Practically Classics Forum

The advice given in the latest edition of the magazine was correct for normal 2 pack spraying. The paint has isocyanates in the hardener and so needs the correct breathing equipment. The reader then enquires about 2 pack in cans and was told that these are OK to use as they are. BIG MISTAKE. 2 pack in cans is the same as you would spray in bulk and contains the same isocyanates. It works by pulling a ring in the bottom of the aerosol can to mix the hardener for use.
Don't mess with your health, Isocyanates are potentially lethal in a spray mist, no matter whether bulk or aerosol.

It is a minefield, there are also non isocynate 2 Pack paints! I guess the lesson is read the instructions carefully and follow them, paint reactions also seem to be more of a problem now most aerosols have moved to acrylic, I used a primer and topcoat from the same manufacturer but bought a time appart, it turned out the topcoat was celly and the primer acrylic, I now have an area of crazed paint!

If you go on Westgate Classics Face book page you can ask the question and get a reply from Nathan who is the guy who paints the Cars for Car SOS. The Westgate guys have set up the page so you can ask questions on painting or any restoration subject and get it answered. Gud aye we?

I could be wrong here,the isocyanates issue applies to those who spray on a weekly basis. For those who spray once in a while,it shouldn't really matter,but still should wear the suited protection equipment. Back in 1987,I worked in a bodyshop repairs on a YTS,and I recall a conversation in the breakroom about this,and it was mentioned that bodyshop repair companies tend to retire sprayers off at an early age

I could be wrong here,the isocyanates issue applies to those who spray on a weekly basis

Isocyanates are carcinogenic - bit like smoking if you want to take the risk then that's up to you - but Isocyanates have the ability to kill you far quicker than puffing away on any cigarette. Don't want to become the forum's Dr Grumpy but based on fact I will not be doing any of the above.

Years ago we sprayed a caravan in 1st generation 2 pack . Shiny straight from the gun , it was summer, we was in t shirts, no protection.. and we got red blotches on our skin an hour later I've never been near the stuff since , i like sniffing cellulose anyway

Like all substances there will be safe exposure limit of so many ppm per day or week etc, I suppose someone may have worked out that the exposure from one small aerosol does not exceed the limits when used as per the instructions.

used this once when I had an old Renault sprayed. it was carried out very very quickly with face mask /filter etc. ( not by me ) it really DOES need an air supply line slightly above atmospheric .this is as the very fine droplets that can be carried in air but invisible to eye ca be sucked into lungs ( deeply) causing major health concerns. potentially even death.
really only to be carrie out be correctly trained persons in a fully prepared and equipped paint spraying booth etc.
far better off using newer soluble modern paints though not as good as old cellulose types in many respects.