Let's Talk Supplies: Gloves (and acetone!)

[thebeth]

I'm in the process of organizing all of my pony stuff, and with that includes my customizing drawers. Some stuff I have may be unnecessary, but I really think it all helps to have on hand.

However, there are a few things I don't have that I really should. Gloves are at the top of the list. Some of you may already have gloves so I could be preaching to the choir... but if you don't have any, or you're not using the right kind, you might want to look into getting some.

As customizers, we use a lot of chemicals to break down glues and paints, and that stuff really takes it's toll on our skin. It's effects are not usually visible on someone who is not in contact with it very frequently, but regularly using it to remove symbols and glue can cause your skin to dry out. I know, my fingers have started to peel and this is why! Now if you use acetone in even greater amounts (for example, deflocking a SS) this is even more important!
In case it wasn't obvious, please only expose yourself to chemicals in a well ventilated area. Outside is best! But I still want to discuss gloves.

There are many, many different types of gloves available, for different purposes. You are looking for chemical-resistant gloves, and even then there are different types! To name a few there are natural rubber, polyvinyl chloride, neoprene, nitrile, butyl, polyvinyl alcohol et cetera.

Only some of these are effective against acetone, and they all have pros and cons.
What's the best type of glove you can use? Well I'll tell you about them and let you decide for yourself.

Neoprene Gloves- (pros) Works well against acetone, medium cost, medium chemical resistance, medium physical properties, (cons) there aren't really any disadvantages...

Natural Rubber- (pros) Works very well against acetone, low cost, good physical properties, dexterity (cons) Poor vs. oils, greases, organics. Frequently imported; may be poor quality

Natural Rubber Blends- (pros) Works very well against acetone, low cost, dexterity, better chemical resistance than natural rubber vs. some chemicals (cons) Physical properties frequently inferior to natural rubber

Butyl- (pros) Works very well against acetone, this is a specialty glove that is polar organic (cons) Expensive, poor vs. hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents

Do Not Use: Nitrile Latex Gloves or Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Gloves, they are weak against acetone!

Chemistry Lesson!
Acetone is an organic compound that is the simplest form of the ketones, which are types of compounds that features one carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two other carbon atoms. Acetone is most typically used as a solvent for cleaning, as we all know very well because we use it on our ponies! This stuff is super flammable so don't light candles while you work with it! It is believed to be only slightly toxic in normal use and there is no strong evidence of chronic health effects if basic precautions are followed... So once again, work with it in a ventilated area! Acetone is only slightly irritating to the skin in most cases, but I just want you guys to be aware and protect your pretty hands! It can cause skin to dry out and that it why gloves are important.

The best gloves you can choose from are neoprene, rubber, latex, butyl or anything that works well against ketones (except polyvinyl alcohol gloves, they work against most ketones with the exception of acetone, so don't use them either) Keep in mind that acetone is a chemical and will break down certain materials. After some time, you should always replace your gloves. The cheaper the glove, the more likely you will need it replaced often.

I hope that wasn't too annoying to read! Kudos if you did! You get an A+ in Pony Chemistry 101!

Sources:
I got all my glove info here: Glove Selection Guideline
And acetone info here: Acetone - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[thebeth]

Oh and a few more thing to consider when using acetone.

Always, always, always wash your hands when you are finished working with the acetone. Especially if you are not wearing gloves! It is a good idea, also, to wash with a moisturizing soap. When you are done washing your hands, throw on a little lotion! Especially if your soap does not have moisturizers! This will help your skin stay lovely!

 

[tsukikakushi]

Unfortunately because of work, my hands tend to be dry anyways. Lots of bleach and hand washing in a vet clinic! I always make sure to wash really well, and moisturize after I work with any chemicals, and that seems to do the trick. Though it's always a good idea to throw on a pair if you think of it.

 

[LLBPonyGirl]

hu idk alot of that stuff-yay for science!!

i don't actually use gloves, mainly because of my long nails, but also because we really dion't have any in my house too. the acetone does dry out my fingers a bit, but i use my hands so much they're usually none worse for wear, and i usually only use te acetone for symbol removeable so i'm not using alot at a time.

still this is all realy good information that isn't often considered. good job bringing it up ^^
:reaper: Kat :reaper:

 

[thebeth]

that sucks, tsuki. I would try using cocoa butter too, if I were you. I'm not an expert though, so it may not be enough. I don't use gloves as often as I should so I guess my skin peeling today was a wakeup call. So I did some research and wanted to share it with you guys.

[edit] Thanks, LLB! We posted at the same time, sorta. I forgot about your long nails, washing and lotion-ing should help, since you can't wear the gloves.

 

[01mlplover]

i never use to use gloves when i cleaned my ponies with acetone but about a year ago i cleaned around 20 some ponies in one setting and with all the rubbing i had to do(they were pretty dirty) i got these huge blisters on my thumb and first finger. they were about the size of a quarter and very very uncomfortable. i actually went to the doctor about them since i had never had anything that severe before.

i never use to protect myself from the fumes of it either but i started having problems breathing and had to get an inhaler so i make sure to open doors, turn on the fan and use a dust mask now.

 

[thebeth]

i never use to use gloves when i cleaned my ponies with acetone but about a year ago i cleaned around 20 some ponies in one setting and with all the rubbing i had to do(they were pretty dirty) i got these huge blisters on my thumb and first finger. they were about the size of a quarter and very very uncomfortable. i actually went to the doctor about them since i had never had anything that severe before.

i never use to protect myself from the fumes of it either but i started having problems breathing and had to get an inhaler so i make sure to open doors, turn on the fan and use a dust mask now.

eek! That sounds terrible! I was the same way you used to be. I would just douse a rag with my goo gone and rub the pony clean with my bare skin. I would also do it it the middle of my bedroom, with only a fan on. The fumes of acetone are actually more harmful than the liquid coming into contact with your skin, it's even more important to have ventilation than it is to wear gloves. I'm lucky now, though. I have a screened-in porch where I can work inside without being indoors per se.

 

[Pacific Blue]

Oooh, excellent post! I once grabbed a pair of latex gloves I had sitting around when I was deflocking, and the acetone ate right through them! I then not only got acetone all over my skin, but weird pieces of latex glove I had to pick off! Not so fun.

Neoprene gloves - check! I'll keep that in mind for the next time!