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I've been through Potomac quite a few times...


Maybe next time I'm down in Hamilton, I can stop by and see your project. The pics look great.

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The ammount of airborne material from rolling or brushing has got to be just about zero. As far as I'm concered, the precautions I took are overkill. But, it is of course up to the individual painter to do what you're comfortable with.


Interlux Paint (maker of Brightside) has a video of a guy painting their two-part "Perfection" paint with a simple paper dust mask:
http://links.streamingwizard.com/yachtpaint/9-04/WMV/perfection-usa4-bb-wmv.asx

And another video with NO protection: http://links.streamingwizard.com/yachtpaint/11-06/US_Perfection-3-paint.asx

Here is the MSDS for Interlux Perfection: http://www.yachtpaint.com/msds_pdf/YGB001_usa_ENG_E1.pdf

It contains "hexamethylene di-isocyanates." I looked up the info on that chemical and found this: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts120.html

Apparently it doesn't evaporate well into the air.

I also found the MSDS for the Van Sickle enamel hardener: http://www.vansicklepaint.com/7019X.PDF

The number one ingredient by weight is the Isocyanate. They don't say exactly what kind of isocyanates they are using ... it's listed as a "trade secret." But ... they do give its vapor pressure as 5.2 mm Hg, which is much lower than atmospheric pressure. That means it's not likely to evaporate into the atmosphere.

I also called the local OSHA office, and they said that the primary danger of isocyanates is in spraying -- breathing the fine droplets. They recommended good ventilation and wearing a respirator.

So ... I'm thinking maybe you are right about this. Perhaps the primary danger for isocyanates is for spraying. Rolling should be fine IF YOU USE A PROPER ORGANIC VAPOR RESPIRATOR. Make sure the respirator fits tightly around your mouth and nose. If you have a beard, that creates special problems. Some old pro painters use vaseline to help seal around the edges of the respirator. Also, using goggles and gloves is a good idea. That's what I intend to do anyway.