Tutorial What you need to know about respiratory protection!

Any hardware or home improvement store should have them - although you'll probably get more knowledgeable help and attention at a smaller one that a big box store.

 

Yeah Its just finding a local shop near me. I live in a smallish town so I will have to look around :')

 

Yeah - on this side of the pond even small towns are likely to have at least an Ace Hardware - no clue about your side.

 

If you know of a brand in your country (that you prefer, or to just get an idea of a location) you can sometimes search on their website or shoot them an email to ask who their retailers are.

 

what respirator can i buy if the seller of the 3M 4277 (with the safety code FFABE1P3D)
doesnt deliver to my country?
what other safe options can i get?

 

Who just got their respirator and is excited she can start practicing faceups? This girl!

(I got the 3M silicone half-mask suggested on page 1, and the fit was great. The only downside is that my glasses don't want to play nice, but I'm pretty sure we've got safety/lab glasses somewhere, and I'll probably need new glasses soon anyway...)

 

@babs just because that one seller doesn't ship to your country, it doesn't mean that they are totally unavailable to you. You might need to search around your local hardware stores to see if they have any in stock.

 

Maybe this is a silly question, but is eye protection necessary? I wear glasses normally, but I'm wondering if particles could get into your eyes and cause damage?

 

Well, I am wearing glasses as well, but I wear goggles on them when I spray sealant just to be sure that I won't iritate my eyes in case there is wind outside when I am spraying. Plus if the particles hit your glasses, it would dry on it - I wear transitions photochromic lenses and the sealant could damage them, so I do not risk it.

 

Not a silly question at all. To the best of my knowledge is not necessary but is recommended for most paints in this hobby especially if you are indoors or potentially in a fume-hood/extractor situation, or are airbrushing. Most (not all, research if needed) hobby-grade spray paint outdoors at most might irritate the eye but would have to be sprayed in the eye directly to potentially do any damage I believe.
Some on-jobsite requirements (in-USA) for painting absolutely require half face masks but leave eye protection up to the individual. I would personally, if working with any sort of pressurized equipment such as an airbrush, wear eye protection. This is not always the case when spraying in enclosed areas or working with intense concentrations and amounts of paint, then eye gear is required. Paint or spray paint in the eye is not fun and could cause eye damage. If spray paint gets into eyes, flush them with lots of water immediately, and use your best judgement as to how to proceed from there.
It depends on the paint. Some have potential to great damage.
If you have any concerns, use the goggles.
If you have very sensitive eyes, pre-existing eye conditions, or for any reasons are concerned otherwise, you most likely will benefit to using goggles, at very least, it will give peace of mind. However, they must not interfere with the existing half-facemask seal otherwise I would implore you to explore full facemask options.

I personally, use something like this:
3M Chemical Splash Impact Safety Goggle-91252-80025 - The Home Depot
However, this just protects from being sprayed in the eye which I feel is adequate when spraying outdoors, in case of wind shift, or in case I make a mistake.

 

Thank you!

 

This might be a silly question, but I'm starting to get frustrated--does anybody have any tips for filters that won't stay attached to the mask? They're supposed to work together but it seems like I can never get the darn things to stay on...

 

Thanks for the helpful information. I'm going to be starting face ups now that I have a doll and I'm glad I found your post. Time to get a mask. I think I'm going to get a half face with replaceable filters. Better to be safe than sorry. I'm also thankful there are people out their promoting health saving info. I've seen so many people laugh at this type of info or say "its not that serious" Ugh. There are so many scary chemical reactions. The bottles even say DANGER! ( you would think that would mean something to people)

 

That isn't good. Are you sure the filters are for the type of mask you purchased? Make sure the filter is in the area completely and press down firmly. If a seal cannot be ensured to keep the filter in place, you probably need to buy a different kind of filter-package combination. I don't know what specifically you have.

 

I was browsing the Home Depot website and came across this mask: 3M Paint Odour Respirator | The Home Depot Canada
I am unsure if it is enough for spraying MSC or if it is simply a more protective version of a dust mask?

 

That is not enough for spraying MSC. That just simply filters odors. It needs to be a proper solvent/organic/similar compound removable filter half mask.

 

Definitely not. Take a look at the linked Half Face Respirators in Post 3 here, to see what kind of mask you need.

