Thread: Kandy Kolors - Dangerous stuff to breath?

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I'm getting ready to finish up painting my elky with House of Kolor products and I'm watching Jon Kosmoski's DVD "Kustom Painting Made Easy"...a great video, but now I know why they have classes for this paint system! I've only painted about 4 cars, and never with House of Kolor products, but I've always thought they were the best finishes at shows and runs.

Anyway, through the primer, sealer and base coats, Jon is wearing a normal air filter mask with two filters. But when he goes for the Kandy coat (UK I think) he wears a mask with an exterior air supply (Aqualung almost, but a lot newer) and hood!!! !!!

The January 2007 Technical Manual doesn't say anything about special dangers with the Kandy coat, but should I be making a down payment on a burial plot if apply the Kandy coat only using a two cannister filter mask? I know that all of these paint materials are hazardous, but is this Kandy stuff particularly bad?

Thanks in advance for any and all opinions, thoughts, ideas or anything else that might keep your motor humming!

Kandy in a premixed, or mixed from concentrate, is no more dangerous than the other urethane base colors, but if he has added a catalyst/hardener to the mix he is spraying, then the hazzards get worse, and a remote air mask is the way to go.

Before you get too paranoid, I've been painting for 40 years, and have not had health problems......... yet....... other than growing an extra arm, and turning pearl green. Just kidding. :-)

You can spray uncatalyzed paints with a charcoal mask, but if you intend to spray catalyzed paint, invest in a remote air setup.

Whew, thanks for the words of support HOTRODPAINT, I definately need them

I was planning on using the urethane enamel finish (tougher coating?) and that is the one that does require a catalyst. But the same color in an acrylic lacquer finish does not use the catalyst.

But is the acrylic as good as the enamel (in durability anyway)? Maybe my idea that the urethane enamel is all that is based on just plain pooh?

'Cus if the acrylic is as good as urethanne and doesn't require expensive equipment, I'll go with the acrylic. But I also understand that if I use an acrylic Kandy, I need acrylic base coat too, is that right?

But if the Urethane is the way to go for durability of color/finish and a onetime exposure with a charcoal mask and HVLP gun won't make my arms fall off, then I'll stick to my guns and plow on!

So many questions! But I know that I'm going out on a limb by using Kandy (being the in-experienced painter that I am) and I'm just trying to get my arms around this stuff.

Many thanks for all your ideas, thoughts.......

The thing to look for is isocyanates (typically diisocyanates) which are typical in many hardeners. I am using AU (Acrylic Urethane) and it is in there. I am using a charcoal mask and painting my one car outside with a light fan to direct fumes away from my face (within reason).

I've read some people can have a quick and severe reaction to isocyanate exposure. Usually begins with a scratchy and swolen throat. I breathed it for sure painting the bottom of my 32 earlier and experienced no problems. It's not so much mixing that is the issue, rather, when it becomes a mist during application that should be avoided injesting. From what I have researched long term exposure is much more of a concern. Like if you did this for a living like HRP!

Kitz

If you don't collapse and die after the first 15 minutes of spraying, you'll probably be okay----Seriously though, a charcoal cannister type mask should keep you safe while spraying any of the custom finishes. Make sure that the mask fits your face well and don't be afraid to pop in some new charcoal cannisters if you find it hard to draw air thru the mask or start to "taste" the paint while you are spraying. It is also a good idea to wear something with long sleeves so that you avoid a lot of contact between the paint mist and your skin.

wears a mask with an exterior air supply (Aqualung almost, but a lot newer) and hood!!! !!!

Wow things have really changed. Back in the mid 70's I used to paint motorcycles and cars with Dupont Imron in an unventilated paint bay with out even a mask let alone an air mask.

Probably why I am like I am today.

My painting days ended when I hung up my Binks model 7.

Kitz, you're right, that's what Jon was talking about on the DVD! Isocyanates! Man that sounds bad! I hadn't thought about covering up more skin, though sometimes that is tough to do down here! I'll check out a nice white, light shirt from back in my shirt and tie days, I think I've got one or two around. Don't know if they still fit, but there is alway the Ross store!

Thanks Brian! That is what I've been thinking about, but am glad to hear that some other person (still alive ) has a similar view!

Mopar, do they still make Imron? The first time I ever saw that it was on a camero, as red as could be! Folks said it was an aviation paint and was tougher than nails...is it still around? You should see what we used to break down asphalt samples back in the 70's...super bad!

OK, it looks like the opinion is it won't kill me so I'll be careful and make sure my HVLP isn't misting.

But a question remains, which is better, acrylic or urethane enamel?

Thanks again for all the help!

Here is the deal:

Urethane is far, far better than lacquer! That is why the entire auto industry has switched! Paint your car with lacquer, and it will die in 1/3rd the time that the urethane will last. In cold weather lacquer will crack, and in hot weather the gloss will die. I'll attach a before and after picture of a PPG lacquer job. This was a Street Rodder cover car, but the owner had limited garage space, and it sat outside for 18 years.....and this is good quality PPG lacquer!

Isocyanates build up in your body, and it can not get rid of them. The day will come that you will have a reaction, like your throat swelling shut, which means your body reached it's limit. I have several friends who this has happened to, and it means you are done painting! The next time you use it you can die.

You do not normally use a catalyst in anything except the primer, and the final clear coat. A few painters do, but it is expensive overkill.

I have been told by more than one expert that a charcoal mask will not protect you from Isocyanates. They will go right through it! Do you want to risk it?

Wow!

“You've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya punk?”

That is exactly the message that Jon was talking about with regard to Isocyanates in the DVD!

...and seems to be the message from folks who know. I love this forum!

I mean where can you get a before and after photo that directly answers a question? On the same day! Right here in Hot Rod City my friend!

Thanks again HOTRODPAINT!

I'd bet that after 18 years those two sweeties don't look as good either---even if they were kept inside!!!

The funny part was when I went up to the new owner, and said "I'm ashamed to tell you, but I painted your car." :-)

We obviously talked about the old paints vs. new paints,...... and now I am going to do a new, more intense paint scheme for him, that combines the old look with some new ideas, and a name he has in mind. Usually I don't get to paint over my past work, unless the new owners want to "lose" the former identity.

Originally Posted by brianrupnow

I'd bet that after 18 years those two sweeties don't look as good either---even if they were kept inside!!!

Yes! Skin cancers are not considered attractive! :-(

...of course, dim lights, a few beers, and the girls do get prettier at closin' time!

Just to add one more voice of caution. Different people react at different rates to isocyanates, so what might work for one person may be deadly to another. It can also migrate through skin contact, not just inhalation. You can buy an inexpensive spray suit made of Tyvek material that will cover your body for infrequent useage.

Bob, wasnt that a Tyvek suit that you made me wear when we went to the "gentlemen's club" in Vegas? Why did you make me burn it before I got into your car to leave the club?

mike in tucson

Mikey, I think you're confusing your trips. You wore the tyvek suit when you went to the "Dude" ranch in Montana...................and you were a baaaaaaaaaaaad boy!