Adding Scents To Epoxy: Is It Possible?

Adding fragrance to epoxy is possible, and there are a few ways to do it. One way is to add fragrance oil to clear resin and shake the mixture until the liquids are combined. This method was used by Formlabs Engineer Craig Broady, who created a strawberry-scented resin. Alternatively, BJB offers a vanilla fragrance designed specifically for resins. However, it is important to note that the smell of epoxy is typically caused by the chemicals present during and after application, and it can be unpleasant and lingering.

What is the process of making epoxy fragrant?

The process of making epoxy fragrant involves adding fragrance oil to the epoxy resin. This can be done by following these steps:

Firstly, it is important to select the appropriate fragrance oil. The type of oil and its potency will impact the overall scent and strength of the fragrance. For instance, BJB offers a vanilla fragrance specifically designed for resins. Additionally, essential oils such as orange, lavender, rosemary, and sage are known to be retained in capsules for long periods, thus prolonging the persistence of fragrances.

Once the desired fragrance oil is selected, it is combined with the epoxy resin and dye, if desired, in a jar with a lid. The ratio of these ingredients is crucial and should be carefully measured and adjusted to achieve the desired result. Craig and Rachel from Formlabs, for example, added a bit of red dye and strawberry fragrance oil to clear resin.

After adding the ingredients to the jar, they should be mixed thoroughly by shaking the jar until the liquids are fully combined. This step is crucial to ensure that the fragrance is evenly distributed throughout the epoxy.

Once the mixture is ready, it can be used for printing or casting sculptures as per the usual process. For instance, Formlabs used a 3D printer to create vibrant snail and strawberry prints that smelled like real strawberries.

It is important to note that adding fragrance oil to epoxy resin may affect its properties, such as curing time and strength. Therefore, it is essential to test and adjust the ratio of ingredients to achieve the desired results without compromising the integrity of the epoxy.

Additionally, proper ventilation and safety precautions should be followed when working with epoxy and fragrance oils to avoid potential health risks associated with inhaling epoxy fumes and strong fragrances.

What are the health risks of inhaling epoxy?

When liquid epoxy evaporates, its fumes become respirable. Epoxy vapours are more likely to evaporate in areas with poor ventilation and high temperatures. When inhaled, these fumes can affect the nose, throat, and lungs. Symptoms of epoxy inhalation include inflammation and irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs. Continuous and high amounts of exposure to epoxy fumes can result in sensitization and asthma.

Partially cured epoxy can also be dangerous when inhaled. Sanding a partially cured epoxy surface produces hazardous dust that can become trapped in the mucus lining of the respiratory system. This can cause serious health problems and severe respiratory irritation and/or respiratory allergies.

According to research by The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, exposure to unhardened epoxy compounds caused asthma reactions in 15 out of 113 tested patients. The study also found that epoxy resins cause asthma only in their liquid form and not in their hardened plastic form.

To protect yourself from the health risks of inhaling epoxy, it is important to establish a proper ventilation system. Ductless fume hoods and portable fume extractors can help pull harmful fumes away from the operator and filter the air.

What are the ways to reduce the smell of epoxy during application?

Epoxy is typically odorless or emits a subtle scent. However, when its resin and hardener components are combined, they can produce a stronger odour due to the exothermic reactions during curing. This process releases vapours that are responsible for the distinct epoxy smell, which is often attributed to the hardener. While the smell of epoxy is not pleasant during application and curing, understanding its causes can help to minimise its impact. Here are some ways to reduce the smell of epoxy during application:

Proper Ventilation and Air Circulation

Having proper ventilation and air circulation is essential to minimising the epoxy smell during application. This method is suitable for anyone working with epoxy indoors, especially in enclosed spaces like workshops, garages, or basements. Using an air purifier with activated carbon filters can enhance odour removal, although the cost varies depending on the purifier's size and features. A more budget-friendly option is to use a fan to improve air circulation.

Timing and Temperature Considerations

Working during cooler parts of the day or in spaces with controlled temperatures can slow down the curing process, which may help to lessen the odour. Aim for a curing area temperature of around 70°F (21°C) for optimal resin curing and a reduced smell. Adjusting the timing and temperature during epoxy application is usually an accessible solution for many users, as it does not require any additional cost.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, protective clothing, and a respirator mask with activated carbon filters, is crucial to minimising the epoxy smell during application. These items shield against direct contact with epoxy and harmful fumes, protecting your skin and respiratory system. While the cost of PPE varies depending on the quality of the equipment, investing in it ensures safety and comfort during epoxy applications. It is important to ensure that the mask fits properly, with no gaps where fumes could sneak in.

Allow Enough Curing Time

Allowing enough time for the epoxy to cure properly can help to reduce its smell. Generally, it takes 48-72 hours for epoxy resin to fully cure, but this time can vary depending on the type of resin. Proper curing ensures that the epoxy sets fully and reduces its odour.

Use of Baking Soda

Placing baking soda in a box can be effective in absorbing the smelly vapours emitted from resins. While it may not eliminate the odour completely, it is a useful tool to have in addition to any ventilation system.

What are the ways to get rid of the epoxy smell after curing?

While epoxy is typically odorless or has a subtle scent, the curing process can produce a stronger odour due to the exothermic reactions that occur when the resin and hardener components combine. This distinct epoxy smell can be minimised during application through proper ventilation and air circulation, lowering temperatures, and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). However, if you are looking for ways to get rid of the epoxy smell after curing, here are some methods to consider:

• Using natural odour absorbers: Natural odour absorbers like baking soda can be effective in eliminating epoxy smells post-curing. Baking soda is a versatile, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution that can be placed in a box near the cured epoxy to absorb and neutralise the odour. While it may not eliminate the smell completely, it can help to reduce its intensity.
• Air purifiers: Air purifiers are another option to eliminate epoxy resin smell post-curing, especially if ventilation alone is insufficient. They are available in various brands and features, making them adaptable to different budgets.
• Exhaust fans: Using exhaust fans is an effective method to quickly ventilate and remove epoxy odours from enclosed spaces with limited airflow. The cost of these fans varies depending on their type and size, but they generally provide a long-term solution for odour removal.
• Opening windows and doors: Simply opening windows and doors is a straightforward and cost-free method to eliminate epoxy resin smell after curing. This method is commonly used in homes, workshops, or any indoor space where epoxy is applied.
• Cleaning surfaces: Cleaning the cured surface with mild soap and water can help eliminate any leftover residue that may be causing the odour. This method is straightforward and cost-effective, as it only requires basic household items.
• Storing epoxy materials properly: Storing epoxy components in airtight containers can prevent fumes from escaping and spreading. It is important to label these containers and keep them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. This method helps prevent lingering odours after curing and ensures unused epoxy remains fresh.

It is important to note that the epoxy smell will typically fade over time, but it may take several days or weeks, depending on factors such as the type of epoxy, curing conditions, and ventilation. By using these methods, you can accelerate the odour removal process and create a more comfortable environment.

What are some companies that sell scented resins?

Scented resins can be made by adding fragrance oils to clear resin. Companies that sell scented resins include:

• Scents of Earth, which offers a range of resins, woods, herbs, incense, oils, and incense accessories. Some of their resins include Opoponax Resin from Somalia, Cedar Resin from Germany, and Frankincense Resin from Oman.
• Formlabs, which offers a Scratch-N-Sniff Resin that can be made by adding fragrance oil and dye to clear resin. They provide a simple recipe that allows for endless variations in terms of fragrances and colours.

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