 

@Misuka This (3M Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 7501/37081(AAD), Respiratory Protection, Small: Scba Safety Respirators: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific) is my mask and these (3M 2097 P100 Particulate Filter with Organic Vapor Relief, 1 Pair - Safety Respirator Cartridges And Filters - Amazon.com) are the filters I'm using. They're supposed to fit together and I can get them onto the mask, I just can't seem to get them stay on the mask

 

Without seeing it, it is hard for me to tell what exactly is going on, so I apologize in advance. My initial thought is that filter is not sufficient protection as it is a relief filter rather than a full filter. These masks will provide some protection, but not complete protection against vapors. (regardless, if it has the snap-lock assembly, it should snap on. If it doesn't, then it isn't made for that model of mask.)
Other thoughts: is maybe the plastic assembly on your mask may be warped if they don't (counter clockwise?) lock into place with an audible snap. (I don't know the age of the mask and such.)

See:
3M 6001PB1-1 Organic Vapor Replacement Cartridge, 1-Pair - Safety Masks - Amazon.com + the p95 filters + filter container. (They sell complete sets of this I know at HD, but I'm not seeing them on Amazon, just refills.) [edit: check out the OP for more links on cartridges.]

(all in one [extreme filtration] which has the filter retainer top reusable: 3M Organic Vapor Cartridge/Filter 60921, P100 Respiratory Protection (Pack of 2): Safety Respirator Cartridges And Filters: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific )
One of these and it should lock into place. I'm not as familiar with the rounded models since I have a quick-lock assembly. Perhaps you can take it into a local paint store / hardware store and see what the paint section says?

 

It definitely doesn't snap into place audibly. I think I might have to take it to a paint or hardware store and let them have a look at it. If it's just the filter that's not quite right that's fine. I just hope I don't have to buy a new mask, I only got it last December or November.

 

Its probably the filter but its hard to tell without seeing it person, definitely take in in to a hardware store and see what they say, they will be able to help. Best of luck!

 

Okay, so I know just about nothing about the half mask respirators- all I know is that I need one to continue doing face ups.

I'm looking at the Safety Works 817662 Paint and Pesticide Respirator on amazon. The description says that it's 95% efficient against oil based contaminants, and that it's approved for organic vapors. It also says that it's 'R95/OV Category' but I don't know what that means [I'm assuming it's the same thing from the previous sentence, but again- I have no idea].

Will this one be okay to use with MSC and sanding? I looked over the first post in this thread before starting the search, but I still want to be sure.

 

Please provide the link to the product so we can be sure.

 

Sorry about the delay, originally i was picking up one of these
Safety Works 817662 Paint and Pesticide Respirator - Safety Respirator Cartridges And Filters - Amazon.com

However i found this one while at home depot-
3M Medium Professional Multi-Purpose Respirator-62023HA1-C - The Home Depot

 

I personally prefer 3M because the parts are far easier to obtain when you need to replace the cartridges/filters. That 3M mask will work fine.

 

Alright, thank you!

 

Hello, I'm looking to use Liquitex Matte Medium and/or Varnish in an airbrush. I've been re-reading the posts but am a little lost. I'm in the UK and would appreciate any advice and/or recommendations.

Could anyone tell me if this mask would be sufficient:
3M 4251 Maintenance Free Reusable Half Mask FFA1P2RD, Single Respirator: Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science
In combination with these prologue its life:
3M 400 Overspray Guard - Pack of 10: Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science

Or would I be better off purchasing this mask:
3M 6100 Half Face Mask Respirator, Reusable - Small: Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science
With these filters:
3M 6055 A2 Filter Organic Vapours: Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science

I also have questions about how often they need replacing? I would use a mask infrequently, maybe a few times a year. If I used either mask for a couple of hours, and then didn't use it again for 6 months (or longer) - and the mask has been stored correctly (a sealed plastic bag?) - would I need to replace the entire first mask, or would a new overspray guard be sufficient? If I chose the second one, would I need to purchase new filters?

Also I don't plan on using Mr Super Clear, but if the Liquitex doesn't work out, would either of these masks also be suitable for MSC?

Thank you for any help!

 

I don't know about those masks as I am not in the UK and not familiar with UK safety standards and labeling, (hopefully someone can confirm those masks for UK users.) however the filters should be replaced as per the manufacturers recommended date (regardless of use) and number of usage times if that exceeds the date.

 

@miss lozpie Hello, I'm in the UK too.
I was just wondering if you got any answers about which respirator you should get?
Or if you found any better ones? I'm having awful trouble figuring out which one would be best too.

 

Will also be following to see which will be best as I'm in the UK too and have no idea where to go to get one and which will be best!

 

I'm not sure about anyone else but I like RZ masks. I've only ever seen them online.

