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Hi Zach, A hardener causes paint to cure by a chemical reaction between the ingredients rather a long term oxidation of the film in the air. Advantages:
1. Provides a generally harder, more durable and chemical resistant paint film
2. Eliminates any recoat sensitivity problem
3. Enables performing repairs of painting mistakes after a relatively short period 4. Enables "color sanding" and compounding (buffing), if desired, for a near perfect finish Disadvantages:
1. Higher cost
2. Contains very toxic chemical ingredients (isocyanates) that are particularly hazardous to breathe, get in your eyes or on your skin. Responsible authorities always recommend a fresh-air breathing system ($400+) when using such materials. Others may add or subtract from my above list. You will have to decide for yourself what kind of cost-benefit risk is acceptable to you. Personally, I would not use a hardener without a fresh-air breathing system. I do not believe the advantages are worth the health risks involved in doing so. I do, however, believe the advantages of the hardeners are well worth the extra cost to adequately protect my own health. That's why I obtained a fresh-air breathing system 25+ years ago and always use hardeners when I paint. There has been a lot of discussion of this health-safety aspect of hardeners in this forum over the past couple of years. Do a search on "isos" or "isocyanates" (without the quotes) if you wish to explore tha matter further.  Rod
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