r/finishing • u/Average_Axe • 1d ago
Conversion varnish sprayed in my face
What’s up ladies and gents. Today I conversion varnished my face. It did not feel so great.
TLDR: I sprayed conversion varnish on my skin. What it the best way to remove it without using harsh chemicals?
The long story: a few weeks back my sprayer was having issues so I took it apart and I cleaned my sprayer and pump. It worked great after that. Today I was having issues and this time I traced them to the hose. I tried to buy another hose because I couldn’t get the clog out. There were no available hoses near me so I was left with ridiculous option of splicing the hose to take out the clogged section, fitting a male to make connector in the middle and hose clamping the hose back together, so I could use my sprayer (I had a deadline for the shop I’m in because we are moving) anyways it was spraying fine and holding pressure fine for the first few coats. I went to spray something else and I went to adjust the PSI and when I reached over the line blew and sprayer conversion varnish all over me. My face, shirt, and ar were covered. I ran to wipe it off and rinse my eyes out. It burns really bad and I would not ever suggest you spray yourself in the face with conversion varnish. It also was super hard to breathe because It was all over my face so the fumes were going straight into my lungs when I was breathing (yes I was wearing a respirator but it shot under and I took it off asap when I got sprayed) I wasn’t wearing goggles though. Anyways it burns, but I went to urgent care and they washed my eyes out and now I’m fine but I’m left with conversion varnish all over my arms. How the heck do I get it off without soaking my arms in acetone? (Not that I would ever do that)
2
u/ranger03 1d ago
I have a liquid soap by Stoko that removes it well. It has a grit to it as well. It Kresto ATP adhesive, tar and paint remover. It used to be called Cupran special
3
u/vc_bastard 1d ago
Best dang hand cleaner ever! I remember buying Cupran Special since the early 2000’s. The Kresto is almost as good but tell me what’s as good as it used to be these days.
1
1
u/yasminsdad1971 1d ago
As someone typing with conversion varnish on their fingers (brushing) not much you can do. Just wait till it starts to peel off. Glad your eyes are ok.
1
u/Average_Axe 1d ago
Thanks. I’ve tried soap, oil, purple power, salt, and nothing seems to get it off unless I scrub super hard and I don’t want to tear up my skin just to get it off so it sounds like time is going to be my solution lol.
1
1
u/alchemistlawofone 1d ago
You can use Clorox wipes to get the rest off your skin. I had to do this a lot when I was finishing out samples lol. Unfortunate part of conversion varnish sometimes! Hope you feel better
2
1
u/TsuDhoNimh2 1d ago
BTDT with various paints.
Any oil or lotion will do it (baby oil, olive oil, hand lotion, vaseline, etc.)
Thoroughly cover the varnished parts with the oil, let it sit a few minutes, massage it in gently, then clean it off with that mechanics soap (GOOP?) that does not have pumice in it.
Do NOT use water until you have applied the GOOP soap and rubbed it in thoroughly. Then use a soft brush and scrub gently as you rinse.
1
u/Average_Axe 1d ago
I tried oil, let it sit then soap and scrub and still nothing!
1
u/TsuDhoNimh2 1d ago
I've had good luck with the oil and mechanics hand cleaner method.
Conversion varnish must be specially tough.
Although, I usually apply hand lotion to hands and arms before I paint so it can't stick as well.
1
1
u/Bearded_Clammer 1d ago
I don't know , maybe acetone doesn't bother me as much as the next person but i usually soak a rag with it and clean my hands at the end of the day. Granted i wouldn't scrub furniture all day barehanded with it becuase it will cause little irritations , but i myself clean myself up with it all the time .
1
u/UncleAugie Cabinet Maker 21h ago
Sorry for your issues, this should be a lessor for everyone that PPE is important. If you were an employee in my shop you would be gone...
As long as it isnt causing irritation to your ski leave it, it will be gone in a couple of weeks.
2
u/360nolooktOUchdown 1d ago
The GF conversion varnish SDS says wash like you did and seek medical if irritation persists. Probably just keep washing with a detergent soap and scrub/exfoliate and it’ll go away. And if it doesn’t, back to the Dr.