[penguin]

Do I need to wear a full oxygen fresh air suit to spray epoxy primer or will a respirator be alright. I know I need full fresh air system for basecoat/clearcoat but not sure about epoxy primer.

[esahlin]

All of the epoxy primers Ive looked at dont have isocyanates in them so a respirator is fine. You should check the MSDS of the particular epoxy primer you are using to make sure. For basecoat/clearcoat that have isocyanates.......a respirator does filter them but you need to make sure the paint booth you are using has good ventilation and that the cartridges in the respirator are new. The cartridges can saturate and then become ineffective against isos.....the problem is is that there is no gauge on the cartridges to tell the user when they are bad or saturated and no longer filtering isos....so all the manufacturers just recommend using only a fresh air for liability reasons. U need a paint suit and goggles to for basecoat/clearcoat cause isos absorb thru skin and eyes.

Most dont realize that POR-15 has major isos in it and when people are brushing it on and then they get it on their skin they are absorbing isos into their body.

[penguin]

Thanks for the response. I appreciate it.

[tripower]

Penguin, I've painted three cars here in my garage in Orland Park! Like esahlin mentions, a respirator is OK for isocyanides BUT make sure you get a full face unit and that the respirator is rated P100, meaning it filters 100% of particulates. The EPA’s web-site OK’s using P100rated respirators for isocyanides in epoxy primers, paints and clear coats. Always use a pre-filter too (you can stop by, I have a box of them). The respirators you get at the local hardware store won’t cut it, they are usually only P95. Nothing beats a fresh air respirator but a decent filter type respirator is perfect for the occasional painter.

[tom bryner]

Epoxy primers have Hexavalent Chromium, bad stuff. Check the OSHA FactSheet, look for health effects of Hexavalent Chromium.

[rub]

I have a few things about respirators and supplied air for hobbist on my web site, if your interested.

Rob

[carcrazy]

Although many claim the use of a good respirator should be sufficient, I don't take any chances with my health. I use a fresh air system-about $400. If you are only painting a single car you could then sell it and recoup a high percentage of the cost.