(Part 3) Best safety masks & respirators according to redditors

Wearing protective gear IS really important. However, please be aware that the mask you are using is only rated for nuisance dust, not any sort of chemical, or any of the really small dust particles, which are the most dangerous. A real respirator rated for organic vapors is not expensive and much more effective. If you can smell the chemical, you're still inhaling it.

For soldering and painting a mask like you have in the picture gives a false sense of security.

Edit: On my PC so adding - you can get a 3m half-mask respirator for $15 on amazon with pink P100 dust filters. Disposable masks are typically only P95, meaning they only capture 95% of dust, and it's the small dangerous bits that get through.


Multi vapor filters are $8.75. Store them in a plastic bag and they'll last a long time. You can't smell anything when using these, if you do the filter is worn out.

If you are making toxic dust and fumes (sanding paint, welding galvanized metal etc) or don't want to swap them out, use multi-vapor cartridges with P100 dust caps.

AHERA-trained asbestos abatement contractor/supervisor here. First off, if you are wearing white paper dust masks when you say you "wearing masks", they are completely ineffective at filtering asbestos fibers. Asbestos fibers are so small that they will pass through a dust mask. What you need are respirators; personally I wear a North 7700 half face respirator or a 3M full face respirator. Here is a link to Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007IA9SIA/

In addition, you need to have a PM (particulate matter) filter (usually purple or pink) for the respirator (or a combo filter that includes the PM filter). Link:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000UH6PSE/

I would also recommend wearing a tyvek suit when doing work so you don't contaminate your clothing. Asbestos fibers are hydrophobic and love sticking onto hair and clothing, so be sure to shower after performing work.

Water is good, plastic covering is fine. It would have been nice to install critical barriers (plastic sheeting or tape) over windows, doors and any vents to ensure no fibers entered those spaces, but whatever, what's done is done.

After all your work is done, here is the most important thing: DO NOT USE A VACUUM CLEANER TO CLEAN UP. A vacuum cleaner or shop vac will re-entrain fibers into the air. It would be best to wet wipe down any hard surfaces you believe may have come in contact with asbestos fibers and remove and dispose of soft surfaces, like carpeting.

Lastly regarding waste, most hazardous waste drop off locations will not accept asbestos waste. But in my experience, if you show up with less than 50 lbs of it, they will accept it as universal household waste. Double-bag the waste, keep it wet, and goose-neck the bag. Here's a pic of what I mean:

http://www.biosch.hku.hk/clinicalwaste/gooseneck.jpg

It's probably a good idea to have a testing company do air testing for piece of mind.

Yeah, their masks can't seal at all. The only shitty thing about beards is not being able to use normal PPE and needing forced air systems like PAPR's at 10x the cost + added bulk / inconvenience. I wonder if the Army makes kit accommodations for this?

​

EDIT: N/M, looks like you can get forced air modules for normal respirators/gas masks, seems like it shouldn't be an issue then?

Those are not particulate filters, they're cheap Chinese facemasks that don't do shit

A proper N100 filter is big, and requires a decent seal with the face, those masks won't filter shit

You need something like this: https://www.amazon.com/3M-Removal-Respirator-Medium-6297PA1/dp/B00063Y25U/

Absolutely not! You need something like this. Even then, there are ppm limits to all respirators.
3M Half Facepiece Disposable Respirator Assembly 5301/21577, Organic Vapor Respiratory Protection, Large (Pack of 1) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007JZ1O2C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_9NsTBbPNAVZA2

for all housework (sanding, painting, wallpaper removal, plaster mixing, etc...), I roll with a 3M 6000 mask and P3 filters ... runs around 20 GBP for the set up and the filters are good for a month.

I like the 3M mask because I can swap on chemical filters and keep the dust filtering effect.

half-mask (£12): https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005HK05L2/

A2 organic filters: £10
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000U749VE

pack of 5 sets of P3F dust filters (£10/set):
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008OHMNQK

cheap protection and good for the lungs

Awesome! Its super satisfying.

parts are surprisingly cheap! I really like eastwood and amazon for finding stuff for painting.

