Spraying AwlCraft Using Brushing Converter?

[geoffschultz]

I'm in the process of Awlgripping my boomvang. I've got the boomvang etched, undercoated and primed with #545 primer and was about to top coat it with Awlcraft. However, I just discovered that my Awl-cat #2 spraying converter is hardened up and all that I have is the #3 Brush Converter.

According to what I've read, Awl-Craft is a spray only material, and I get a much better coat by spraying, so I really want to spray. However, a pint of the converter is $50+, so I'm not keen on spending that and there's no place around here to get the spray converter.

So, does anyone know what the difference is between the spraying converter and the brushing converter? What happens if I spray using the brushing converter?

-- Geoff

 

[sailingdog]

One thing to be aware of, many of the two-part LPU paints, like AwlGrip and AwlCraft have isocyanate components and proper precautions have to be taken when spraying it, since the isocyanate compounds become aerosolized when spraying it and are quite toxic.

I'm in the process of Awlgripping my boomvang. I've got the boomvang etched, undercoated and primed with #545 primer and was about to top coat it with Awlcraft. However, I just discovered that my Awl-cat #2 spraying converter is hardened up and all that I have is the #3 Brush Converter.

According to what I've read, Awl-Craft is a spray only material, and I get a much better coat by spraying, so I really want to spray. However, a pint of the converter is $50+, so I'm not keen on spending that and there's no place around here to get the spray converter.

So, does anyone know what the difference is between the spraying converter and the brushing converter? What happens if spray using the brushing converter?

-- Geoff

 

[geoffschultz]

I'm spraying outdoors with a carbon filter respirator.

-- Geoff

 

[sailingdog]

Yeah, but what about the other people and wildlife around... did you get them respirators too??? It is really bad stuff... normally, spraying it is done indoors with air filtration AFAIK.

I'm spraying outdoors with a carbon filter respirator.

-- Geoff

 

[geoffschultz]

Yeah, but what about the other people and wildlife around... did you get them respirators too??? It is really bad stuff... normally, spraying it is done indoors with air filtration AFAIK.

I think that you're going off of the deep end. The boats that I've seen painted have either been outside or in tents with no air filtration. The people doing the spraying wear respirators, but i have yet to see them hand them out to the other yard workers.

Here's part of the MSDS from http://www.awlgrip.com/support/msds/Pages/MSDS.aspx using F8024 as a part number:

Reports have associated repeated and prolonged occupational overexposure to solvents with permanent brain and nervous system damage. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents may be harmful or fatal. Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing.

Possible cancer hazard. Contains an ingredient which may cause cancer based on animal data (See Section 2 and Section 15 for each ingredient). Risk of cancer depends on duration and level of exposure.

 

[sailingdog]

from the application instructions:

Application Equipment
Ventilation/Respiratory Protection: Use only with adequate ventilation. Maintain continuous flow of fresh air. Do not breathe vapors, spray mists, or sanding dusts. Wear appropriate, properly fitted respirator (NIOSH/MSHA approved) during and after application unless air monitoring demonstrates vapor and particulate levels are below applicable limits. Follow respirator manufacturer's directions for respirator use. Engineering or administrative controls should be implemented to reduce exposure. Provide sufficient mechanical (general and/or local exhaust) ventilation to maintain exposure below TLV's (Threshold Limit Values).

Personal Protective Equipment: Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Use solvent resistant safety eyewear with splash guards. Solvent impermeable gloves, clothing, and boots should be worn to prevent skin contact. When applying an AWLGRIP or AWLCRAFT 2000 Topcoat or any other isocyanate containing product, a respirator that is approved for use with such products must be used. A positive pressure air supplied respirator (TC19C NIOSH/MSHA approved) is recommended.

 

[Chuckbear]

geoff, To actually answer your question, you can spray with the brushing converter, but the problem will be that it stays open longer so in trying to get the build up you will wind up with more runs, or you will need to spray a coat, sand, add another coat, etc. until you get good coverage.

 

[geoffschultz]

OK, so I'm painting outside while wearing the approved respirator. I'm painting a 4' long, 3" in diameter pole which takes about 2 minutes (if that) to coat. I have faith that I'm not breathing the vapors, mists or any dust. All of the squirrels and other wildlife tend to disappear when I'm outside working, so I think that they're safe. No other people are around.

While I appreciate your concern, I think you're going overboard.

-- Geoff

 

[geoffschultz]

geoff, To actually answer your question, you can spray with the brushing converter, but the problem will be that it stays open longer so in trying to get the build up you will wind up with more runs, or you will need to spray a coat, sand, add another coat, etc. until you get good coverage.

Thanks so very much for an actual answer. Given the cost of the spraying converter, and the distance to drive to get it, I think that I'll just build up a few coats.

-- Geoff

 

[Chuckbear]

Yeah, but what about the other people and wildlife around... did you get them respirators too??? It is really bad stuff... normally, spraying it is done indoors with air filtration AFAIK.

Based on my experience in dealing with boat yards from the Chesapeake to Floriduh, I would estimate that at least one half have paint sheds and when the shed is full the painting is done outside. The other half of the yards with no sheds do all of their painting outside. Chuck

 

[Maine Sail]

As Chuck said

As Chuck said the brushing thinner is to keep the paint liquid longer so the brush strokes self level. With a spray thinner you don't need a long open time because you don't have brush strokes that need self leveling.

I would avoid the application of thick coats and would also test it on a piece of vertical glass to get the thickness/spray right. Is it optimal? No. Will it work? Yes..

 

[Barnacle Bill]

Ya, this would be called evaporation solvents. The Awlcat#2 used for spray applications has a different evaporation rate than that of the solvents used in Awlcat#3 which is used for brushing applications. Have you tried to go to your local boatyard and maybe buy a few ounces of the Awlcat#2 from their shop stock? They might be helpful and that will keep you from having to buy a whole pint or quart of material. Is everyone afraid of boatyards? No one seems to want to go in them and ask for a little help.

 

[geoffschultz]

I sprayed yesterday morning and I'm happy to report that the finish came out just fine (other than my knocking one end off the stand and getting grass on it). Also, as far as I can tell no wildlife was endangered!

-- Geoff

 

[tommays]

Were do you think the air GOES when the body shop sucks it out of the spray booth

Thye catch the particulate BUT the solvent still goes OUTSIDE which is why you cant even sell the paint in California and there making water based paints which are giving poeple a few issues