Poly flammability?

[erikgreen]

Okay, since I'm an epoxy guy I need to ask - what's the danger from using poly resin (specifically bondo brand) in an enclosed space heated by a gas heater? There's some ventilation (garage leaks air like a sieve) but no fan.

Assuming I don't breathe too much of it, can I do it? Or do I need to be outside?

It's raining today and I want to waterproof some plywood

Erik

 

[watermellonI]

Re: Poly flammability?

I wouldn t. Not worth the risk, wait till the weather clears and open the door at least. Aside from the fumes messin with yer head, they will accumulate and then that heater ll do the rest, next thing ya know your wishin ya waited till the weather cleard.

 

[boatradioman]

Re: Poly flammability?

I dont think you want to do that.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Poly flammability?

I can't officialy say that it will be OK because I've never seen your work area, but gas heat isn't that uncommon in a fiberglass plant. The odor of styrene (thats what you smell with polyester) can be noticed in very small concentrations in the air, well below what will do harm to you, or be flamable. It can be very irritating though and that's why people think it's so bad.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Poly flammability?

Hmm, okay. I guess I'll just hope for clear weather this weekend, then. I suppose there's still plenty of other things to do on the boat that won't require glassing... like servicing the transom.

Erik

 

[lundnisswa]

Re: Poly flammability?

A bit off topic but when Ondarvr was speaking of the strong odor of Poly it sparked a question I had been meaning to ask.

Epoxy breathing hazards; No odor what-so-ever that I can detect.
I have been using a 3M Respirator and changing the fume cartridges, what are the hazards of epoxy fumes if a respirator is not used?
After I am done glassing I just get rid of the Respirator and often spend alot more time in that area, dont want to open the doors at that point because that is when I crank the heat.
There is No air exchange going on, the building is pretty much air tight.

Just thought I would ask.

Lund

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Poly flammability?

I can't say for epoxy, but odor, or a lack of it, doesn't mean a substance is toxic or safe. In glass shops there's a maximum level of styrene you can be exposed to, you wear a small pump with a filter and it's changed at certain time periods to determine the level of exposure in the shop (for testing only). I used one the first part of this week to check the levels while spraying a new product. The normal person off the street would be amazed at how strong the styrene odor is even well below the upper legal limit.

 

[oops!]

Re: Poly flammability?

erik in my garage there is a electric heater and a big wood stove.....


as you know i vs peen poly glassing in there for a fwe months....had several gallons open and curing at the same time ....2x 22 foot by 50 ins sections.......stoked the wood atove and left.....

i wouldnt be too worried about it.....

on the other hand....i was very suprised when i threw a few mixing styx in the fire..(cured)..the fire was really hot....and the resin stix just about exploded in my hand when i threw them in.......

im adding a total of three fire extinguishers in my boat...(abc)

 

[Coors]

Re: Poly flammability?

Dammit, I was through epoxying for a while, now tomorrow, I gotta try to burn some epoxy.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Poly flammability?

I can't officialy say that it will be OK because I've never seen your work area, but gas heat isn't that uncommon in a fiberglass plant. The odor of styrene (thats what you smell with polyester) can be noticed in very small concentrations in the air, well below what will do harm to you, or be flamable. I can't say for epoxy, but odor, or a lack of it, doesn't mean a substance is toxic or safe.

Ayuh,......

Over the years, I've splashed Alot of both Poly,+ Epoxy....
While Poly is abit More flammable than Epoxy,....
You've Really got to Try to light either 1 of them,....

I've splashed Poly in a small inclosed space, while puffing on a cigerette, with a woodstove roaring in the corner,+ a guy Welding next to me,.....
Never has there been a problem with the volatility of the compounds.....

With Epoxy,..... You can stick a Torch into the bucket,+ it won't Light......
Not at 1st anyways......

 

[Coors]

Re: Poly flammability?

Thanks, Bondo, you saved me some time.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Poly flammability?

Dang, I have to try and find some epoxy to toss in a fire now also!

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Poly flammability?

Dang, I have to try and find some epoxy to toss in a fire now also!

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Poly flammability?

Decades ago when when things were done a little differently, we would have many 5 gallon buckets of epoxy grinding dust to dispose of after a job. Many times all of the scrap lumber and paper would be burned and we would have a great time tossing hand fulls of the epoxy dust into the fire, it would go up almost like gas with a little colored fireworks mixed in.
So never do this, it's very dangerous.

 

[Coors]

Re: Poly flammability?

I tried burning cured epoxy. It takes heat and effort..