Shoppers warn over Kmart’s $10 DIY craft material
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It can be difficult to stay occupied when you are cooped up at home. So it comes as no surprise that the last two years of lockdowns and social isolation have resulted in the popularity of DIY projects. They can be fun, inexpensive and bring a lot to your home or other areas of your life.
One such DIY project is the making of resin art.
Making resin art is surprisingly not difficult, and it can also be a fun crafting activity to do with the grandkids. If you’ve been to your local markets or browsed a couple of shops online, we’re sure you've spotted “epoxy resin art”, usually in the form of coasters, trays, pendants, and more.
Unfortunately, many of these stunning pieces tend to be quite expensive, especially if they’re handmade by a resident artist. Some cost up to $200 or more, and raw materials aren’t cheap either, with a single bottle of resin costing starting at $30.
Kmart however, has jumped on the trend by launching a range of affordable resin kits, which only cost $10 for a 150mL set.
And while the discounted version of the popular craft item quickly flew off the shelves, some shoppers and resin artists voiced out their concerns regarding the safety hazards before starting any resin project.
Kmart is now selling DIY resin, but concerns have been flagged over the product’s safety hazards. Credit: Kmart.
Even though there are safety instructions on the kits, she alleged that on the product’s packaging, there are no warning labels about how toxic the material is. There are also no instructions on using a respirator and a pair of gloves when working with resin.
“The fumes I got walking into the well-ventilated room to check on this was enough to give me a sore throat,” said the artist, followed by a firm reminder: “PLEASE WEAR A RESPIRATOR!”
Most of the comments under the artist’s TikTok video agreed with her, with some saying that resin is a toxic material that should remain exclusive to art stores only. People are advising that customers should thoroughly research the material before buying and using the kit.
Listed under “Directions for use” on the Kmart product’s webpage, the store instructs customers to “wear a pair of disposable gloves and lay down a disposable plastic sheet” over their work area. They also advise using the kit in a well-ventilated space.
Another caution sign reads: “Keep out of reach of children. Read safety directions before opening or using. Wear eye protection when mixing or using. Avoid contact with skin. Wear protective gloves when mixing or using.”
A representative from Kmart has assured customers that their products “have been tested and assessed so that they conform to Australian labelling requirements for safe handling, hazard assessment and hazard identification”.
To know more about the precautions when using resin in your DIY projects, check out this video below:
Credit: Sarah Types.
