Resin art is having its moment. It’s everywhere—coating canvases, embellishing furniture, dangling from ears, and gleaming in luxury hotel lobbies. Scroll online or walk into a craft store and you’ll find dozens of workshops promising to teach you how to make your own resin creations. The glossy finish draws people in, but what’s often hidden behind that gloss is a serious concern for both health and the environment.
What is Resin?
Resin is a liquid plastic that hardens into a clear, glossy surface. The most commonly used type in art is epoxy resin, which involves mixing two components: a resin and a hardener. When combined, they cure into a durable solid.
But here’s the catch—resin is toxic during the mixing and curing stages. If not handled correctly, it can pose real health risks.
Epoxy resin formulations typically contain:
- Bisphenol A (BPA): Linked to hormone disruption and several long-term health concerns.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Can cause respiratory issues, eye irritation, skin allergies, and more.
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The Silent Spread of Toxic Fumes
One young artist shared how she developed chronic headaches and skin rashes after months of working with resin. She wore a mask, gloves, and worked with ventilation. What she didn’t realize? The fumes were spreading through her entire home. Family members began coughing constantly. Only later did she make the connection.
Epoxy and polyester resins emit VOCs that linger in the air. These chemicals don’t just affect the artist—they affect anyone in the shared space, often without their knowledge.
Toxicity in Shared Spaces
An interior designer who had previously commissioned resin-based artworks recalled a client calling her weeks later, complaining of a “chemical smell.” The piece had been installed in a closed conference room with no windows.
This reminds me of a personal experience of my own. Years ago, to raise awareness about plastic waste, we built a 20-foot installation called the “Toxic Chamber” using discarded plastic collected from residents and recyclers. Within days, it began releasing intense toxic fumes under the hot summer sun. The smell was so overwhelming that we had to dismantle the piece, fearing the health of neighbours.
Using resin in a closed space is not too different—you might think you’re enhancing your home with beautiful art, but instead, you’re bringing in a source of pollution. Even after curing, some resins can off-gas for days or weeks. In air-conditioned, poorly ventilated spaces, this becomes a long-term exposure risk.
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The Sustainability Problem
Resin is petroleum-based. It’s non-biodegradable and, once mixed with pigments, dyes, or glitter, practically impossible to recycle. Artists often discard leftover resin, peel off dried drips from studio floors, or trim excess from molds. Most of this ends up in landfills—or worse, as microplastics in our waterways. Before starting that next glossy piece, consider where the waste will end up.
We’re already struggling under the weight of plastic pollution. Let’s not add to it through toxic art materials. The art community is often among the most sensitive to global issues, and many artists have already begun shifting away from resin. They’re exploring materials like handmade paper, natural wax, lime plaster, reclaimed wood, and even plant-based resins.
For some, this shift was deeply personal—not just about health, but about the soul of their practice. Resin is synthetic. It seals things in. Natural materials breathe. They crack, shift, change. There’s beauty—and honesty—in the imperfection of the real.
A Call for Responsibility
Artists should take time to research the materials they use:
Are they safe?
Are they sustainable?
Will they archival?
Collectors, too, should go beyond just the visual and message. Ask questions. Understand not just what you’re collecting—but how it was made.
In today’s world, where every choice matters, let’s prioritize sustainability and safety over synthetic shine.