Respiratory Mask of Choice? Reader Discretion!

[powermax_paul 1]

I was painting tractor parts again tonite. After I got done I had to use Q-Tips and vaseline to clean the yellow out of my nose. Sorry for being gross, but those cheap disposable masks just don't cut it! Paul

[JDSnyder 0]

When spraying paint of any kind, it is really necessary to use at least a cartridge mask. They have disposable prefilters that filter out the particles, and also have the charcoal filters to protect you from the dangerous gases. A simple particle mask cannot do that. For spraying paints other than basic lacquers and enamels,(like acrylics and paints with isocyanate hardeners) an air supply mask should be used. I asked myself several years ago, how much was my health and my boys' health worth. I decided it was worth the $400 cost of an air supply mask and certainly worth the $25 of a cartridge mask. I know two men in my town who are really suffering now with respiratory problems for not protecting themselves from paint fumes.

[Al 6]

Paul, Get a regular mask for painting. It has filter pads and charcoal cannisters. 20 to 30 bucks. Lot better deal than the undertaker gives on pre season promos. Good luck, Al E.

[Al 6]

I agree. Just make sure the one you buy has a lifetime guarantee (Craftsman?), and replaceable strap. The face rubber on some disintergrate prematurely, and there is nothing more annoying than a perfectly good mask with a broken strap.

[powermax_paul 1]

Thanks Guys, Sometimes us guys like me in the trades (carpentry, remodeling etc.) get a little careless and put production over safety when there's no written rule. I have common sense, but just like any tool, common sense only works if you plug it in! Paul

[dlcentral 1]

3M makes a good replaceable dual charcoal filter mask for the parttime painter.Avail in Northern for under $20 if I remember correctly.Using this mask you will NOT even be able to smell the fumes.

[TimH 0]

It should be noted that for professional use (environmental cleanup etc) respirators are fit (they are not one size fits all). At a minimum, when you place your hands over both of the cartriges and breath in, you should get no leakage around the mask. If it leaks, it is not working right - try another brand. If you are really concerned with personal safety, make sure your mask fits right.

[MPH 12]

Paul, sound like you need to go split wood at 40 below now. Its amazing how that makes your nose run and makes you feel well cleaned out..MPH

[jlasater 338]

I was reading on a website forum about painting that any of the replacable filter masks should have their filters replaced every 8 hours at the most. All the pro painters recommended using supplied air setups if spraying anything with isocyanates (urethanes) because that stuff is just too nasty to risk your health with. Maybe you could go in on an air supply mask with some friends if they do any painting, would lower the cost for you.[A href='http://www.wheatfarm.com']http://www.wheatfarm.com[/a]

[Sandy 0]

I think the 3M one mentioned earlier is the same one I got at NAPA and it was the best investment I ever made. Indestructible. It wasn't cheap, not very expensive either considering. (maybe $20-$25) It's got replaceable elements and it's got a nice professional "feel" to it. I painted a tree chipper truck dump body underneath, inside, outside, cab, everything, took me over 6 hrs. with three coats and it felt comfortable with no fumes at all, very nice!! Sandy