Melamine fumes

[Margo]

Melamine users - do any of you thin it down and find it reduces the fumes?

I like the finish, I'm happy with how to use it... But even with a good mask and using it outside for the best ventilation I can get, it makes me feel sick and headachey as soon as I get the lid off.

I'm fine with everything else I've used, sanding sealer, thinners, waxes, polishes etc. But melamine is just awful!

 

[pittswood]

Never had any problems using mine. My melamine drys within seconds, so you should not get much from that. Could it be an out of date batch? If I use CA, I do get a stinging in my eyes. Ask Phil if he's had any problems with his.
Kelvin

 

[Phil Dart]

Ask Phil if he's had any problems with his.

I haven't, no. I find the slight smell of melamine lacquer completely innocuous, and "fumes" is not a word I've ever associated with it, which is another major plus in its favour as far as I'm concerned. Everyone's different though, so melamine might not be the finish for you it seems [MENTION=2240]Margo[/MENTION]

 

[fortress]

Just like the others, never had a problem with it Margo. CA does have fumes that need to be avoided.

 

[Margo]

Maybe it's just me then!

CA doesn't bother me. The melamine was bought new a few weeks ago - direct from chestnut.

Thanks for the replies folks

 

[Margo]

My husband says he likes it, it smells like sweets!

 

[Dalboy]

I think the thing to remember that different things affect people in different ways. Either carry on using it outside or if you have an extractor system that can be pointed outside place the inlet hose near the work so it extracts the smell from where you are working.

 

[Neil Lawton]

Melamine can be thinned with cellulose thinners but they would probably just make it smell stronger!

 

[Curly]

You should be wearing at least a half mask with new organic vapour cartridges. When done using the melamine get out of the room and then remove the mask and either put the whole thing in a sealed container or remove the cartridges and put them into the container. Cartridges absorb stuff from the air all the time so you can't leave the mask sitting on a shelf or next time the cartridges will be done. If when you wear your mask you smell anything it isn't fitting properly (or the cartridges need replacing) and you need a different size or another make that fits your face properly. A good firm selling masks can fit test them on you to get the right one. I hope it goes without saying Margo that you need to be clean shaven like your husband to get a proper seal. :wink:

Pete

 

[Penpal]

I have a 12 inch fan to atmosphere in addition to my downdraft ones,takes care of fumes connected to an in line fan.

No probs from stray fumes.


PEter.