Mask: https://www.amazon.com/3M-07192-Paint-Spray-Medium/dp/B0002STR22/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1493075401&sr=8-11&keywords=3m+respirator

Pretty awesome $70 paint gun that will work with a cheap compressor (only uses like 4cfm!): http://www.eastwood.com/concours-lt-hvlp-paint-gun-1-3mm.html

Eastwood also has some nice single stage urethane paints (clear coat built in) that I like a lot and are cheap, or your local auto parts store should have a budget brand.

Definitely a fun project to do yourself, and surprisingly easy!

I would recommend that if you have a little space to work in, you can hang up some plastic and put a fan on to make a little spray booth, even outside! But also you will find like you did that you can get a good finish just sanding between coats even if there is a little dust.

Cut and buff with some polishing compounds and you will have a paint job that will look and feel pro, with high corrosion, solvent and wear resistance!

Hadowkai hit the nail on the head. I work for a carpet cleaning company that specializes in water restoration as well and you have to do a complete tear out of the affected area. This means down to the studs and floorboards as the moisture has likely spread there as well. First off, you need to close that area off (painters tape and plastic sheet containment/keeping the door closed) so any spores do not go airborne as that can affect your respiratory system especially if there is black mold which is very possibly lurking down in there. You have to remove drywall from the studs and everything in between. In bad cases like this, you will probably need to soda blast once you have everything down to the supporting structure and everything cleaned out. This really is a job for the professionals. If you mess with it at all, you will have to wear a respirator mask like this one: http://www.amazon.com/3M-Remediation-Respirator-68097-Respiratory/dp/B009KULKXW as you wouldn't want to have anything going into your eyes either. We have done a really bad water damage job somewhat recently where we take what is basically a very high powered pressure washer and used baking soda to blast every square inch of the affected structure. Of course after this is done it's quite a mess. This is when you set up a HEPA air filter or what can sometimes be referred to as an "air scrubber" like this one that we use: http://lghttp.20535.nexcesscdn.net/809BC4/magento/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/4d240d7eed54a65cf440c47e8a086bb9/p/h/ph-ghs2-ea_f.jpg
During the process, you'll also have to have a low grain dehumidifier to dry everything out. I'm not talking the one you get at Walmart or wherever, but a large machine that removes 90-125 pints of moisture per day. These are used to remove moisture from the wooden structure, paneling, drywall, etc as opposed to the smaller, less powerful ones in the stores which primarily treat just the air. Hope this info helps and I'm sorry to see it's in that bad of shape.

Anytime you are grinding something, you definitely need a respirator. If you have a coal forge you might want to wear one when forging just to avoid the coal dust and ash. Here’s a good one on amazon that’s decently cheap for the quality
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007JZ1NIM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gD1YBb2QPA7WW
Just make sure you replace the cartridges every month or two.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009POIVWG

At first I felt weird spending ~$140 + filters... but this thing is amazing...
It's a combination face shield and respirator. It's very comfortable and you can wear it all day long. Great visibility. Different sizes, works for just about any human. Even many beards.

It works for just about anything, depending on which filters you buy:

• Sawdust and "particulates"
  
• vapors, "organics", anything you would encounter while finishing
  
• even nuclear, biological and chemical warfare!
  
• Kitty litter and diapers too! You can't smell a darn thing.
  
  The filters are available anywhere on the planet and are relatively cheap. For a particulate only filter, it's like $8 and they last for a long time.
  

> PAPR system

Was it thicker like neoprene? I've seen some w/ charcoal filters that are supposed to act like air filters in polluted areas. There's also a kind that supposedly restricts flow as if you were at higher elevation, but I believe that technique been debunked and is just a fad.

BABUSHKA! Gen 2 if you're intrested (I like this more)

Absolutely not. DO NOT PAINT UNTIL YOU HAVE THE APPROPRIATE PROTECTIVE GEAR. Lacquers are especially dangerous. Acrylics are safer but still not safe. Painting without proper protection will result in you inhaling vapors and particles that will mess up your lungs terribly and cause you a lot of problems later in life, sooner and more severe if you keep doing it. More immediately, you'll get headaches and such that will make your life unpleasant.

