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It's Safety First When Installing Polyurea Coatings

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One of the most important things to remember when installing polyurea coatings is not a clean surface or obtaining the right balance of chemicals (though these are important) -- it's protecting yourself from injury.  You may think that spraying a chemical compound onto a surface isn't hazardous and you would be very, very wrong.

Any time you use chemicals such as this there is a great risk to your safety. Especially if you've never used this product before. So how can you stay safe? We're here to help!

How Dangerous Are Polyurea Coatings?


Polyurea coatings are made of isocyanates which are highly reactive, low molecular weight chemicals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these chemicals are powerful irritants to the mucous membranes of your eyes as well as your gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts.

Working with these materials without the proper safety material can cause the following:

  • Inflammation of your skin if there is direct contact

  • Eye irritation

  • Nasal congestion

  • Dry or a sore throat

  • Cold-like symptoms

  • Shortness of breath

  • Wheezing

  • Chest tightness


If you suffer from asthma, you may receive a severe asthma attack that could lead to death. And the more exposed you are to isocyanates, the higher your risk of long-term or permanent respiratory problems. This is why it's essential to have the proper safety equipment.

What Safety Equipment Do You Need When Spraying?


It's important to protect anyone who is working with these chemicals. Recommended personal protective equipment includes:

  • Safety glasses or goggles

  • MDI-resistant chemical gloves

  • MDI-resistant clothing

  • Safety shoes or boots


When you are spraying the coating, especially for a truck bedliner, you should be using all of the above plus an approved supplied air respirator. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has specific respiratory protection standards when it comes to ventilators:

  • They must be monitored to make sure they are working correctly

  • They should be inspected regularly for cracks and tears and cleaned of any residue or dirt.

  • Nothing should interfere with the facepiece seal (i.e. facial hair or other types of protective equipment

  • If there are any defects, the respirator should immediately be taken out of service


In addition, OSHA has ventilation standards for the industry when working in a confined space. This ventilation system should be cleaned and inspected on a regular basis.

How Marvel Industrial Coatings Can Help


Before starting any polyurea coating project, you most considering your own safety. At Marvel Industrial Coatings, we can provide you with respirators, filters, gloves, and suits so your team is safe while on the job.

For a safety consultation or to get protective equipment, contact Marvel Industrial Coatings today for more information.