What really is “2k paint”?

nathana94

So I understand 2k meaning two part, and in clear coat for example, it’s the hardener - but is it the same in paint?

the reason I ask is because I’ve bought some supplies from Dipthis and they advertise the aerosol as 2k paint - but there is no pull under the can to activate a hardener, and their neat “2k paints” say to just mix with a “2k thinner” - neither of these I believe to already have hardener in as there is no use window? 

Forgive me if I’m being stupid! I’m new to the whole thing, just trying to avoid those nasty isocyanates! 

studebaker

You are correct, 2K does imply 2-part, which in and of itself then implies that the second part would be the hardener and not the thinner/reducer. Please post some pictures of the erroneous packaging from "Dip This" so that we can make fun of them with greater accuracy and spread the news of their laughable and false propaganda far and wide :-)

WileECoyote

This might be the most pathetic interpretation of the term I have heard. They are clearly trying to take advantage of the inexperienced. The Isocyanates can be defeated with a half mask respirator, which you should be using with the activator anyway. I worked around 2k paints for 19 years, its not that big of a deal. Make your PPE a habit, and it gets easier.

nathana94

@studebaker I thought that was the case - I looked into it as much as I could but couldn’t find a definitive answer so thank you! I’ve got some screenshots here for you! It could be that I’ve misinterpreted so I won’t laugh just yet.. but to me this says it should have a hardening component (I have the can in hand, and it certainly does not!). In regards to a 2k neat paint also, mixed with a 2k thinner - are these still considered safer than a 2k clear for example? I did email the seller to ask but got no response at the start of the month

@WileECoyote  PPE always comes first for me! Always in mask and covered regardless of what I’m spraying and where. I’ve just read so many horror stories about 2k clear for example, is an air fed mask just to eliminate exposure through saturation of the filters?.

 I have to do much of my work outside with a little makeshift shelter, so my main concern is whether it will effect neighbours too much using true 2k products? Or am I misinformed on this entirely? 

Sorry, all these questions probably sound extremely noob-y, I just want to make sure I’m being as safe as I can without harming anyone else’s lungs too! 

nathana94

And one of the can to show - no hardener! 

WileECoyote

nathana94 said:

@studebaker I thought that was the case - I looked into it as much as I could but couldn’t find a definitive answer so thank you! I’ve got some screenshots here for you! It could be that I’ve misinterpreted so I won’t laugh just yet.. but to me this says it should have a hardening component (I have the can in hand, and it certainly does not!). In regards to a 2k neat paint also, mixed with a 2k thinner - are these still considered safer than a 2k clear for example? I did email the seller to ask but got no response at the start of the month

@WileECoyote  PPE always comes first for me! Always in mask and covered regardless of what I’m spraying and where. I’ve just read so many horror stories about 2k clear for example, is an air fed mask just to eliminate exposure through saturation of the filters?.

 I have to do much of my work outside with a little makeshift shelter, so my main concern is whether it will effect neighbours too much using true 2k products? Or am I misinformed on this entirely? 

Sorry, all these questions probably sound extremely noob-y, I just want to make sure I’m being as safe as I can without harming anyone else’s lungs too!

That is absolutly not 2K paint, I would call them up and tell then to shove each of their incorrectly packaged cans up their **badword**. These are SOMEWHAT safer than 2k paints. You are trading known carcinogens, for solvents that are also known carcinogens, and nerotoxins.

A Half mask respirator is what we are talking about, with activated carbon filters behind a particulate filter. When changed out at recommended intervals, and stored properly there is nearly ZERO chance of saturation or bypass. Buy one and use it correctly. Supplied air is simply to avoid replacing filters and is more comfortable for the user. It comes with a whole host of other maintenance concerns like Carbon Monoxide monitoring.




What are these horror stories that you have heard of? I have never heard of a problem and have worked with literally HUNDREDS of painters.

nathana94

WileECoyote said:

@studebaker I thought that was the case - I looked into it as much as I could but couldn’t find a definitive answer so thank you! I’ve got some screenshots here for you! It could be that I’ve misinterpreted so I won’t laugh just yet.. but to me this says it should have a hardening component (I have the can in hand, and it certainly does not!). In regards to a 2k neat paint also, mixed with a 2k thinner - are these still considered safer than a 2k clear for example? I did email the seller to ask but got no response at the start of the month

@WileECoyote  PPE always comes first for me! Always in mask and covered regardless of what I’m spraying and where. I’ve just read so many horror stories about 2k clear for example, is an air fed mask just to eliminate exposure through saturation of the filters?.