You need a proper respirator that's rated for organic vapor. This is pretty close to what I have. You attach cartridges to those sockets on either side and filters over the top.

You'll also need to make sure wherever you're painting is adequately ventilated, which generally means getting a paint booth with a good fan.

And no, thinners aren't universal. Different chemicals are used to thin acrylics, lacquers, enamels and oils. Sometimes you can use one for another, like using enamel thinner with oil, but in other cases you'll mess up the whole thing if you try.

Get proper protective gear. Get a proper ventilation system. Get the proper thinners for your paint. Then have fun with your new airbrush!

I'd recommend a fresh air respirator hood if you have a large beard. If it's just some scruff their full face respirators work just fine when adjusted and fit tested.

Fresh Air Respirator Hood System:

3M Versaflo Heavy Industry PAPR Kit TR-300-HIK" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007PB4C38/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_wlMTCbTFT2AXJ

3M Full Face Respirator:

3M Ultimate FX Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator FF-402/89421, Respiratory Protection, Medium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009POIVWG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_KnMTCbM80ZYXX

by all means , if you dont wanna buy habor freight you dont need to its good enough to start out

these are things i am personally buying for my self

​

small things could be , 2 to 4 of these

https://www.harborfreight.com/35-lbs-rated-4-34-in-heavy-duty-welding-magnet-63798.html

some clamps

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-f-style-welding-clamp-63512.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/18-in-c-clamp-locking-pliers-64564.html 2 of these would be nice

some C - clams would be nice tho these are not the best ones , bigger ones are better imo

https://www.harborfreight.com/8-inch-industrial-c-clamps-39610.html

​

if he dont have an angle grinder , this one has great reviews

https://www.harborfreight.com/corded-4-12-in-7-amp-professional-angle-grinder-56435.html

some hearing protection

https://www.harborfreight.com/hearing-protector-64675.html

a face shield for grinding

https://www.harborfreight.com/adjustable-face-shield-46526.html

soap stones for marking the metal

https://www.harborfreight.com/flat-soap-stones-5-pc-60633.html

​

i have been told by a few people a respirator would be nice

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Respirator-6300-Respiratory-Protection/dp/B007JZ1MK6?tag=weldingchamps-20

https://www.amazon.com/3M-50051131070009-Particulate-Filter-2091/dp/B07571LKP4/ref=pd_sbs_469_t_0/134-3850798-5169829?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07571LKP4&pd_rd_r=7bda400a-3de9-4235-8a30-af24291d4f08&pd_rd_w=dkAXF&pd_rd_wg=EX0oJ&pf_rd_p=5cfcfe89-300f-47d2-b1ad-a4e27203a02a&pf_rd_r=HWQAFKBFBWKEAJHMKG7V&psc=1&refRID=HWQAFKBFBWKEAJHMKG7V

hope these idea's help

Ugh I had a good post typed out for you but then my app bugged out.
Read these:
http://www.tognar.com/blog/base-repairs/
http://www.tognar.com/d-i-y-database/

Buy this:
3M Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6200/07025(AAD), Respiratory Protection, Medium(Pack of 1) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007JZ1N00/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kFlSAb34NRHHW
Tognar sells it for $49.95 or so, Home Depot will have similar pricing to Tognar if I remember correctly. You’ll need the filters too.

Enjoy the rabbit hole.

Not quite true.

That mask can be fitted with multiple different filters. Commonly they have chemical filters fitted with a P2 filter over the top for use in spray painting and use with chemical vapours.

Like this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XBFJP2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_3KjODbYVPPEA6

I think this is the one I got: https://www.amazon.com/3M-7512PA1-Professional-Respirator-Medium/dp/B000XBFJP2/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=3m+painter+mask&qid=1570651770&sr=8-6


The dust separator I made was very simple similar to this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp-7b7YIYPY

I just built a "stool" that sat ontop of the shopvac and ratchet strapped the buckets ontop to the shopvac handles so it would take up less foot print. I did have to reinforce the lid with some plywood because the vacuum wanted to collapse it. I just used plumbing parts for connectors and got a small hose from a woodworking place.

