Respiratory protection while spraying

[stevebrownell]

There are a few posts showing members (and some professional boat restorers) spraying their hulls with standard face masks with various cartridges (for organic vapors, presumably) Given that spraying Interlux Perfection without a positive-pressure system is a very bad idea, what topside paints are being sprayed here, or are people just throwing caution to the wind here and going for it?

I'm strongly leaning towards roll and tip when the time comes, but spraying some parts of my boat would make sense, but the option of spraying Perfection is not on the table, neither is gel coat.

Feedback? Options?

[bigeasy1]

Several years ago,i sprayed one of my boats with sunfire,a two part urethane that is like Imron,and contains isocyanates which i found out later,require an air supplied respirator.
At the time,the guy in the automotive paint store where i bought it,told me that a regular organic respirator would be fine.

I worry about this now,and from time to time,wonder if it did any damage.
I'm going to spray my Tsunami with a two part urethane this summer,and will definately use the correct air supplied respirator.
I think it's to risky to cut corners when it comes to something that could possibly kill you.

[GroveGuy]

Being a painting novice, I used Perfection to Roll and Tip my hull and am pleased with the results. To spray or not to spray I guess depends on your experiece, budget, access to equipment and, as you are apparently well aware, adherence to safety precautions. Count my vote to Roll and Tip!
Good Luck

[CaptLloyd]

Ditto, except I rolled/tipped Awlgrip. In my job as a yacht captain, I get see the "Form over Function" trap all of the time, and Seacrafts are all about FUNCTION!! If you want it pretty, do it with all the proper precautions.

Lloyd

[3rdday]

The interlux perfection is awsome. it is very durable and is self leveling co it can be rolled and brused or sprayed, it is a 2 part style. It is flexible an has incredible sheen. Just make sure no bugs are about! Learned that one the hard way

[glow]

My father is a professional auto body refinisher and works for the local Peterbuilt dealer here in Hawaii. Spraying AwlGrip, Imron etc. is very deadly and should only be sprayed while using supplied air systems. He also worked as a paint rep for Sherwin Williams and learned about how they make paints as well as the hazards of using them without Personal Protective Equipment. Check out the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) and they should give you a list of the hazards, how to use (PPE) and Signs/symptoms of exposure. Isocyanate poisoning can be fatal and has long lasting health consequences. Take care of yourselves for the sake of your loved ones as well as yourself. Being a do it your-selfer is meant to be fun and gain a sense of accomplishment. Let's all be around to enjoy our SeaCrafts and share them with the future generation . GOD Bless and Aloha from Hawaii, Greg

[BigLew]

Greg is right!!! Spraying Awlgrip is NOT for the unprepared!

We had a customer at West Marine who sprayed Awlgrip and thought the protection was for the "Pros" who had repeated exposure. He sprayed in the afternoon and died at his dinner table that night from the poisoning he had given to himself.

These finishes are great products, but if you don't want to spend the money on the safety equipment and the time learnign HOW to do it safely, do your family a favor and get a PRO to do it.

[76Red18]

Heard something similar happened to a welder that didn't remove some type of paint, He just "burned" through it. Died 2 days later. Galvanized coating can be nasty also.

[glow]

The reason professionals charge so much to spray urethanes etc, is not only due to overhead but also for worker's comp., proper training, equipment and to ensure a quality finish. Always check out the MSDS for all materials you work with. Breathing glass from fairing causes silicosis which is far worse than asbestosis (exposure to asbestos). Both lead to Pulmonary Fibrosis or scarring in the lungs. Lung tissue is soft and moist. Scar tissue is hard and cannot hold moisture. My Grandfather died of Pulmonary Fibrosis, his lungs would bleed and were full of holes because the scar tissue couldn't expand and would crack. Its a sad thing to see someone gasping for air just from walking up a few steps. He was in his mid-70's. Be sure to wear a HEPA filter when grinding, especially glass. Galvanize poisoning can be fatal as well. I work in the HVAC industry, Sheet Metal and galvanize poisoning can occur from grinding as well as welding. If you feel sick after grinding/welding galvanize drink some milk as the calcium will bind the zinc in the galvanize and seek medical treatment from an Emergency Room. If you are having difficulty breathing make sure to call 911 and activate EMS. I used to be an Emergency Medical Technician years before getting into construction. Breathing fumes from "cold" galvanize trade name ZRC can also cause galvanize poisoning. You need to wear special protective gloves when brushing or spray bombing cold galvanize and be in a WELL ventilated area. BE SURE TO GET THE MSDS FROM YOUR DISTRIBUTOR AND READ IT FOR YOUR SAKE AND THE SAKE OF YOUR LOVED ONES. Improper disposal can lead to exposure of your family, children and pets are especially vulnerable and can suffer fatal consequences. Don't mean to beat this to death, just want everyone to enjoy the hobby. SAFETY FIRST. GOD Bless and take care all, Greg