getting PL premium off your hands

[Tim A]

Before working with PL, paint, etc:

Lotion up your hands with something very oily - vaseline, bag balm, etc.

Basically if your hands are oily, then the PL has a hard time sticking, since
PL cures with water in the skin.

Even dry skin makes a good bond with PL. Conversely, greasy skin makes a poor bond with PL .

Awesome idea. I am going to try that when finishing up my tops...

If you're going to do that, make absolutely certain you do not touch any surface that will be glued. If you do, you'll have to clean the surface or the adhesive won't stick very well. If enough transfers to the workpiece it won't stick at all.

[Ron K]

I started using one latex glove on my left hand. This way I could smear joints and use that hand to position something and use my right hand for the nail gun , hammer, screwdriver etc. On my first cab I got my brand new nail gun smeared up with PL.

The next day at church I noticed my hands looked like I didn't wash them in 3 days!!!

That evening I broke out the Latex and promptly coated my hammer , screwdriver and other tools with PL Premium! :evil

Then it dawned on me. Latex on 1 hand the other uncovered. After a bit you get used to it and PL becomes nice to work with.

As far as cleanup I found nothing that will remove dried PL. I even tried MEK!A Pumice stone was about the best but I was afraid I would scare the children when I came downstairs and my finger bones were showing through my skin!

[David Carter]

I started using one latex glove on my left hand. This way I could smear joints and use that hand to position something and use my right hand for the nail gun , hammer, screwdriver etc.

+1! The only time I glove both hands is when I'm rolling on the Duratex.

[Sydney]

As far as cleanup I found nothing that will remove dried PL.

Try Immersion in hot soapy water frequently - it comes off wrinkly fingers much easier
( ie wash dishes - * Not likely to be a popular answer by it does gain points on the domestic front )

[soundmankeith]

I have had good luck with this. Works for automotive grease/grime and PL. http://www.dickblick.com/zz049/05

Keith

[Paul Montville]

Hey guys,

My DJ'ing partner and I started on our Tubas last weekend. My first experience with PL and I had that shat everywhere by the end of the day. My hands looked like hell and as soon as they hit the soapy water the PL set up. So I was cruising the net looking for a solution and stumbled on a DIY boat building forum. Someone there made mention of using WD40 to clean up PL. So, I gave it a shot and it worked like a charm. Here's what I did for the PL that had been on my hands overnight: I grabbed an old scotchbrite pad (1/4" green mesh kind) and spritzed some wd on it. I then went to work on the dried PL...not really hard scrubbing as I had zero skin irritation after, just more of a rubbing action. About five minutes on each hand then went to the sink and used the same scotchbrite pad and action with warm water and soap. PL came off without a hitch. No redness, irritation or missing skin. Gonna keep a rag with wd on it handy tomorrow when I get back at the tubas.

[AntonZ]

My first experience with PL and I had that shat everywhere by the end of the day. My hands looked like hell and as soon as they hit the soapy water the PL set up.

Moisture makes PU glue set. PL normally takes moisture from the air and materials that it's being used on. Dipping your PL covered hands in water speeds up the process. Best is still to prevent it from getting on your skin, especially if you use it often.

[jnick1947]

... my two cents.
Yes, I go through a LOT of gloves; it gets all over everything, and it will not come off when dry.
Some of the "waterless" hand cleaners sold for mechanics contain mineral spirits and may work,
or use plain mineral spirits.
Mineral spirits are not compatible with latex - or Vinyl - gloves; it dissolves them!
Nytrile gloves will probably hold up better.
There are creams on the market that can be applied before and, allegedly, will prevent nasty things from sticking to one's hands.
The brand names of these escape me at the moment.