Get yourself a respirator

3M Mold Remediation Respirator Kit 68097, Respiratory Protection, Medium (1 Kit) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009KULKXW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_GUeSzbYAGSFK2

A bit over the $100 but it's rated P100 which should do fine for what you need.

Oh okay, Something probably like this then? https://www.amazon.com/3M-7512PA1-Professional-Respirator-Medium/dp/B000XBFJP2

Start with a big hammer, a pry bar, and a pack of contractor bags to dispose of the debris. You'll wanna wear a mold rated respirator, Tyvek coveralls, gloves, and safety glasses for demolition. You'll also wanna make sure everything is well-ventilated and isolate the area as much as possible during demolition with plastic sheeting. For cleanup, you'll want a HEPA filter for the Shop Vac, a gallon of quat sanitizer concentrate, a bucket, and a good mop. Once you've got everything stripped out, you'll want to spray everything down with Concrobium (a garden sprayer is handy for this) and let it dry out. Box fans or blowers will help with this. After that, you can move on to the next part: inspecting for structural damage and finding and repairing the leak.

Being nervous is normal when you're getting into new territory. We've all been there. But you've got this. Focus on one part of the job at a time. Part 1 is demo and cleanup.

this is the particular mask I use with these cartridges.

These cartridges are compatible, actually available (and cheaper), and protect against the exact same set of things. I haven't been able to figure out the difference between the 60923 and 60928 cartridges (maybe lifespan?)

Can someone explain to my why on amazon.ca the 6001 filter costs $19-$20, the 6003 filter costs $17 and the 6006 filter costs $15? I want it for painting lacquer (just to be safe for one project). All my research and reading 3m documents say 6003 and 6006 cover everything 6001 covers and more. I don't get it. Should I just stick to 6001 because it's safer and more specialized?

6001 Filter

6001 filter with life indicator

6006 filter

6003 filter

Like this chart says that 6003 and 6006 cover what 6001 does and more, why would it be cheaper?

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/40744O/3m-respirator-cartridge-and-filter-selection-poster.pdf

>Is there any magic perfect mask out there?

No

>I'm just starting out in woodworking so I'm hesitant to spend the big bucks on a good mask...

This is what I use and would recommend. It's excellent for dust, and you can pop on the organic vapor cartridges for when you are using chemicals.

>I wear glasses, so I have to not only avoid fogging, but also one that sits comfortably with the glasses and doesn't push them up.

Me too. But a lot of times I wear goggles over my glasses as they are not safety rated. The 3M respirator doesn't interfere or fog up

> get uncomfortable easy. Lots of masks either push the glasses up, or push hard on my nose. I'm worried about full face masks as well for comfort and visibility.

This is an area where you're just going to have to put your big boy pants on. A rubber mask with filters hanging off of it strapped tightly to your face in 2 directions isn't comfortable. These aren't supposed to be comfy. Some are better than others. The one I linked doesn't bother me any more than it should, and sometimes I wear it for hours. You know what's more uncomfortable? COPD

>I have asthma and allergies, making some masks hard to breath inside as it restricts too much air flow.

A proper respirator like the 3M will still let you breathe as easily as possible as long as the filters are clean. Avoid the half useless RZ style masks that seem to be really popular.

>have a beard which I feel must mess up some of the sealing of the masks (although its a short beard, not sure how much of a problem this is)

Big problem. I do as well. Even with the mask as tight as I can get it, I'm still blowing walnut snots after a ton of sanding. The only thing that's going to work with a beard is a diving helmet or something like a Trend Airshield. Which is about as compact and comfortable as a diving helmet.

What you need to do is be super anal about dust collection. That means buying tools that are capable of excellent dust collection (Festool for example)

Her goggles are the Revision Asian Locust Fan Goggles.

