Cat paint hardener?

YM, I know guys who have used it and it does make for a more durable finish. I don't think you need a whole gallon, unless you are painting a fleet of old iron. I know I have seen tractor paint at Farm & Fleet. The cans of hardener are on the shelf right next to it. They are usually 1 pint cans, and as I recall, you add it into 1 gallon. Good luck, and take pictures.

I've never used Cat paint, but the DuPont I sprayed on my 5U has it. It didn't need much, the mix ratio was 4 parts paint, 8 parts reducer, and 1 part hardner. Different brands will have different ratios, though.

I just found the paint section of the Shop Supplies catalog. It says on the hardener "for professional use only."

That's certainly not me!

Thanks,
Sam

In my experience, the hardener used in most industrial paints, is a methyl iso-cyanate compound. This is classified as an organic cyanide compound, and is extremely dangerous to inhale in even modest amounts.

It is recommended by all manufacturers, that full face breathing equipment be used with methyl iso-cyanate compounds .. unless you want to shorten your lifespan by a considerable degree, or end up with what is known as industrial asthma.

Either result is most unpleasant, and it pays to familiarise yourself with all warnings and recommendations, on stuff you want to spray around.

When I started spraying paints with hardner I bought a pressurized hood and respirator from HobbyAir, it was a cheaper model but has worked great for the one or two times a year I paint. It's just an air pump with about 50 feet of hose that feeds the hood from a remote, clean air area. With the pressurized hood you don't even smell the paint, plus your eyes are protected. I also like to keep my arms and hands covered to avoid absorbing any chemicals through the skin. I usually wear a disposable cartridge type respirator when mixing the paint too, might be overkill but I think it's worth it.

I have been using Valspar Truck and Tractor Paint from my local Tractor Supply. They have the hardener in pints for about 10 bucks. Little pricey but I don't use that much.

Hardner is not a good thing to inhale. Use a good mask. A fresh air system is the best. What properties of the hardner do to a person is break down the membranes in your lungs. I have shot paint with hardner or activator for over 30 years and will not do it with out a good breathing system.