The Facts

• Fumes from epoxy paint are considered dangerous, because they can lead to symptoms of nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and even death. Epoxy paint fumes are toxic to your lungs, and you can begin feeling symptoms from inhaling these fumes within a short period of time after being exposed. The various ingredients that make paint a liquid will evaporate over time the same as any liquid. As the paint dries and its ingredients go through the evaporation process, the strong smell associated with epoxy paint will fade and the dangers of inhaling its fumes will diminish. Creating an atmosphere that will cause your paint to dry more quickly is ideal.
  
  

Effects

• You should beware of a common problem known as "amine blush" when painting any surface with epoxy paint. Amine blush is a waxy layer that will form on the surface of a freshly painted area as the paint goes through the curing process. It is caused when too much moisture is in the air as the paint dries. This problem is more prevalent in cheaper paint and can usually be avoided by purchasing a higher quality of epoxy paint.
  
  

Considerations

• Paint will dry faster under certain conditions and it is wise to take this into consideration when deciding to paint. For example, painting in cool weather with low humidity is always advised. Also, there are steps you can take to ensure that your paint dries faster, no matter the time of year. For instance, placing fans or a dehumidifier in a freshly painted room will create better air exchange and cause the paint to dry faster.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• There are several solutions for cleaning areas of the skin or any other surfaces that come in contact with epoxy resins or hardener. White vinegar and rubbing alcohol is an effective and safe method of cleaning epoxy from human skin. Acetone is a colorless, flammable liquid that can be used for removing dry or hardened epoxy from tools, brushes or any other contaminated surfaces.
  
  

Warning

• Isocyanates are the toxic chemicals in epoxy paint that make the paint dangerous if continuously inhaled over a period of time. Continued inhalation or dermal contact with isocyanates is known to cause occupational asthma, as well as inflammation of the lungs and other similar hazardous effects. For these reasons, you should always allow a freshly painted area time to properly ventilate and dry before re-entering the work area.