If you are asking about the half mask thing, it's this Neoprene Black Thermal Fleece Half Face Mask Facemask . We originally got that for snowboarding, but wanted to see how it would look on her outfit. Now she usually wears Matrix Iron Face Carbon Steel "Striker" Metal Mesh instead.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007JZ1O2C/ref=mh_s9_acsd_zgift_b2Smjpr_c_x_1_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=mobile-hybrid-8&pf_rd_r=QPHF69QF4WVG17FKJ3QR&pf_rd_t=30901&pf_rd_p=9c2756fb-86d6-5904-9bf7-a309e20c57f2&pf_rd_i=2257619011

Well, let's start from the top and work our way down

"Tactical" shemagh

Dune sclera lenses

3M 6200 half mask

Torch goggles

3 yards of fabric for the cloak

Tunic that I got from a ren faire years ago

550 cord

Avatar knife plus a coat of white paint

Thai fisherman pants

And the base layer, an open face Zentai suit

Plus my old desert combat boots. I also had a nose tube that I made with a bread bag clip, electrical tape, and 550 cord, which is obviously not shown here and could definitely be made much better with a proper septum clip.

Edit: And a handful of random washers as water rings.

3M Ultimate FX Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator, with HEPA filters. Spring, summer, fall and during the winter when it's above freezing.

It's very comfortable, you can even sleep in it.

/u/sjwking

Neat, though a proper compatible respirator is very cheap

3M Powerflow Face-Mounted Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR), Respiratory Protection 6900PF, NiCd Rechargeable Battery,

Airbrush Booth - You really shouldn't breath in the fumes. If you are painting indoors, you should use something like this to capture and filter the overspray/fumes. This is in addition to wearing a mask. You will see people in youtube tutorials not wearing masks and not using a booth - it's really bad practice if you care about your brain cells. I like the one below, but the fan is louder than the compressor.

80$ on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush®-Portable-Airbrush-Painting/dp/B00BMUH8L6?ie=UTF8&ref_=pe_385040_128020140_TE_3p_dp_1

$20- Paint mask/respirator - See notes above. I use one designed for spray painting.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-07192-Paint-Spray-Medium/dp/B0002STR22/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469825823&sr=8-1&keywords=Spray+paint+mask

Airbrush - I recommend starting cheap until you get a hang of it. It's easy to damage parts. It's been a while since I've researched, so I apologize for having forgotten the terms. You want an airbrush that is fed from a cup on top (gravity fed?), a trigger to control the air separately from the paint (maybe called dual action?), and needles .2 to .5mm. This airbrush came with a quick connect (to snap on and off of the compressor hose), which is a big convenience. They are cheap if you need to buy separately.
$30 https://www.amazon.com/PointZero-Precision-Airbrush-Valve-Crenelated/dp/B004KNDQMM?ie=UTF8&ref_=pe_385040_128020140_TE_3p_dp_1

$10Airbrush cleaner fluid and brushes - to flush the airbrush and clean it after use.

$10- Airbrush cleaning pot - You spray cleaner and excess paint into this.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005H46T0O/ref=od_aui_detailpages01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

90$ - Compressor with Tank - The separate tank is key, it will maintain constant pressure very well and provide good steady flow. This one is pretty quiet as compressors go, but still noisy enough that you need to work behind a closed door.
https://www.amazon.com/PointZero-Portable-Airbrush-Compressor-Oil-less/dp/B004KNDQCM?ie=UTF8&ref_=pe_385040_128020140_TE_3p_dp_2

$10 - Airbrush hose- https://www.amazon.com/PointZero-Airbrush-Braided-Air-Hose/dp/B004KNAH7E?ie=UTF8&ref_=pe_385040_128020140_TE_3p_dp_5

All in, it cost me $250 before paint.

It's not sexy, but if you want proper protection and comfort, go for a respirator. For smoke protection, you really want a P100 filter.

Here is the setup I use at work



3M Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6100/07024(AAD), Respiratory Protection, Small (Pack of 1) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007JZ1NIM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1TrKybJ33KZGZ


3M 2097 P100 Particulate Filter with Organic Vapor Relief, 1 Pair https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00328IAO0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_KSrKybG6XV6MN

A shady area (I'm thinking under trees, not in a garage) may help, but won't stop the resin from curing. If you have a covered area, that may be a better option.

