Paint Hardener

Tom in Iowa City · Feb 15, 2009

I'm confused. What is paint "hardener?" My body shop that recently painted my 8N tractor told me that the term "hardener" is a MISNOMER. He said the "hardener" is really an ingredient that makes the paint more chip resistant by making the paint more elastic or tougher but it doesn't really "harden" the paint.
Where do you get the "hardener" and how do you mix it in with the paint?
Tom in Iowa City

glennster · Feb 15, 2009

he is correct . a hardener or a catalyst additive, speaking of automotive paints, generally sppeds drying time, it increases the paints durability, it increases its chip resistance, and it increases the paints resistance to chemicals and gasoline spills. you need to add the correct hardener to what ever type of paint you are shooting, acrylic enamel, urethanes, ect. the manufacturer will supply mixing instructions for each paint line.

CNKS · Feb 15, 2009

I prefer to use the term hardener instead of catalyst, to distinguish between the isocyantes used in the "hardener" in the topcoat and some primers, and the non-iso containing "catalyst" used in most epoxy primers (read the MSDS to be sure). The "durabilty" of the paint is not improved that much by the hardener, that happens more because of the chemistry of the paint. But, you have to be careful with any finish. Urethanes require hardener and are more durable than hardened or unhardened alkyd enamel. Some say that hardened enamel chips easier with hardener than without, I wouldn't know as I always use hardener. As Glenster says, hardened paint does cure faster and is more resistant to gasoline, etc. That does not mean that you can spill gas on a fresh acrylic urethane paint job though, as I did once by accident. Damage is still visible, I polished enough out to make it almost unoticeable unless you know where to look. If you are only going to paint one tractor, forget the hardener. If you are going to make a hobby out of it, buy a supplied air system.

Jerry Gilliam · Feb 16, 2009

That's correct. For example TSC stores sell Valspar paint and you can buy the hardner right there for the paint. Usually you will use Enamel for older tractors. The hardner is a must. To much labor to not use all you need.

Jerry Gilliam

rustyfarmall · Feb 16, 2009

Isocyanates can be very hazardous to your central nervous system. Use with extreme caution and follow ALL the rules. I personally have been over-sensitized to it and absolutely refuse to use the stuff.

Paint Hardener

Tom in Iowa City

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glennster

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CNKS

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Jerry Gilliam

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rustyfarmall

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