 

Looked them up and they look really cool, but I'm not sure if the filters/cartridges are the right kind to protect when spraying things like MSC which can kill you if you're careless, so until I know for sure I'll stick with my 3m respirator.

 

It doesn't look like they're appropriate for MSC. There's no mention at all of organic vapor filtering, only of particulate filtering, and the first post here says clearly that organic vapor protection is required. I would not use one for spraying sealant.

 

I messaged them to ask about use with airbrush. They said that they'd "be effective toward water based spray. If it is a oil based, then you will have to use a P rated mask." SO perhaps not with MSC but good for running the thinned liquitex or golden via air brush.

Thoughts?

 

It's my understanding, from my husband who is an environmental scientist and a hazardous waste specialist, and my personal experience with using the wrong type of mask - you don't want to guess on respirators.

 

Hi!

Will the following mask/filters be sufficient for using MSC?

7-PC. SET 3M 6200 Face Mask / 6003 Cartridge / 5N11 Particulate Filter / 501 Filter Cover

Thank you!!!!

 

Hey @Viivi - I haven't received any answers. I have been doing my own research.. but I am hesitant to post anything about it in case I've got it wrong, as I'm not a professional like some of the other contributors to this thread - I'm just a regular person trying to figure it out from what I've read online.

What I know:
You need protection from BOTH organic vapours and particulates.

3M is the safest bet in terms of brands. They have a series of half face respirators called the 6000 series. There's also the 7500 series which is a premium comfort version, it uses the same filters as the 6000 series. They have organic vapour filters which clip onto the mask, and they come in a range of strengths. Then you add a particulate filter on top of that (they also come in a range of strengths), which is held in place with a filter retainer.

You must spray in a well ventilated area.

What I don't know for sure:
What exact filters are suitable for use with MSC (if any*). What filters to use when airbrushing with Liquitex matte medium/varnish, or airbrushing with water-based paints.

There is a PDF on 3M's UK website listing all the filters available for the 6000 series, their codes and what they protect from:
http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/...respirator-datasheet.pdf?fn=Ch6000hmDS_GB.pdf

I don't know if any of the professionals in this thread would take a look and let us know which filters would be sufficient? I don't feel it's my place to make any suggestions.

*from the UK safety leaflets I've been reading, if MSC has carcinogenics, they recommend a full head respirator with its own air supply, which is honestly terrifying and I feel like disposing of my MSC and never going near the stuff again.

 

Looks like I will be buying a respirator soon!

 

Hello! Thank you so much for your response!
Yes, I had a look at 3M filters and in the end I bought one of the half mask respirators.
The filters I bought were the A1 filters, which are just for organic vapours - but I'm using the citadel purity seal and not MSC.
respiratorshop.co.uk has information about all the filters on there if you want to have a look.
But I don't think I'll be using MSC at all. I really appreciate your response!

 

@miss lozpie and @Viivi - I am not professional, but based on discussion in this thread I bought 3M silicone halfmask 7502 and I am using filters ABE1 (code 6057) for organic vapours and dust filter P3 (code 5935). Be aware that once you open the pack with organic vapour filter, it last only 24 hours (you can prolong the useable time by keeping the mask with filters in air-tight package - as is stated at the beginning of this thread), but you should check prior every use, if you smell any odor of MSC, check you have properly adjusted mask and if needed buy a new filters (better be safe than sorry).

I was using MSC in the past, but after reading about it's side effects on health I switched to Citadel Purity seal that should not be so toxic - the results are great too (someone on this thread, I think, recommended to use hairdryer to help drying of Citadel spray in nice texture - with humid weather it has tendency to provide more rough surface, but the hairdryer helped a lot with this).

 

Thank you very much! I appreciate the information. I must admit, I didn't realise they only lasted 24 hours - so next time I used them I will check in case I need new ones.

 

I am so glad that this thread exists, I've been nagging people about using proper respirators for so long...They keep calling me paranoid... I will definitely be sharing this thread with them!

 

Hello, I want to buy my first mask for face ups (I will use the Citadel Purity Seal). Which one should I buy, according to your experience? And where can I buy them in Europe (or Italy) so that I won't hit by custom fees?

 

The right mask is the 3M 4277 is marked as FFABE1P3RD
It is here available though amazon germany.
And on eBay.co.uk there are 14 listings of the mask available to the UK right now. Most of these UK dealers will ship to the rest of Europe. Here is the search.
And here in the Netherlands: https://www.unishorebedrijfskleding...ing/3m-4277-gas-en-dampmasker-ffabe1p3d/4277/

 

This is very very good important information. Thank you for posting this. I think many forget to protect themselves when they are busy working on their beautiful creations.