Alternatively, I would recommend getting a face mask to help with the headaches and the smell that's bothering you. I use a couple different kinds when working with materials (from a mask that has a vent filter, to a full on mask with big filters on it, for example: https://www.amazon.com/3M-Disposable-Respirator-Respiratory-Protection/dp/B007JZ1P8A/ref=sr_1_15?keywords=face+mask+for+chemicals&qid=1569175931&sr=8-15 I use a face mask like this with the big pink filters when spraying clear coat and automotive paints and it works great https://www.amazon.com/3M-Cartridge-60926-Respiratory-Protection/dp/B009POHLRC/ref=pd_cp_328_3/146-5296099-0774129?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B009POHLRC&pd_rd_r=e038d1c4-898e-46d1-8128-f7cb70c56aa8&pd_rd_w=8t2o5&pd_rd_wg=E6hUd&pf_rd_p=ef4dc990-a9ca-4945-ae0b-f8d549198ed6&pf_rd_r=P70GJ26Y4VJQ8F56WTTB&psc=1&refRID=P70GJ26Y4VJQ8F56WTTB ).

If your company doesn't care too much about obscure rules and is willing to look the other way on you not being certified and cleared for respiratory protection then a 3M half mask is your best bet. P100 dust/ash filtration plus organic vapor using activated carbon to scrub chemicals out of the air or just for odor relief. Use it all the time for changing a relative's cats' litter boxes and I do not smell a thing with either filter.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007JZ1N00/ plus https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007STCT00 (less expensive, wears out and odor breaks through faster than the big filter, but very lightweight) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AEFCKKY (more expensive, lasts a very very long time, heavier)


If your site is super anal about OSHA rules when it comes to masks then you'll have to stick to disposable masks and not reusable rubber masks with filter cartridges. 3M makes ash/dust protection ones with a thin activated carbon layer for odor relief.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0052EA7NY

this respirator and these filters are what i buy for my fiance. i use this one but its excessive for the first time casting :)

basically you want to look for A2 clasification or better on your filters, these will work for woodworking as well but you may want to get seperate filters for woodworking and just swap them out when needed as the A2 filters are more expensive. a mask with replacable filters will be more costly at first but much more comfortable and cheaper to replace filters than the whole thing.

everyone likes the 3m stuff because its generally very good (i only dont use one since i like my powered unit with no belt power pack) and it is everywhere so replacements are easy to get. i find they tend to last less time than my cleanspace filters but they do have less filter area so that natural ( glassing every day 2-3 hours ill go through a 3m set in around 20 days to a month, cleanspace one has lasted about 7 months of resin work with no detrimental effects so far)

hope that helps!

Real life.

Actually works

Thanks for the response. My company will reimburse me for respirator stuff but I didn't know that when I initially bought it so I'll have to see if they can do it without the receipt which is long gone. Did you mean this purple one? I was going to get these ones:

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Advanced-Particulate-Respiratory-Protection/dp/B009POHH94/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487640450&sr=8-1&keywords=3m+2297

Would these be the best option for silica/floor dust?

1. Nitrile Gloves
   
2. Two sealable plastic containers for Isopropyl Alcohol. Pickle container with strainer
   
3. 90% Isopropyl Alcohol
   
4. Some type of 405nm UV light - I use UV strip lights
   
   
5. Little Squeegee wiper things to clean resin off the FEP without damaging it.
   
   
   
6. Optional but highly recommended: Organic vapor Respirator

Is this what your thinking of?
3M 701 Black/Orange Filter Adapter - 051138-29113 [PRICE is per BAG of 2] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RH1RXG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_YY76BbRZSP6KF

It's up to you, I haven't had much of a problem with ebay/amazon for this kind of thing.

Don't buy 3M products from Ebay though (except this adapter, which I got from ebay). The filters on Ebay are fake.

Here's an amazon listing for the adapter and mask.

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Black-Orange-Filter-Adapter/dp/B004RH1RXG

https://www.amazon.com/Respirator-Protection-Industrial-Chemical-Handling/dp/B076DPFJ58/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542224607&sr=8-1&keywords=israeli+surplus+mask&dpID=41fz5AV4T2L&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

http://amzn.com/B005V1RUFQ

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Low-Maintenance-Cartridge-Purifying-Respirator/dp/B00AEFCP0E/ref=sr_1_sc_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1475010078&sr=8-3-spell&keywords=3m+vapor+filters

That would work for our masks I believe but you may want to confirm models. I use these charcoal filters for when I apply my finishes and use the pink pads for when I sand or cause dust.

