The cellulose that I used seemed pretty benign though I must say, the worst thing the neighbours could expect was the sweet smell of 'pear drops' emanating from the garage. I used it with a good mask at first, until later when I became so cocky I forgot to even wear the mask. I have only one kidney as it is, and a failing one at that, yet here I am to tell the tale. Using it on a regular basis would of course require a less cavalier approach.

I considered using two pack, I'd have preferred to. I even joined a couple of paint forums where all they do is discuss resprays all day. I asked questions, and in each case, without exception I was told "Don't f*ck with 2 pack." Apparently there are those that can withstand occasional exposure to the toxins with no ill effects at all, and then there are those that will be struck down with lifelong asthma after just one single exposure. I'm told that It enters the endocrine system via the tear ducts, or the surface of the skin as well as the lungs.

What the pro's told me is that they knew personally of examples of each, and what it really boiled down to was "which one are you?" Because you don't know until you get the reaction, and if it's the lifelong asthma reaction then that's a pretty tough way to find out. You may get a headache from a single over-exposure to celly, but headaches come and headaches go, not so with what 2 pack gives you.

I've no doubt the modern paints are less toxic than their predecessors, and in every other way they are a better product, but rather than advise someone to use it and take precautions (which they may tend to relax after a while as familiarity sets in) I'd still advocate (especially to young lads) that they leave it alone.

I'm not advocating that anyone use 2 pack, I told people to use safety equipment. I've seen lots of people over the years spray 2 pack without masks and live. That doesn't make it a good idea.

As you said it seems pretty benign, and I've done the same thing myself. The simple fact is though that simple things in the workshop aren't necessarily benign. Aluminium dust is associated with Alzheimers for instance. Really we should wear a dusk mask even when doing simple stuff like sweeping up. Filler dust and the like in your lungs isn't cool.

There are many other real nasties lurking in the workshop. Breathing in the fumes from super glue is bad. Old seam sealers and sound proofing materials contain asbestos, as do gaskets and brake linings. Used engine oil is carcinogenic, as is unleaded fuel. Yet people happily change their oil without wearing disposable gloves or suck on a tube to siphon fuel.

Yep, and the funny thing is, the stuff that smells the best is usually the most harmful. As a kid I used to love the smell of Airfix glue, or petrol, and I own up here and now to becoming a bit of a cellulose thinners sniffer while painting my car, I find it a pleasant smell!

I'm not over cautious about H+S stuff, in fact I'm possibly the complete opposite - the worst example for health and safety out there, but then such things as glass fibre, filler dust and asbestos have been cheerily polluting my lungs ever since the 1960's (when nobody seemed to know or care about the effects) Aluminium was routinely put in our water supply too as part of the purification process, so no worries about inhaling little clouds of it then.

I view the health and safety mongers in the same light as the global warming alarmists, as a self created, self perpetuating industry. I therefore carry on regardless. Many would deem that to be pretty stupid, but they're usually the folks that won't walk the dog unless wearing a day-glo bib and a carrying a panic alarm. I have, do, and will take risks, I even considered the risk of finding out which type I was by using 2 pack paint, but in the end it was down to consideration for the neighbours, who may or may not have been affected that stopped me.

Hmm .....I've always sprayed with celly,I've been spraying for years and never worn a mask,although many years ago I gave myself the biggest "high" [and worst hangover] I've ever suffered by doing spraying" on a motorcycle [panels & tank] in a confined shed,I felt ill for a week afterwards .....never again,I now always ensure that if I cant spray in the open air,at the least my garage doors are wide open.
I guess I've been lucky,as I've no respiritory problems .....[and thats despite a 20-a-day habit and 40 years in the Steel Industry].

Strangely .....as "twofifty" mentions,I do suffer with a slight dermatisis problem [nuffin serious] .....but IIRC this problem started in the mid/late 1970's when I started doing custom paintjobs on 'bikes & cars.
I'd never connected it until now ......and I guess I really should know better as my wife is actually a Nurse,and specialises in the dermatology field [still ....being married to a nurse is a bit like being the mechanics car .....you never get any attention until its terminal ... ]

btw ... re Ford Radiant Red My daughter had a red Fiesta,my Citroen paint always seemed to match her car better than her Ford paint matched my 2CV Or could it be that I'm just a bit more "critical" about my own car ....

best regards
T.

its the tar and asbestos lining keeping you alive matey-celly thinners wont get through that lot

As with everything I guess it is a question of striking the right balance. And since we've strayed waaaay off topic anyway this story fortuitously demonstrates it

http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/vie ... cream-girl

Factor 50. I didn't know there was a 50. Ten (or twelve for gingers maybe) but - Fifty! Nothing like a measured response to the danger of course, and this example is - nothing like a measured response.

The bits of my car I've hand painted with Dulux have weathered better than anything else!

It's cheap and they match any colour at the DIY shop!.... next time I'm doing the whole car with it!

BTW roll up your sleeves and go out in the sun (when it's out!) and 20 minutes is all you need to get a good dose of Vit D!

B&Q exterior gloss all the way

hmm only reason igot 2 pack was cos the guy who sprayed my vent wanted 2 pack...

i was thinking of brushing it on outside,
im normally not squirmish about these things but now i am!!

not sure whether to go and get some more paint mixed up or be brave and 2 pack it, wear a mask, and be outside.. after all its only one sill that needs doing at the moment..
although i may have some exterior gloss stuff..

hmm what to do!