 

Hello just wanted to let you know that the link to Kayake's story about health issues doesn't work

 

Has anyone in the UK used the JSP half mask respirator? Is it good and what filters do you get for it? Thanks!

 

Sorry if this was stated before, but do you need a respirator if you are working with non-toxic materials? Or would a simple cotton facemask or doctors/medical mask be okay?

 

Which materials?

Just because something says that it's non-toxic doesn't mean you should go and huff a lungfull of it.

Those medical masks are to stop the doctor spitting on the patient, they don't do a real lot for the doctor.

 

Dust, in all forms, should not be inhaled for any lengthy period.
However, if the dust is non-toxic (and please double check that it IS non-toxic), you should be fine with a goods dusk mask. Cotton face masks or doctors/medical masks are NOT good enough to stop dust, for the simple reason that they are not made to stop dust. You need a dedicated dust mask, that is certified to stop dust particles of the size of the material you'll be working with. You'll need to find out what size dust particles your material produces, and buy a mask to match. Or else buy a mask that stops even the smallest dust particles.

 

Toxicity isn't the only thing to worry about -- asbestos is non-toxic, it does its damage mechanically. Same with fiberglass and silicates.

 

What about when you are trimming and sanding LaDoll paper clay? Would one of the dust masks (for the correct size particles) that you all are referring to be sufficient? Or for sanding LaDoll, do I need to use the respirator? I was making a BJD, but haven't worked on it for about 14 months because I have been afraid of cutting, sanding, or really working on it anymore since it is dry. I have been afraid of the dust. I sure would love to finish my doll.

 

A particulate mask for LaDoll should be good for that sort of paper clay.

 

Could you tell me if you need to wear a respirator or particulate dust face mask when sanding LaDoll air-dry clay when it is dry? I have searched the internet and can't find an answer to this question.

 

@greymalkin

Sanding any kind of material (resin, clay, or even wood) will produce particulate. I've sanded air-dry clays before, and yes, they do produce a very fine dust when dry sanding, so you'd definitely be better off wearing a respirator.

 

This may sound like a bit of a stupid question (and it might've already been answered), but as a person who is just now getting into hand crafting my own doll out of clay, I was wondering if working with the clay before it was dry required a mask as well or if you need the mask for all of the steps that come after the clay is dry. I've already got my masks ordered and on the way, but I'm wondering how much work I can get done before they arrive.

 

@kissxsleep

When working with clay, you should only need the mask when sanding or carving. Working with wet clay doesn't send up the dust particulate, but the sanding/carving/using a dremel/etc is what does that.
Also you'd want to use a mask when spraying any kind of primer, which would fall into the protecting against aerosol fumes and particulate of the spray itself. (which is why getting a mask to protect against both particulates and vapors is a good idea, so you can use it in every situation! )

 

@AirimirOfGondor

Thank you so much As a person who alternates between having no space to myself in my dorm room and very little opportunity for secluded space at home, knowing what I can do when really helps. Luckily, my dad is letting me convert the old store shed that has windows & doors I can open to usher in and out air with some fans into a workshop, but I'm going to have to move farther away from the house to protect my little sisters from the Dullcote and sealant spraying. It's also good to know I can practice with wet clay while at school without putting my roommate at risk while doing the rest at home ^.^

 

I understand this is an annoying question but i get overwhelmed with the technical i try to understand it and came up with these

Are they good for sealant spray and airbrush?

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Comfort-F...rd_wg=P39eJ&psc=1&refRID=PW6PR0Q1EF91KKX9J1D5

https://www.amazon.com/3M-2097-Part...rd_wg=dQ2T9&psc=1&refRID=8XV7E71TG13XGM09ZJHS

Is one filter enough? I read that some last only some hours but i cant find information on this if it lasts some hours or if it is forever

Is there something better? I find many on amazon and the one i liked i found out was not good from this thread

Edit to add after research the mask is good but not that filter, to use this filter for the solvents and sealants

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LDMDDS/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

@GreenTeaSlug

I don't know for sure if that respirator and the (second) cartridges are compatible. The respirator looks to be 6500 model, but the (second) cartridges say they are for 6000 and 7500, so I don't know if that's the same as 6500.

Your last link does have multiple sub-listings though, one for the respirator and one for replacement cartridges. Since they are both on the same page, then you'd know for sure that they'll work together.