I don't have a long term solution but, how about facepiece respirator?

I am planning to prime and paint a kit of mine, I've been wary of priming since I had no mask, I've looked around but felt it would be best to ask here if the mask I've decided on would be sufficient: https://www.amazon.com/3M-Facepiece-Disposable-Respirators-Protection/dp/B007JZ1O2C/ref=sr_1_5?crid=6OFJY9AUGY2Q&keywords=respirator+organic+vapors&qid=1554859668&s=hi&sprefix=respirator+organic%2Ctools%2C227&sr=1-5

I only plan to prime and paint the one kit currently, would this be sufficient? I know It would be better to get a reusable mask, but I just don't have the need currently to invest in one if I could grab a mask for a paintjob or two.

I am specifically using a tamiya primer, which I understand to be a lacquer and fairly nasty stuff.

P100 I think is the attachment system. Something like this (also listed as P100) would be useless in that situation. We use that previously linked charcoal vapor cartridge for spraying chromated paints on aircraft.

Try
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005V1RUFQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1J9K2QQHL613R&coliid=I1H86VPU1CLMKH

and
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A6SZA1K/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1J9K2QQHL613R&coliid=I3FQ8JVFX4UEUH

3M 701 Black/Orange Filter Adapter - 051138-29113 [PRICE is per BAG of 2] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RH1RXG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_L2lsDbTGT90DX

Adapter for 3m bayonet style filters

Go for the 3M 7500 Half Face series. It's silicone so it gives a really comfortable fit over long periods of time and make sure you buy the correct filters. Here are some links:

Filters:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000U749VE/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1A7ASPLKOD0I6

Mask:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008MCUT86/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_7?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P01X9KQVX701

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002XJ1QO/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002STR22/ref=psdcmw_2257619011_t2_B00HSCMPL0

I'm not in London, but for really bad days up North, or for example if there is uanvoidable smoke from a building fire, I have 3M 7093B filters with a 3M 6500QL half-face mask. It's cheaper to order from Amazon USA rather than UK, and I got the mask itself from someone on eBay. I didn't want to get filters themselves from eBay due to fakes being commmon.

I selected the 7093B filters because they might not be affected [as much] by rain. Other filters can do different types of particulates & gasses - oil/hydrocarbon/organic vapour cartridges etc but they can get quite expensive.

Note that you can get different sized masks and fitting is recommended - I've seen people need to try 6+ different masks to get one that fits their face correctly & passes all the seal tests. Arco stores apparently do fitting.

The filter cartridges I got are these.

When I breathe in and out, I hear some rubber part moving due to suction right next to my nostrils. I am pretty sure the mask is working well because it was very dusty (removing bathroom drywall) and I didn't feel any irritation in my nose.

When the cartridges first arrived, I thought I needed to take the purple sticker off, but that was a no go. There are no holes underneath the sticker.

It is possible that the cartridges are there only to absorb fumes (in case of volatile substances) and there is an additional filter in 3M 7502 right next to the nose which does the main filtering. But I really want someone to confirm this speculation.

You could build your own activated charcoal window screen, or if you're lazy like me, just go for the "Bane Look".

I wear a respirator when painting or removing polish from my nails for exactly this reason. It's amazing; you can't even smell it with a decent mask!

Considering that respirators are pretty damn cheap and the filters last for many uses, I think it's crazy that there are people out there who would regularly allow themselves to breathe in noxious fumes like that.

That respirator is great, using it myself. As for filters, they are marked differently depending on where you live:

North America: OV/P100, 3M product number 60921

Europe: Filters marked A2P3. For 3M it means combining 2 filters - 6055 and 5935.


Not sure how they're marked in other parts of the world.

Not OP, but here's one on Amazon that will work dandy.

$40 you say?

