Epoxy Smell

[8]

Does epoxy smell bad?
Is it low or zero VOC?
Would I need a respirator?

I've done small fiberglass work with the stuff you would find at an auto parts store and it smelled pretty bad. I don't want to use something that will stink up my house. I've read that Raka does not smell much. I've read that CPES smells pretty bad. Possibly epoxy that has been thinned with something that evaporates is what makes it smell?

[Corwin C]

I wouldn't say it stinks, but it definitely does have an odor. To me it smells like melted plastic (essentially that's what it is as it cures). The epoxies that I have used (RAKA is my favorite for clear coating canoes) don't have any VOC's (or are extremely low) and I haven't used a respirator or mask. Penetrating epoxies (CPES for example) are another matter. I understand that some of these STINK.

I personally would rather smell curing epoxy than the spar varnish that I coat it with. I have plenty of ventilation and avoid contact as much as possible when I use epoxy (doubled gloves, long sleeves, eye protection, etc.)

Some people are sensitive to epoxy. Exposure can also cause allergic reactions. Read the instructions that come with your epoxy and follow the recommendations given by the manufacturer.

[aggie79]

Would I need a respirator?

Yes.

I used both CPES and Raka epoxy, and used a respirator during both. The CPES works because of the high volatile solvents allow the epoxy to penetrate. It is probably the highest VOC product I've ever used other than pure solvents.

Raka doesn't have much of an odor. It is minimal compared to Bondo. You could probably get away using Raka outdoors without a respirator, but I wouldn't chance it.

[stomperxj]

It is probably the highest VOC product I've ever used other than pure solvents.

I agree. CPES is pretty nasty stuff... I did a bunch outside with a breeze blowing and it was pretty bad...

[greekspeedoman]

Open air is the rule. It isn't the smell so much as the airborn chemicals that you don't want to breathe.

I sort of like the smell. It is the smell of progress.

[Oasis Maker]

I sort of like the smell. It is the smell of progress.

"I love the smell of napalm in the morning... it smells like... victory."

[suckerpunched]

CPES does smell bad,,,,,,trust me, no matter what you are applying..have plenty of ventilation. I did two coats of water based ureathane inside my tear and woke up in the ER,,,,luckilly I have nosey neighbors
Better safe than dead......
TC