What, if any, face masks do you use while airbrushing?

[SimonT]

Evening all,

Wondered what you all think about the best mask to use to help prevent fumes inhalation. I use tamiya acrylics mainly with their own brand of thinners.

I've been using some masks from B&Q, but I don't think they stop much (more for dust etc).

Anyone have any recommendations?

I have a homemade spray booth without an extractor facility at mo, will add that this weekend.

Thanks for any advice in advance.

Simon

[kev67]

I use Maximask by Scan which has twin filters, not cheap but its better to have good quality face mask

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Maximask-Filters-Organic-Pre-Filters-protection/dp/B0040GS7CI/ref=sr_1_6?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1360699769&sr=1-6

Edited February 12, 2013 by kev67

[Av8fan]

Hi,

Here is a pretty good post by Smithery http://s362974870.onlinehome.us/forums/air/index.php?showtopic=227382&view=findpost&p=2170408

[Jazzy Jase]

I use a Scott Profile 2 with the A1B1E1K1 filters.

http://www.protecdirect.co.uk/Half-Masks-and-Full-Masks/Profile-2-Twin-Filter-Half-Mask.htm

You only get one pair of lungs - best to look after them!

Edited February 12, 2013 by Jazzy Jase

[Alan Kelley]

I have a pretty strong extractor in my work area- but I have to admit to not using a mask whilst using acrylics. When I use anything else- eg Mr Color and Alclad I use a half face respirator.

[gcn]

A 3m double filter bought from Homebase. Unless your using crayons to paint your model a dust mask is not really going to cut it.

[nick32]

I use a Maximask, the same one as Kev.

Kev, how often do you change the filters on yours?

[Rob P]

Similar to above, I've used one of these for years.

When you see the filters, it's amazing what they trap. To think it would be headed for your lungs.

[SimonT]

Thanks for the replies all. Will have a look at all your suggestions.

Thanks again.

Simon

[Anthony Kesterton]

Good question - and useful answers. any advice on what filters to use with Halfords Plastic primer, Humbrol Enamels and Vallejo Acrylics? I understand different paint types need different filters.

thanks

anthony

[Av8fan]

Anthony,

It is a good question, and I am thinking that it may be one best answered by an expert like someone at 3M if you want to be absolutely sure. Me, I followed Smithery's advice. You will need the MSDS sheets for the various paints which should be available on their sites.

3M also has selction software...and a link to non us countries.

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/PPESafetySolutions/PPESafety/Resources/Tools/RespGuide/

[kev67]

I use a Maximask, the same one as Kev.

Kev, how often do you change the filters on yours?

I think it has a date on the filter when you are supposed to change it, maybe every 2 years but really depends how often you are spraying, they are good masks though, and I would advise anyone to wear one even when spraying in a booth with acrylics

[Radleigh]

I don't spray that often, but when I do I just use a small dust mask in a well ventilated area... although I do have a 3M mask for when I'm going to be on the airbrush all day.

Here - http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/230843800982?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&adtype=pla&crdt=0

[snapper_city]

I was just using various dust masks but have picked up a 3M 6000 series plus filters from work after reading this. Always thought I wasn't as protected as needed to be.

[Scratchbuilder]

I do it outside!

Can't wear a mask...it steams up my glasses.

Martin

[PhoenixII]

................Can't wear a mask...it steams up my glasses.

Martin

Martin,

in that case, your mask doesn't fit correctly.

Yourself, like me have to wear glasses, do you buy yours from an opticians?

Assuming you answered 'Yes' why take the risk with your lungs?

As with your eyes, you only get a pair!

Paul

[Scratchbuilder]

Paul, because, as I said, I do it outside, always. As most of the paint I use is cellulose and also self-etch primer I have to do it outside. I stand between the open doors of the garage and spray outwards. The constant breeze in the Fens takes it away.

I would never do it indoors. And I've never found a mask that does fit, including the nuclear/bio/chem mask my son brought home from the RAF, through which I couldn't even breathe, except where it leaked round my moustache!

I do however wear goggles when I use the grinder or angle grinder or router.

Cheers,

Martin

[Anthony Kesterton]

Anthony,

It is a good question, and I am thinking that it may be one best answered by an expert like someone at 3M if you want to be absolutely sure. Me, I followed Smithery's advice. You will need the MSDS sheets for the various paints which should be available on their sites.

3M also has selction software...and a link to non us countries.

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/PPESafetySolutions/PPESafety/Resources/Tools/RespGuide/

Missed this reply - sorry. Will take a look at the 3M site.

[gunpowder17]

Well im going to be honest , i have never used one. I always paint near open windows or outside , BUT since reading this i have decided to start wearing one. Theres nothing that can be done about the past , so i must not dwell on that but as i said i have ordered a twin cartridge mask to use from now on. Thanks for posting this question.

[Latinbear]

I appreciate this post is nine months old but being just about to acquire my first airbrush then I am keen to understand which is the best and most effective type of mask that should be used to protect the lungs. Having looked at a number of websites courtesy of the above contributors (for which thank you) I ended up speaking to the helpline at 3M.

In looking at different masks it is clear to me that there is also a wide variety of filters intended to protect against different hazards. The advice I was given that unless I could confirm which particular chemicals were in the paints being used (irrespective of whether they were enamel or acrylic) then it was impossible to advise me as to which filter I should use.

Apparently manufacturer's are required to produce a "Materials Safety Sheet" which details the chemicals. Once I have that information then the correct filter can be identified. I have emailed Humbrol to ask for that information and will advise how I get on.

[BrianI]

This is the mask I use while airbrushing, JSP A1/P2 twin filter mask:

http://www.jsp.co.uk/products/respiratory-protection/Tradesman-2-Half-Mask/BKG280-005-000_Tradesman-2-Half-Mask-Disposable-with-A1P2

I can't smell any thinners while spraying wearing it, and the outermost filters have captured overspray nicely. Whether this is the correct type of filter to use I'm unsure, but I figure if I can't smell any thinners etc while wearing it, then it has to be better than nothing?

Edited December 23, 2013 by BrianI

[Latinbear]

Many thanks for the reply Brian and the example of the mask you use. Humbrol kindly sent me the necessary information on their enamels and acrylics and armed with that I spoke to a chap on 3M's helpline who recommended two types of filter to be used as a combined package with the model 6000 half mask. Perhaps as expected one filter is used guard against vapours (filter number 6051) and the other to guard against particulates (filter number 5925). To ensure the filters fit together on the mask a retaining plate (part number 501) is required. How long the filters last is of course a piece of string question with the answers being that the 5925 filter needs replacing when it becomes difficult to breath owing to clogging and the 6051 filter when you can start to smell the vapour which is in line with your comments above about being able to smell the thinners.

I've ordered mine from Buck & Hickman which I have to say is one of the worst websites I have ever used but they are very helpful on the phone and it was easy to order the things I needed.

[goggsy]

P3 double filter respirator plus spray booth and mostly using acrylic. I'm a runner so I'm not taking any chances.

[Latinbear]

Finally got around to using the mask and very pleased with it. There was a nice red line around my face where I had done it up tightly although it wasn't uncomfortable. The best indication of its effectiveness was that the room stank of solvent but I couldn't smell anything when wearing the mask. I was also using an extraction booth too with the exhaust (if that's the correct term?) hanging out of the window. The manufacturer's weren't kidding when they said use only in a well ventilated space.

[cleopas]

latinbear, thanks for providing those details. how have you been getting on with the 3M 6000 mask? i've got one on order but i'm looking at the 2128 filter, which seems to perform the same job as your 2 filters but more economical if you aren't getting through a lot of filters, as you don't need the 501 retainer too.