Paint hardner

[CaptPaulret]

lI have a question concerning using paint hardner that has been recommended in several posts. On another tractor site I read that if using this product you should use supplied air as it is very toxic. I am planing on painting my cub and would like to do it myself vs. using a body shop due to cost and I like to do my own work. Love these cubs.
Keep us informed on Rudi's health problems we wish him speedy recovery and keep him in our prayers.
Capt. Paul Ret.[/b]

[Bigdog]

It's my understanding that some of those hardeners can be really nasty. If you're going to do your own painting then I recommend that you invest in the proper equipment to protect yourself. Unless you have a lot of painting to do, it might be cheaper to have it painted professionally.

[George Willer]

Yes, it's nasty stuff... hardly worth the risk. Although the doctors always say "Ah-ha" when they find that I smoked until 20 years ago, I blame my carelessness with hardener for the fact that I now have to take breathing medication 4 times a day. I think if I had never used hardener I could still be painting my Cubs and not dependent on this machine.

[Bill V in Md]

Capt. Paul,

What exactly is your question. re. hardners?

Bill V.

[CaptPaulret]

Big Dog Thanks for the reply, but at 72 I dought I'll abe painting enough equipment to justify spending the money for a remote air supply. I think I'll just skip the hardner.

George W. Thank you for your input, I'm sorry to hear about your problems using this product. That's why I posted this question. All of you guys are the greatest sharing your expierences and preventing us newbies from making mistakes.

Bill V. My question was the possible health problems using paint hardner when painting equipment.

Thanks to all.

[parts man]

Will one of the "cartridge" style filter masks filter out the hardener fumes??

[George Willer]

Will one of the "cartridge" style filter masks filter out the hardener fumes??

Absolutely not

[Don McCombs]

CPT Paul,

Here is a link to some information put out by the Province of Saskatchewan on isocyanate, which is the active ingredient in most two part paint hardener formulations.

http://www.labour.gov.sk.ca/safety/isocynates/printpage.htm

Only supplied-air respirator systems are recommended, not cartridge filter type masks. When compared with the known health risks, a body shop paint job for your tractor might be the best investment you could make.

[parts man]

Thanks for the info guys!! I guess I'll pass on the hardener when I paint the W4 and BN!! I didn't use hardener on our other tractors and I think they turned out OK.

[SundaySailor]

I once lived beside a mechanic's garage that did not have (previously) proper equipment for removing the bad air from their painting of automobiles. It got so bad, especially during the summer months, that I could not go outside for the paint fumes. I once had beautiful grape vines next to the garage. The grape vines are all now dead. My thinking is that the paint fumes with the hardner coated the grape vines and killed everyone of them. That stuff is dangerous! I no longer live beside of the garage, and it sure feels good to step outside and breathe fresh air!

Rick

[Lurker Carl]

Isocyanates are very toxic - for example, methyl isocyanate is used in pesticides. Do a Google search and you'll get more information about the health effects than you'd care to know about.

[Brent]

I painted my Cub outside on a nice calm spring morning. Wet the ground down then put the tarps down. Nearest neighbor is about 10 acres away so I didn't have to worry about spray dust. Also used a good respirator. I don't know how I did it but paint job turned out well. No bugs no dirt. Looks like it was done by somebody that knew what they were doing, which wasn't the case! I used a synthetic hardener I got at Napa. I don't know if the guy really new what he was talking about but he said their hardener isn't as harmfull as others. George probably can shead some light on that. Maybe they do something different in the formula for hardener sold in California.

[Todd]

Isocyanates surround you blood cells and will not let them release oxygen. Or its very very rare but you could have an allergic reaction and have an immediate problem. The truth is the effects are mostly accumulative. Guys who have been painting for years. Kinda like smoking one pack of cigarettes isn't good for you but it wont kill you. Your body also does discharge the Isocyanates over a period of time. I recommend you make sure the area is ventilated very well. Seal everything up and but a couple of big fans in the window or door to pull the fumes out. then use a 3M disposable Respirator, not a dust mask but a Respirator. You'll be fine.