 I have to do much of my work outside with a little makeshift shelter, so my main concern is whether it will effect neighbours too much using true 2k products? Or am I misinformed on this entirely? 

Sorry, all these questions probably sound extremely noob-y, I just want to make sure I’m being as safe as I can without harming anyone else’s lungs too!

That is absolutly not 2K paint, I would call them up and tell then to shove each of their incorrectly packaged cans up their **badword**. These are SOMEWHAT safer than 2k paints. You are trading known carcinogens, for solvents that are also known carcinogens, and nerotoxins. A Half mask respirator is what we are talking about, with activated carbon filters behind a particulate filter. When changed out at recommended intervals, and stored properly there is nearly ZERO chance of saturation or bypass. Buy one and use it correctly. Supplied air is simply to avoid replacing filters and is more comfortable for the user. It comes with a whole host of other maintenance concerns like Carbon Monoxide monitoring. What are these horror stories that you have heard of? I have never heard of a problem and have worked with literally HUNDREDS of painters.

That’s the half face type mask I use, will have to check on whether there is a carbon filter present though. 

What you’re saying makes sense, and I’ve seen similar stated by 3M themselves so if you have experience and they’re saying it’s fine - that makes me feel MUCH more comfortable. 

I had read a few stories of people using these half face masks, but still passing out an hour or so later from exposure. I think the thought of that just terrified me to the point of backing away. I understand of course skin and eyes need to be covered too. 

What about with neighbours - it’s not going to cause any harm to them by the time it blows over is it? I’m not sure how long the toxins are.. well.. toxic for if that makes sense? 

WileECoyote

People pass out from breathing through clogged filters because they dont change them like they are supposed too, or because their lungs are not strong enough to breath through the mask. (We gave a long capacity test to all the people that had to wear them)

Unless your neighbors are standing behind you while you spray, the solvents evaporate off before they get to them. At that point they are essentially inert. Unless you are spraying a gallon a day, you are probably safe. Or why not get some water based paint. It's no more harmful than what you spray on your walls of your house... the respirator is still used, but nowhere near as toxic.

nathana94

@WileECoyote that makes me feel a lot better, thank you! 

Time to go learn about activated carbon filters, and start learning about that 2k finish!

NotSoFast

I used to build firetrucks and our painters painted and/or clear coated up to 3 huge firetrucks a day all while wearing a 3M half mask respirator with carbon filters. No problems as long as you use and wear it properly. Change the filters when needed. Store in an air tight container when not wearing it. Make sure it has a proper seal and you are not wearing it over a beard, etc.

nathana94

@NotSoFast thanks for another comment to ease my fears! Feel pretty comfortable with it now thanks to @WileECoyote and yourself. 

When I’m looking around online I’m seeing a lot of different stuff - made more difficult by the current climate granted - but should the filters contain activated carbon? Or is that an additional layer to be added inside the cartridge with the usual filter?

WileECoyote

There should be an activated carbon filter, and a pleated paper (or some sort of plastic cloth) pre filter. Essentially 2 filters stacked on top of each other.

NotSoFast

@nathana94 Do you have a local auto body/paint supply shop nearby? If so, they can set you up with what the car painters use. It's the same mask.

nathana94

@NotSoFast not that I’m aware of - there was one years ago which sadly closed down, although I’m not against a bit of a drive if I can find any near by - good shout, thank you very much!

onehitwonder

They have confused “2k” with 2 stage (base/clear). It amazes me regular companies are allowed to sell chemicals......

Of course, there are also companies that sell dip kits, and the “mask” they include is a dust mask.

nathana94

onehitwonder said:

They have confused “2k” with 2 stage (base/clear). It amazes me regular companies are allowed to sell chemicals...... Of course, there are also companies that sell dip kits, and the “mask” they include is a dust mask.

Ah okay, so two stage being - the paint, then clear, and one stage being paint and hardener if my research is correct? (Please do tell me if I’m wrong!)

yeah saw a few of those.. as all of you guys know on here, research goes a LONG way - steered clear of those masks and I’m sure my lungs thank me!

WileECoyote

2 stage is the process. First base, then paint. 2K means 2 component to make 1 stage. 

nathana94

@WileECoyote understood! Thank you! 😁