Isocyanate coatings versus isocyanate-free coatings

What are isocyanates ?

Isocyanates are raw materials broadly used in various products such as foams, coatings and adhesives and are commonly known as a catalyst, hardener, curing agent or Part B in a 2-part polyurethane system. In refinishing applications, the isocyanate catalyst is mixed with the resin prior immediately prior to spraying and a solvent is added to achieve the desired viscosity.

Are there health or safety concerns ?

· For the Professional Refinisher

Without proper personal protective equipment, the professional refinisher may experience skin, eye, nose irritation and possibly occupational asthma. Repeated exposure may lead to hypersensitivity, which may lead to rash, itching, and swelling. Please review our range of safety equipment

· For the Consumer

No risk to the consumer after spraying, no exposure, completely reacted and bound in the polymer matrix, etc.

What alternatives are available?

Some description of our alternative chemistries – amine based, etc.

If you would like your professional refinisher to use an isocyanate free system, you should ensure that the both Part A, the resin, AND Part B, the catalyst are isocyanate-free. Refinishing countertops, cabinets, tubs and tiles should be considered the same as painting any room in the house.

· Continue to ventilate after painting is completed.
· The EPA recommends that ventilation continue for 2 to 3 days after painting. · EPA provides a Healthy Indoor Painting Practices guide: ​EPA Guidelines​

Isocyanate-free Products from Hawk
All Ultragrip Primer Systems
StoneFlecks Ultra Multicolor Finish
IsoFree Plus Topcoat Systems, including Isofree StoneGard