The Auto Painting Tips NewsletterWith Chris Curwen & Expert Auto Painter - Dave Gage (Car Cosmetics) February 21st, 2008 - Issue 41 Your Overall Personal Safety Is What's Most ImportantAuto Painting is a safe activity, it's the chemicals involved that are fatal if you don't respect them. Your overall safety in the work area is extremely important to the safeguard of your health. This is something that many veteran auto painters wish they had taken much more seriously during their early years when they were heavily involved in their career. Ask any one of these veteran auto painters and they will only know too well the health hazards involved from the years of sanding dust, toxic paint overspray and any manner of solvents they inhaled. It's a tragedy but sadly is very real. Inhalation Concerns If you are to take part in any form of auto painting activity, you must become very familiar with the respiratory protection that is available to you. This has become of even higher importance since the introduction of paint hardeners containing the dreaded isocyanates (found in all 2-part paint products). The most cautious and smart auto painters among us choose to use what’s called a full-face, fresh-air respiratory system. While they can be a little uncomfortable to wear, they offer you the very best in personal safety. The remaining auto painter’s still spray cars while wearing only heavy-duty filter masks for their protection, this isn't an ideal method however, and it is hundreds of times better than a wet handkerchief! Government agencies have now started to force chemical manufacturers to comply with an ever increasing number of standards relating to user safety. As a result, you will commonly find recommendations of NIOSH approved respiratory protection on almost all paint related product containers. Make sure that you read the respiratory package labels as they will list the types of materials the filter will protect you from and those it won’t. Your nearest auto paint supply store will offer a large variety of filter masks and fresh-air systems for you to choose from. And remember to always ask for advice from a member of staff if you feel you are unsure of anything. It must be stressed again; learn everything there is to know about respiratory protection, it will save you from serious toxic chemical harm. Osmosis Osmosis is defined as: the process in plants and animals by which a liquid moves gradually from one part of the body or the plant to another through a membrane. Particles of paint overspray can enter your body through your eyes via moist tear ducts; the way of osmosis. It is advised therefore, by paint manufacturers, that you always wear goggles while painting or a full face respirator. Contact with your skin Through the process of osmosis paint chemicals can also enter your body through the pores in your skin. You would be wise therefore to wear rubber gloves any time you handle thinners, reducers, hardeners or any other paint product related chemical. To combat this problem of osmosis of paint related chemicals, paint manufacturers have developed special impermeable coveralls that can be used once and then thrown away. These disposable coveralls are beneficial for two reasons: 1) They prevent any paint chemicals from coming into contact with your skin. 2) The material that coverall manufacturers use to make them with is completely lint-free. This means that concerns over lint falling off of your clothes and onto your freshly painted finishes are completely cast aside. Your Basic Equipment (Safety & Painting) 1) Paint Spray Gun (Painting) Notice how the safety equipment outnumbers the painting equipment 5:1? To your advantage, the above necessary safety equipment is relatively inexpensive. Protective coveralls are available in two different forms: 1) Single use disposable suits costing approximately $10-15. The full-face respirator that takes replaceable charcoal cartridges and therefore will eliminate the need to wear protective goggles will cost around $125-140. If you don't wish to pay that amount, you can make do with a half-mask, a head sock and goggles. A box of rubber gloves costs approximately $6-10. So altogether you can be fully protected for less than $200. Which goes on first? 1) Put on your protective coverall - Both pant legs are taped closed around the ankles and then both arms sleeves are taped around the
wrist. In order to gain maximum protection against harmful chemical liquids, paint overspray particles and vapors you must take full advantage of all of the above personal safety equipment.
|
Safety Disclaimer: Always follow the recommendations of your nearest auto paint supply store or by referring to the manufacturer's application guides and information sheets when dealing with any type of auto paint product or piece of equipment. Copyright © LearnAutoPainting.com 2007-2008. All Rights Reserved. |
|
|
Our FREE ebook offer... "10
Professional Solutions to the
10 Type your First Name and Primary Email Address in the boxes below, then click on Free Instant Access to grab your copy of our FREE ebook.
|
Customer Testimonials
"What can I say, fantastic would not cover it. The most useful videos I have ever bought, been around cars all my life, and have a few parked outside, we have an airport travel company and now I can repair and paint them, I can save a fortune on repairs, thank you." - Reg Dugmore, Millennium Travel, Hartford, CT, USA
"I've done the side of my VW T4 Transporter and I can't believe the results I have achieved, it looks amazing! Even the guy at my local paint supplies shop was impressed. I spent £368.00 on paint and a second-hand compressor and Sata gun. THANKS A LOT FOR YOUR HELP." - Scott Smith, Telford, United Kingdom
"You guys are the best resource for information on how to paint your car. I succeeded in painting the bumpers on my 2000 KIA Sephia they look great, thank you for your help...I really learned from it." - Jose Garcia, Bloomington, CA, USA
"The videos are
very helpful and I can see the pros at work, this is as good as
on hands experience. Beats reading books and trying to work out
what they mean, thanks very much."
