"MAS" vs. "System 3" Epoxy?

[Doug Canada]

Debating whether to use;
MAS ( http://www.masepoxies.com/ ), or
System 3 ( http://www.systemthree.com/index_2.asp ).
Any thoughts?

I've been getting an alergic reaction to MAS epoxy.

Any users of the new Silver tip from System 3, out there?

Not keen on using the West System.

Is RAKA in Canada?

Epoxy test; http://www.oneoceankayaks.com/Epoxtest.htm

Thanks,
Doug

.

[kc8pql]

Originally posted by Doug Canada:

I've been getting an alergic reaction to MAS epoxy.
I'd be careful. If you're alergic to one brand you're probably alergic to all amine cured epoxy.

[Figment]

I've been using Silvertip lately. I like it. Good reliable performance, sweet aroma, mixes easily.
Haven't used MAS in years, and my memory isn't good enough to offer a comparison.

kc8 has a good point though. Switching brands may not be the answer.

[Wild Wassa]

Boatcraft Pacific's epoxy is sold in N.America, it is amine free.

Warren.

[Bill Perkins]

Doug I chose system 3 for some Winter work because at that time it's fast hardener had the lower published min. cure temp of the two. Seems like that would matter to a Canadian , eventually.

Are you buying nitrile gloves by the box (of 100)and useing them everytime you use the epoxy ? I think that's what it takes , as a minimum .

[ 06-13-2005, 07:47 PM: Message edited by: Bill Perkins ]

[Jim Mathieson]

Doug ;I have used Progressive Epoxy Polymers...100 gallons of Premium blend.They can ship it over the border.
I;ve used all the protection in the past but still get a itchy rash.
This year I took one of my sons alergy pills and my rash was gone in about 48 hrs. The product is over the counter stuff called Aerius Allergy...new format ...non- drowsy 24 hr .

[JimD]

Is RAKA in Canada? Not to my knowledge but I use it and even after paying for shipping from Florida and the exchange rate on the dollar it was still cheaper than anything else I could purchase here, including the more expensive non blush hardener.

[preston]

Originally posted by Jim Mathieson:
I've used all the protection in the past but still get a itchy rash.Not all "rubber" gloves are the same; there're latex, nitrile, vinyl, and at least one other, all good for different things.
I've been given to understand that latex gloves aren't much help with epoxy.
I use vinyl gloves, but have forgotten why.

Of course, using bronze instead of epoxy is still another choice!

Preston

[retrowood]

Once you have a reaction, its pretty much a done deal. You might try working with a slow harderner vs medium or fast since i believe the stuff which sets off your reaction is proportionly higher with quicker hardeners. I use Nitril gloves since the latex models are porous to epoxy. Another option is to use designs which can utilize other forms of attactment such as copper roves and nails,construction adhesives, 3M adhesive,etc.
While maybe a let down initially it could really open your mind to designs you normally would not have considered.
Retrowood

[Doug Canada]

My problem is swelling in my eyes & lips.
I will be using a full face respirator with an organic vapour cartridge.
I wear latex gloves religiously.

Thanks,
Doug

.

[preston]

Originally posted by Doug Canada:
I wear latex gloves religiously.Try vinyl or nitrile. Latex doesn't stop the bad stuff in expoy from irratating your skin.

Preston

[Steve Schulz]

It's possible to temporarily turn off an allergy (or at least dramatically reduce it) using a combination of meds - usually a combination of prednisone, an anti-histamine and tylenol. It's done all the time for people who need a CT scan but are allergic to the IV contrast dye. This would only work for a day or two, not a long term solution.

The trick is going to be finding a doctor dumb enough to prescribe you the meds (prednisone is rx only). There's no guarantee it would work, and he's opening himself up to liability issues.

If I were sensitized and insisted on working with the stuff, I'd at least take a good dose of an antihistamine like benadryl or loratidine before starting. Use barrier creams, coveralls, nitrile gloves and a full face mask. It would be a good idea to have an epipen handy(like in a bee sting allergy kit) in case you feel your throat closing off. Kinda pricey (I think 35-50 bucks a pop) but it beats being dead.

For the record (in case there's any malpractice attorneys hanging around) my official advice is to avoid it altogether smile.gif

Steve

[retrowood]

Doug,
Are you flow coating or just using the epoxy as a glue? Minimizing your exposure will go a long way to prevent problems. Also if the problem comes up after sanding, Give the epoxy a good 2-3 weeks to completly cure since it outgasses for quite a while. Most people find this out when varnishing too early...
Good luck w/ the goo
retrowood

[pjwalsh]

In addition to becoming sensitive to amines some folks will also develop an allergy to latex gloves which are not good protection from epoxy and solvents in any case. Nitrile gloves are the safest low cost option.