dry and irritated skin can absorb resin and become easily sensitized. Solvents also enable the resin to penetrate skin more easily.
The chart below outlines the most popular methods for removing resin from skin, including their efficacy, gentleness, and cost.
Comparison Table of Methods To Remove Resin From Skin
|
Method |
Skin Friendliness |
Effectiveness |
Cost |
| Soap & Water |
High | Moderate | Low |
|
Oil or oil-based cleaners |
High | High | Low-moderate |
| Dish Soap & Coarse Salt or Poppy Seeds | Moderate | High | Low |
| Exfoliant Based Cleanser, such as Gojo |
Moderate | High | High |
| Baking Soda & Water |
Moderate | High | Low |
|
Pumice Soap |
Moderate |
High |
Low |
|
Vinegar |
Low |
Moderate |
Moderate |
| Hand Sanitizer |
Low |
High |
Low |
|
Acetone |
Low |
High |
Low |
| Alcohol |
Low |
High |
Low |
Do you have a favorite hand cleaner, scrub or techniques for getting resin off hands?
Let us know in the comments below!
Do you want to learn more about the epoxy resin cleaning process? Read our guides below:
- How To Clean Epoxy Resin Containers & Cups?
- How To Clean An Epoxy Resin Artwork?
- How To Clean Cured Resin?
- How To Clean Up Epoxy Resin?
ArtResin: The Original Epoxy For Resin Art.
