how harmful are the fumes will a dust mask help or do you need special ventilation?

There is no problem with epoxy. Permagloss and Lumiseal and other similar products are a problem. You need plenty of ventilation. Dust masks are effective against dust, but not vapors.

Sam,
Generally speaking, it is always a good idea to have good ventilation in an area.

Whether the fumes are harmful or not - good ventilation leads to longer life.

Be safe

The problem with epoxy is less about vapors and more about getting it on your skin. This can cause a sensitivity to it in many people that can be quite an ordeal. So just try to keep it off your skin.

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I don't believe a dust mask protects you from chemical fumes.

do you have a dedicated space ? if so you could install a vented to the out side range hood and run it as it will draw the fumes up and out that is how I did it and works fine if you want you can all so add a couple lengths of wood a bit longer than your bench and add some thin plastic to make a drop down tent around the bench and the hood would eliminate all the fumes during the drying process and run the hood on low . that is how I solved that issue

The best day to be alive is always tomorrow !!
Think out side the box when all else fails !!!
Wi.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/09/2017 08:58PM by Matthew Paul.

There are no "fumes" with 100% solids epoxy. It cures, not dries. If you stick your nose in the bottle you may be able to discern a certain aroma/odor/scent, but there is no outgassing of any solvents.

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