- Robert Zander, Rooty Hill,
NSW, Australia.
"I got a lot of help from your info. I painted my car and it came out a lot better than I thought I could have ever done. Thanks for all the help." - Paul Harvell, NY, US.
"Watching a professional along with details about the why and how of every step was just what I was looking for. Being able to download the videos and have them available to watch at any time is well worth every penny." - Dave Holden, Bayard, New Mexico, US
"I believe the cost of this system is a drop in the ocean if you look at the details and demonstrations given. So yes, I am happy I have definitely saved money so far. I have already recommended the system to a few friends." - Ben Walker, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK
"I have really enjoyed the information that I have gotten from LearnAutoPainting the System, it is very good information and well worth the cost. I appreciate your personal and quick response. Thank you so much." - Calvin Woods, Queen City, TX, US
"The videos are priceless pieces of information and excellent value for money." - Jeremy Lanfranco, Birkirkara, Malta
"Hi Chris, I have been an auto body technician for about 20 years now and I like the ideas and expertise that you guys supply. I don't have many problems with my work, just from time to time such as with matching pearl paint and other small blemishes like dust and other things. I want to thank you guys for your site, it helps to educate people. I've learned a few things from you guys like what a stud gun is. Thanks again for all of your tips and help." - Rodger, St. Lucia, Caribbean
"Thanks a lot for all of the high quality information that has been prepared and so graciously forwarded on to many people like myself. All of the tips and techniques have helped to produce an outstanding result in my restoration of my 1975 two door Range Rover. Once again thank you." - Mike Remkes, Adelaide, Australia
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chris and all his staff in making this amazing book 'How to Paint a Car - The Written Guide' available. It helps a lot, especially for those who are trying to excel in the car painting business like me. It's given me a lot of tips and techniques on preparation ready to paint the desired color." - Troy in the Philippines
"Thanks a lot this is really helpful and I could not have done the job without the system. The money was well spent. Now I just have to sand like that boy from the karate kid!" - Steven I, Chicago, IL, US
“Following substantial paint work damage due to vandalism, my aging car was practically a write off. I had no knowledge whatsoever of where to start but this pack, along with some time and patience allowed me to remove all of the scratch marks for £120. Bargain.” - Tom McCombie, Manchester, UK
“Looking at the video clips for the first time I’m getting a lot of ideas and info and I believe I am confident that I can do a good job.
The reason I bought this system was to have some tips and ideas on how to go about painting my whole car and also using the correct grades of sandpaper, what sort of paint, plus many different techniques in doing it the proper way. I’m absolutely happy with my purchase.
Number one
benefit about this system would be mainly the correct approach
in painting, fixing dents, spraying, masking, materials and
tools used to perform the task. Sure, I can recommend
this to anyone.”
-
Peter Stephens, Perth, Western
Australia
"I love cars and how they would look if painted but I can't do it since I don't know how to paint. Now I've found a tutorial that teaches how to do it. 'How to Paint a Car - The System' teaches you how to paint professionally and do it right the first time, also some good techniques in paint preparation. I like the idea that I could readily get what I purchased; probably this is one of the reasons that I immediately purchased this product." - Aldwin Aurelio, Quezon City, Philippines.
"It is a pleasure and wonderful to know there are people like you who have got a web site like this to help people like us who need help with our cars, to have the knowledge that we can gain from experts. I am glad that I have come across your web site and I want to thank you all for your anniversary sale at such a low price. Happy 1st Anniversary and may you have many more. Excellent work guys you deserve an A+." - Peter Stephens, Perth, Western Australia
"I restore Austin minis and do all the work except the paint and I wanted to try the painting as well for the experience and the cost saving. I am very pleased with the information provided. I am a beginner. Never painted a car before. By studying 'How to Paint a Car - The System' I was able to successfully carry out the required work to my vehicle. So far I have primed two cars and painted/clear coated one car on the underside/firewall. I got an excellent result the first time. The number one benefit of this system is being able to see how a professional does the job. I would recommend this to others." - Mandeep Jawanda, Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada
For more glowing testimonials please visit our testimonials page.