If you’re willing to spend about $5 more you can even get quick release and an exhale deflector

There's a LOT of choices between paper and a $50 mask. I got this since it filters out the vocs and particles, and was cheaper than the replacement cartridges for the reusable mask. It's about 100x more airtight than paper, actually does something for the vocs (not just particles) and quite comfortable. I live in the southern US and its not exactly perfect, but very livable for long painting sessions of 3+ hours. So I'd say it's worth it. Don't kid yourself about the paper being good enough for anything other than sanding. Any thinner is harsh on your respiratory system.

If you're going to use a paper dust-mask, you need one with a "down-firing exhaust". But, I'm going to go ahead and suggest you upgrade to a respirator with filters. They're more comfortable, get a better seal against your face, have replaceable filters, and universally have forward or down-firing exhausts. By the time you've used a handfull of dust masks, the respirator is cheaper too.

My go-to respirator is the 3M 6000 series - they come in small, medium, and large - but you want a medium unless you have really weird facial proportions. You'll need to pair it with some filters, they're available in P95 and P100. Personally I find the P95 filters are more than good enough for me.

There's a whole 3M respirator ecosystem though - I'm going to shamelessly link to a nice-long comment on selecting the respirator components and the resulting discussion.

edit: My wife wears a 3M 6100 (the small) with prescription glasses without issue and I wear a 6200 with generic poly-carbonate safety glasses and find it quite comfortable.

How about something like one of these:

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/welding_protection/filtration/half_mask/

http://www.amazon.com/Neoprene-Carbon-Mask-Multi-Purpose-External/dp/B002A145EY

http://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Filter-Cycling-Racing-Respirator/dp/B00JCQ2CDG/ref=sr_1_55?ie=UTF8&qid=1418268830&sr=8-55&keywords=respirator

http://www.amazon.com/WOLFBIKE-Anti-pollution-Cycling-Mouth-Muffle-Protection/dp/B00HBMJ858/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=168E11V0GTD6ACD3HD2G

http://www.amazon.com/Neoprene-Carbon-Mask-Multi-Purpose-External/dp/B002A145EY/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=168E11V0GTD6ACD3HD2G

Are you using a respirator? It's worth every penny. They are easier to breathe in than you think and saves you from dangers like these. If you are using a respirator and still getting dizzy it's time to replace the respirator or filters.

If you also have someone else in the house, also build or buy a spray booth to filter and expel the air outside.

• https://www.amazon.com/3M-07192-Paint-Spray-Medium/dp/B0002STR22/
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Master-Airbrush-Portable-Painting-T-shirts/dp/B00BMUH8L6/
  
• https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=airbrush+booth+diy

Time to go Breaking Bad.

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Full-Facepiece-Respirator-Large/dp/B000RMGW62

Just saw your username, if you're in the south end and for some reason can't afford a mask, I'm sure I could find an extra one for ya in my shop. Or I could send you a new one + cash in exchange for some artwork, tattoo convention will be here in a couple weeks and I need a sketch lol!

Anyways, you will be so relieved with these masks that I'm recommending, no smells, and no lung or drain bamage:)


3M 7512PA1-A-PS Professional Paint Respirator, Medium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XBFJP2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_GKzqDb8HNDF3B

Or just go to your local home depot and get this one, it's not as comfy as the pro one but will get the job done.

3M Medium House-Hold Multi-Purpose Respirator
https://www.homedepot.com/p/3M-Medium-House-Hold-Multi-Purpose-Respirator-65021HA1-C/202080143

When you buy replacement filters for the 3m masks, I reccomend the pink particulate organic vapor p100 ones.

When I deal with the super hots (getting my first Carolina reaper harvest right now actually) I will wear the same full face respirator as I do when wood working.

Personally, for me, no. I don't need a mask to hand paint with Vallejo acrylics. I have a fan on nearby that keeps the air circulating.

That said, if you have super sensitive lungs, especially if you have a medically diagnosed issue, wearing a mask isn't a bad idea.

You can get a half mask like this. I know they also make smaller "medical mask" style ones but I can't find them in small quantities at the moment.

I can only imagine the amount of fumes you breathe in.

personally i use a north respirator with general filters

https://www.amazon.ca/North-Safety-770030M-Silicone-Respirator/dp/B007IA9SIA