"Do you wear breathing protection when spraying?" Topic

I've never bothered with wearing any kind of mask or breathing protection when using spray paint for priming or sealing my figures. But a new spray paint that I've started using smells so foul that it actually makes me cough. So I'm now considering getting a mask.

Do you use a mask, & if so, why?

You haven't noticed the particulates adhering to your nasal hairs and in your mucus when you've sprayed without a mask?

That's your why.

Allen

Nope, I only spray in one go so many that I can hold my breath whilst doing it.

Does that even make sense?

I spray outside AND use a dust mask. I prefer my lungs fully functional, thank you very much!

Unless you are using a full-blown mask with the correct filter type, wearing a mask will not make a difference, except as Allen states. Something like a paper nose cover will only filter out big particles and still let all the bad stuff (like whatever chemical it is you smell).

That said, I don't wear a mask, but spray in a well ventilated area (Outside, Garage or basement with and exhaust fan pulling fumes away…)

Nearly always. Sometimes, if I'm just spraying a few minis very quickly, outside, I'll just hold my breath. Anything more and the respirator mask comes out.

It's taken me far too long to appreciate the implications of smelling what I'm spraying … if I can smell it, and it's even remotely hazardous, then I probably should have been wearing a mask. Duh. Fortunately, I've not quite entirely melted my brain yet.

Doug

If I'm outside, which is for priming or one quick coat (like on terrain) then no mask like angelbarracks said. If inside doing any kind of spraying then yes a mask is worn.

Does a health insurance card in my wallet count?

Outside here, too, so no mask.

I owned a body shop , and work in the auto collision industry . The spray from a can or gun is NASTY ! harbor freight has masks cheap . Even outside you are still breathing the overspray particles . After watching one of my appraisers die of brain cancer from years of no mask I am now even more mask aware . Don't be silly

An enhanced dust mask works just fine for particulates, especially when used for brief periods of time: link

However, it will not protect you from toxic fumes; hence the importance of spraying outdoors or in a well-ventilated room. I use eye protection as well, so that I don't risk damaging my Lasik surgery.

Cheers,
Scott

Do we need to buy this?

link

Nope…I find that if you don't move the figures you are spraying between you and the can in operation there is little need for a respirator.

Rarely if ever. I spray on a stump located . . . 25 yards from my house. There is always a breeze blowing and I make a point of standing up wind so the breeze carries the paint away from me.

I will gear up when I cut or sand resin.

mjc

I use a dust mask similar to those linked by Art of Gaul; as he says they are rated for paint droplets/particles. To dissipate solvent and propellant vapors, I used to spray outdooors but have just installed a spray hood so I can do it in my garage now. And I wear cheap safety goggles, to keep paint off my expensive glasses and oh yeah out of my eyes. Also I'm switching to airbrushing acrylics as well as priming with brush-on gesso; less and less nasty spray cans nowadays.

No.

Not so far but am thinking of starting. I usually spray outdoors but this is troublesome in the winter.

I always spray outside

I have a hood-fan, so not when I spray paint, but I do when I air brush because I have to sit closer to the hood fan and the subject than with a rattle can.

picture

I don't use a mask, but I probably should. That Dullcote can't be good for you.

Thanks all for your comments. I like Derek H's solution the best.

I was thinking of a full mask like Louis N linked, specifically since all the "lesser" reports seemed only to be rated for particulate matter.

I also spray outdoors but there's always a breeze. & while I try to stay up-wind & the breeze frequetly changes direction in the middle of spraying.

I spray inside and don't use a mask.

Yep, as others have posted, always stand upwind. Well, upbreeze.

I spray outside with the wind at my back, but the wind always shifts. AFter washing the paint mist off my glasses for the umpteenth time I've started wearing both a dust mask AND safety goggles!

Nope, I spray outside. Besides I've been exposed to so many chemicals in my career, that last dose of Matte Spray or Primer is not going to do anything.

No.
Weaselhoffen.

I spray out door in a breeze so stiff the actual targets are tucked into a box to keep THEM out of the breeze.

Like jdpintex, I've been exposed to a variety of chemicals, and am not terribly worried about the infrequent minor possibility of matte spray.

I'm a little more worried about the time spent inside the admin office cleaning the walls with toluene so we could paint it, or the effects of Freon-soaked sponge fights in our tightly enclosed 8x12 van complex. That killed a few brain cells…

No.

I spray outside in a light breeze with no mask. I have never noticed any problems caused by doing so. I have never noticed any problems caused by doing so. I have never noti…what is the question?

Yes. Over a wargaming 'life' one sprays gallons of paint so a certain amount will be inhaled, even when spraying outside. The effects are cumulative and I want to wargaming for decades yet.

Nah.
I don't paint that many figures, so I don't spend a lot of time spraying.

If I did it a lot, I'd go buy something.
-Kle.

I've got a good extract on my little spray booth, and I usually back it up with a mask – EN149:P3 type.

Nope. Do it outside, or in the garage with a fan. Plenny of ventilation.

Besides, herself thinks white nostril hairs are kinda cute.

It depends on what spray I'm using. Varnish? Sure. Spray paint for priming minis? Usually not, unless I'm doing quite a bit of spraying.

I also wear one while using a foam cutter.

Spray, not usually, since I only do it outside with good breezes.
(I grew up in a house of 3-pack a day smokers, so I will dodge that bullet or I won't, insh'al'lah.)
But hot-wire cutting styrofoam? I do that outside AND I wear an industrial-grade mask with filters.
One good whiff of burning polypropylene will disabuse you of any delusions of invulnerability to that crap…

Just when I am playing.