Fiberglass itch relief

[i386]

With all the sanding and grinding I've been doing lately I'm starting to itch pretty good on my forearms and hands. Last night I got to thinking about how I could get the glass out of my skin and came up with trying duct tape. Damn if it doesn't work. I just pulled off a few strips, stuck it to whatever itches and pulled it off. It still itches a little but it makes a huge difference for me.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Fiberglass itch relief

About 30 years ago I was destroying old buildings while in the army. They had blown in fiberglass ..... When I used to get home at night I would shower in cold water and undress while in the shower. If I did not do the cold water first that glass would penetrate my skin and I would be in agony.

That duct tape sounds good but I have too much hair to risk it.

 

[strizzy]

Re: Fiberglass itch relief

cold water!

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Fiberglass itch relief

Better yet, get someone else to do the fiberglass work for you. Or just work on aluminum boats. Just my $2.00 worth (inflation)

 

[danpemby]

Re: Fiberglass itch relief

I used to run computer lines in attics. Mostly in the summer of course. The cold shower works because it closes your pores before the fibers penetrate, then you can wash most of the off. The tape thing sounds like a good idea for what was missed.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Fiberglass itch relief

Ayuh,...... I do the Cool shower thing,......As in Less than Hot,.. But Not Just Cold water......

I, like Bob, am just Too Hairy to even Think of the Duct Tape thing,..........

 

[tiller7104]

Re: Fiberglass itch relief

Duct tape HOLY MOTHER OF MOSES thats gotta hurt, but if it saves the agony I may just give that a try...I will scratch until I bleed and anything is wortha try!

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Fiberglass itch relief

I've heard said, probably here on iboats, that you should scrub down, while in the shower, with a pair of pantyhose. 8)

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Fiberglass itch relief

I've heard said, probably here on iboats, that you should scrub down, while in the shower, with a pair of pantyhose. 8)

As long as she comes with 'em.....I think its a great idea !

 

[crunch]

Re: Fiberglass itch relief

I've used for years, cool water and exfoliating gloves , works fairly well.... as to the duct tape we could get together and make a faux fur jacket. 8)

 

[dhatcher]

Re: Fiberglass itch relief

one of the jacket de-lenter, the roll on type, have been useful to me

 

[klos]

Re: Fiberglass itch relief

I use a damp wash cloth (no soap) in the shower. then after drying off scrub down with a just barely damp towel. Works great!

 

[jaymasta]

Re: Fiberglass itch relief

so far I have only worked with fiberglass once, and I just covered my self completly before going in with it, so I didn't get any on me, then again if you are working with it everyday for 8 hours tahts a whole different story

 

[msalvatore47]

Re: Fiberglass itch relief

thought i'd revive a dead post.....

get one of those women's face peel kits, put it on your arms. wait, n peel. they use it to get dead skin and other stuff off their face. but it works wonders and it doesnt hurt the hair on your arms.

 

[evildocrsx]

Re: Fiberglass itch relief

Back from the dead!!

You can also coat your exposed skin with vaseline before working on fiberglass.

 

[trendsetter240]

Re: Fiberglass itch relief

Or you could try working in Tyvek suits.

http://www.disposable-garments.com/tyvek_suits.html

 

[BobsGlasstream]

Re: Fiberglass itch relief

I wear the Tyvek suit and add Tyvek Sleeves over that for extra cover. Works pretty good. Not much itch at all.
Bob

 

[evildocrsx]

Re: Fiberglass itch relief

I've never even heard of those Tyvek suits. It looks like a good cheap alternative. They don't show any picures. Anyone have any pictures of the Tyvek suits?

 

[Darren Nemeth]

Re: Fiberglass itch relief

I've never even heard of those Tyvek suits. It looks like a good cheap alternative. They don't show any picures. Anyone have any pictures of the Tyvek suits?

I get the Deluxe Coverall Tyveks. They work perfectly. Get a package of 5. I worked on my boat all summer and so far went through 3 or 4 of them.

Uline is one of the places that sells them.
http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-13895/Protective-Clothes-accessories/Tyvek-Deluxe-Coverall

The hood is lined with elastic and will help heep dust from going down the neck. They don't handle wear and tear well but are well worth the price.

Before I started a work day on the Batboat I covered myself with lots of talcum powder from head to toe. Talc is also used as a resin thickener, like woodflower, and can be bought online in 5 lb pails. I cannot recall where I got mine right now but here is another source. http://www.fiberglasssupply.com/Product_Catalog/Fillers/fillers.html

You'll never use up the 5 lb quantity working on your boat, however.

 

[lowkee]

Re: Fiberglass itch relief

Here is a post in which I went through what I wear when grinding glass (tyvek suit photo included): http://forums.iboats.com/showpost.php?p=2036189&postcount=4

I think the best solution would be to buy a windbreaker (the parachute looking material jackets), as it will breathe while keeping the glass out. The tyvek suit worked well for the really nasty grinding, but they are really too loose to seal you in, and the glass gets pretty harsh around the neck seam (it will grind glass into your neck) if you wear it too many times. I normally blow myself off using the compressor before stripping down. Just don't blow too close to your skin or you will inject the glass into you and you'll be really itchy.