Epoxy Allergy - Suggestions on How to Finish a Boat?

[pauloman]

eventually you get reactions to all epoxies - that said I have had customers tell me they could still use my Basic No Blush epoxy but not the other 'big' brand epoxy often used.....

 

[fallguy]

Not sure if it got mentioned, but I have vinegar all over my build area. I wash my hands with vinegar after glove removal.

I have a half gallon vinegsr jug in my shower.

It can be hard on the eyes, but I hate the odor of epoxy curing in my hair much worse.

Also, why not try barrier creams? Unless you break out from inhalation; barrier cream and double gloves is very helpful.

And we use a lot of paper toweling. It is just part of my messy operation.

 

[freddyj]

I became sensitive about half way into my build. After that I had to wear a full suit, double gloves, hood, and repirator just to mix small amounts. I also found out that the mixing ratios make a difference. I tried one with 100:16 ratio and it was much worse than the 100:25 I had been using. A noticeable difference. I didn't have a lung problem, but my arms, hands, and neck would break out terribly as soon as I got near the epoxy. After staying covered up for two years, now I can do small amounts without it bothering me, as long as I don't get it on my skin.

 

[sailhand]

In Australia samples sent to the university of Southern Queensland for testing for a surveyed vessel (commercial vessel) using vinylester adhered to cured epoxy proved to be more than adequate. The only provisos was the use of a light, 200 m2, chop strand mat between the two laminates. The epoxy laminate was well cured before the vinylester was used for secondary bonding. All the usual surface prep rules obviously apply. The gougeon brothers also tested polyester resins bonded to cured epoxy with very promising results in contrast to popular opinion. I don't think I would try to use polyester to bond to epoxy however it is not uncommon in Australia to use vinylester on epoxy in surveyed vessels. Definitely worth a shot. I suffer from a severe allergy to epoxy also and I am not alone. I live on an epoxy built catamaran and my next repairs will be in vinylester. The local west system agents had testing done with similar results as they market a product called Duflex which is laminated with epoxy and some builders with epoxy allergies wanted to use the product. They were the initial source of my information. I would suggest testing vinylester for your project.