Should we wear a mask when airbrushing?

[dsvirus]

Just got an airbrush, should we use a mask etc when airbrushing? I am using Vallejo paints and varnishes!

[majordisastor]

My view ...Paint masks are cheap and replaceable.......Lungs are not.

Andy

[winker]

Yep, must agree.....

[[ICE]monkey]

yes a mask is good and or a paint booth , im looking at making one for my workshop/shed

[dsvirus]

Has anyone got any recommendations? Links? There seem to be a lot of cheap ones on ebay. Does it matter re brand etc?

[Johnf]

I started wearing a mask and cannot believe how much crap goes into the filter. Get a decent one that is comfortable and allows free movement of air. But anything is better than nothing.

[igbandy]

You want at least an FFP2 or better still FFP3 rated mask.

FFP1 is OK, but the 2 offers better protection, and the 3 even better protection.

Moulded cup are alot more comfortable, but are generally more expensive than the felt/non moulded type.

[LMN118]

If you are doing anything that throws chemicals into the air wear a respirator. A simple half mask from B&Q will do the job, not fantastically but better than nothing.

Making sure it fits is the next best thing, generally two bands are better than one, and if you have a hairy face like mine you will find the simple dust masks type (non rigid half mask) will slip off all the time. Also valves can help with fogging.

A spray cabinet would be a good investment, I've seen online a chap who made his own from an old cathode ray tv plastic case with a fan and exhaust out of it. Considering all the cathode ray tvs getting scrapped these days it should be simple enough to get one.

A little tip, if you can smell through the mask, change it.

Health and safety wise I always use a mask when using chemicals at work (property services, cleaning, handy man type stuff) as even simple household cleaners like glass cleaner was causing blistering in my throat.