DIY Auto painting: Safety Considerations

Jul 13
07:31

2012

Tony Bandalos

Tony Bandalos

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

You will also teach you how to synthesize both approaches.

mediaimage
DIY auto painting can be an exciting and rewarding hobby to take up.  It can also safe you lots of money that you would be spending at an auto body repair shop.  There are,DIY Auto painting: Safety Considerations Articles however, a number of safety considerations to consider when deciding to take up DIY auto painting. Taking note of these DIY auto painting rules will ensure your own safety and that you comply with state and local laws regarding environmental dispersals.

First, you should realize that there are safety precautions that come with many of these auto paint cans and accessories.  Make sure to read them before opening the paint. Paint manufacturers are required to list the necessary safety equipment, including breathing masks and skin protection that will be necessary for using the paint. The safety information sheets should have most of this information on them.
 
While there are no laws which mandate whether you wear the proper safety equipment, choosing not to is unwise as this can and will eventually be fatal.  The absolute minimum one should be using while painting is a half mask that utilizes a charcoal cartridge air scrubbing system. These can be found at your local auto body repair store. If the paint happens to contain isocyanates, then you will need coveralls, rubber gloves, goggles, and a hat to protect your body from its toxicity as these can be absorbed through the skin. If you are planning on doing multiple DIY car painting projects, then you may want to purchase a fresh air supply hood.  While these can be costly, they will provide you with the best personal ventilation.

Auto paint poses the greatest danger when it is being atomized as it is sprayed onto the surface.  On average 60% of paint is lost to overspray and dispersed into the environment.  This means not only that the paint job pollutes, but that some of this overspray will inevitably get onto you. In addition, paint is also dangerous when it has dried and is being sanded.  Therefore, one should use the same safety precautions for removing paint.  Sanding and media blasting will disperse these particles into the air and onto you.

Taking these safety standards into consideration will ensure not just your health, but also that of the environment.  It is also better to err on the side of caution instead of learning about it after the fact.