Got a question for the painters?

What is the difference between urethane enamel and acrylic?

 

Acrylic is single pack and air drying, urathane hardens chemically,having an isocyanate based hardener mixed in before applying.

http://www.hemmings.com/hcc/stories/2007/11/01/hmn_feature8.html

 

Thanks Moter that artical was very helpful..

 

Hey,

To begin with the two are different from a chemical standpoint. An acrylic enamel contains acrylic resins, a urethane contains urethane resins. The resin in a finish is the binder (think glue, here), that's the "stuff'' that holds the finish to the job, and holds the pigments or colour ,the metalic, and the clear together. Acrylic enamel first entered the automotive scean around 1958. Urethane finishes have been around since the 70s, but with improvements in chemistry have all but replaced acrylic resin in paint formulations.
Acrylic enamels were available with hardeners since the late 60s, something not mentioned in the article! Many was the paint job of the 70s done with acrylic enamel and an isocyanate based hardner, coloursanded and polished, just as urethane paint jobs are done today. An acrylic enamel paint job shot without the hardner will dry more slowly, and the colour hold out won't be as good, but will still out last a synthetic enamel (tractor paint) paint job. To shoot an acrylic enamel paint job did require some skill, you actually had to know how to handle a spray gun, something not required with the whole over sold urethane finish BB/CC HVLP spraygun hustle!

S****ey Devils C.C.
"Spending A Nation Into Generational Debt Is Not An Act Of Comp***ion!"

 

Acrylic will kill you slowly and Urethane will kill you quickly. That's a major difference. I see these fools in all the magazines spraying Lacquers and Enamels without masks and have to wonder what the hell they're thinking. The publishers of these mags shouldn't even print these shots since it's the height of irresponsibility. Check out many OSR issues and you'll see what I mean. A very well known customizers shop comes to mind immediately. Save your life...wear a mask or an air pack no matter what you choose.

 

Fresh air mask, should be full face. Tyvex suit and head covering, Nitrile gloves. And a resipirator during mixing. Shoot in a booth. Urethane is pretty nasty stuff. Great for finishes, just not for people.

Actually, I treated my synthetic enamel like it was urentane because of the isosianates.

As Burt Monro said, you only have one pair of lungs.

Treat it with respect.

 

Great advice ken1939!

 

Hey,

Every pore of your skin is an open window to your blood stream, and thus every organ in your body! There is nothing in any paint product that is natural to the human body! Something to ponder in the quite moments.

S****ey Devils C.C.
"Spending A Nation Into Generational Debt Is Not An Act Of Comp***ion!"

 

I was mixing a small amount of urethane not long ago for a quick touch up on a K-Member. Didn't have my mask on but did have my gloves on. Hell I could feel my blood pressure going up just mixing it. Literally felt like my head wanted to explode.

Don't take short cuts. You need protective gear even when mixing this stuff. It will kill you.

The equipment is cheap if you buy the one time use stuff. Make sure your filters are rated for the paint you are going to spray. Check in with your paint supplier for PPE (personal protection equipment) You lungs and liver will love you for it.

-Dave

 

when ur mixing, are u wearing eye protection? if u want to be **** about it. then ur leaving yourself open to exposure when mixing the catalyst with no eye protection.

 

YUP. I am now highly allergic to the isocyanates in paint after years of not wearing a mask or respirator cuz all the 'cool' guys painted that way when I was learning. I use a fresh air system now- wont take the chance anymore.
Now I have severe asthma and respiratory issues- I get bronchitis and stuff like it at the drop of the hat and spent a good week this year down from illnesses all attributed to be stupidity in younger years.WEAR A MASK OR RESPIRATOR.

 

Thats where the full face fresh air comes in.

 

I would like to solicit some info from the folks who use fresh air setups. I want to buy a GOOD RELIABLE system, but I don't want to just throw money at this purchase, although I will if it makes a difference.

What system do you recommend, what is the BEST VALUE, and are there ANY AMERICAN MADE systems available?

Thanks in advance..

 

I use a SATA fresh air system and it is made in Germany and I swear by it. It cost about $500 when I got it and being someone with respiratory issues- I can tell you its the one to use. They are at the SEMA show every year- if you are going Id suggest getting the literature on the system(s) or have them send you some- Id link the website but its in German.