Best Mask For Painting

[OverkillYJ]

I am in the market for a full mask. I want one with the full face coverage for when I am painting. I am not sure which one to get. I am not a pro painter. I just assume there are masks that have stick on covers or something to keep the paint off the viewing window so I can peel the mist off when I am done. I dont want to buy a $100+ mask just to throw it out after spending 3 hours painting.

Maybe I am approaching this wrong? Whats the best way to keep the mist out of my eyes without ruining my eye protection all the time?

 

[neophyte]

There are respirators with battery systems that push air into the facemask, after drawing the air thru the appropriate filters.
Those are the most comfortable masks. The prices vary, with dome bring obscenely expensive, and others more affordable.
Woodworking suppliers usually have the more affordable versions, although once the Coof started, they battery masks were unobtainium.
I’m not sure how easy it would be to get parts.

With 3M respirators, most if not all the parts are usually available as replacement parts, although cost isn’t always great.
This includes the lenses for the full face respirators.
There also seem to be lens covers for just the issue you describe.

 

[johninct]

Supplied air.

 

[Lassen Forge]

Most applied paints use pretty nasty stuff as reducers and hardeners, and require organic fume protection (if not positive pressure)... the days of a cloth mask and "fergeddaboudit" - well, you can do what you want, but some of the stuff it's a race between getting the "twitches" or clogging out your lungs first. I have a 3M half mask and organic vapor cans - but no matter what you gotta protect yourself....

 

[Git]

I bought a full face - 3M 7800SL from eBay in 2014 and it is still going strong. Cost was around $90 for 'new in the box', and it looks like you can still get some for around that price, if you can find the right size. I uses these replaceable cartridge type filters and there is also a pad type filter that goes over the top. It even has a 'plug' that can be removed in the front if you wanted to attach an air hose of some sort

 

[ItsNemo]

Another vote for the 3M 7800S...I grabbed one for $125 CAD a couple years back, it's a nice mask and uses the same filters as the 7500 half masks that everyone uses.

 

[MushCreek]

I'm sure you guys already know this, but some filter cartridges have a limited shelf life, particularly after they have been opened. After a while, they simply don't work except as a dust mask.

 

[Bubba Fett]

I got a 3M respirator, which I don't like because it won't "seal" to my face. Air goes around it, so it is pointless. I usually just use a N95 with safety glasses...if even that. Then again I don't paint that much.

 

[tjansson]

I bought a Honeywell full-face respirator off McMaster this summer because I trust McMaster, I needed it quickly, and cartridges and clear "tearoffs" are easily available thru McMaster. I got 5541T24 for using catalyed urethane / isocynate paint. It was time to upgrade from a half mask for auto paint. I am not a fan of buying respirators off of Amazon in the era of COVID. When I buy from McMaster I know they are genuine Honeywell cartridges.

FYI - I didn't have the tearoffs last time I painted - it was either goo gone or mineral spirits that took the overspray off the lens without any damage.

 

[Steve_P]

If you are spraying catalyzed paint at home, not in a downdraft booth, then invest in a forced air system IMO. I resisted it for years and finally did 15-20 years ago. Yes, you have to drag the hose, but I find that I am so much more relaxed with forced air. I have a big nose and otherwise almost never get a good mask seal; forced air takes care of this. Yes, it's expensive, but what are your lungs and eyes worth?

 

[toolenthusiast]

I got a 3M respirator, which I don't like because it won't "seal" to my face. Air goes around it, so it is pointless. I usually just use a N95 with safety glasses...if even that. Then again I don't paint that much.

You have the wrong size. If you bought large, try medium. Or vice versa.

 

[Al Borland]

Full stop. Supplied air only. Modern catalyzed paint will mess you up. Isocyanates in the hardeners, for example. Supplied air with a turbine system drawing clean outside air at a minimum. Full-face respirator, as toxins will absorb thru mucus membranes. Positive pressure in the facepiece. Full body coveralls keep paint off your skin and lint down. There are stick-on lens covers that protect the lens, but paint on the lens isn't usually a problem.

 

[username2]

As complicated as a real-deal supplied air respirator setup looks, I'm surprised they just don't build a bubble that fits over your head. Maybe it's too hard to form a seal to a person's shoulders or neck.

 

[metlmunchr]

As complicated as a real-deal supplied air respirator setup looks, I'm surprised they just don't build a bubble that fits over your head. Maybe it's too hard to form a seal to a person's shoulders or neck.

Full hoods are available and since air is blowing thru the hood all the time it doesn't have to seal. I've used both the hood and a full face, and find the hood more comfortable. Of course this is assuming the use of a supplied air system which is the only truly safe way to spray catalyzed paints.

 

[AirMech#406]

I just assume there are masks that have stick on covers or something to keep the paint off the viewing window so I can peel the mist off when I am done. I dont want to buy a $100+ mask just to throw it out after spending 3 hours painting.

3M does indeed make peel-n-stick protectors for the very mask you posted a pic of. I have that mask and the covers and use it frequently. Although I did buy it pre-covid when it was only $70... not sure what it is now.

I could give you a part number for the mask covers when I get to work tomorrow if that would help.

 

[HMCFab9]

In for information also.
I do classic auto restoration for a living & mainly do metal repair / fabrication, but occasionally do paint also.
I recently destroyed my glasses cleaning overspray off, so I'm looking for something better than just a regular respirator.

 

[username2]

Full hoods are available and since air is blowing thru the hood all the time it doesn't have to seal. I've used both the hood and a full face, and find the hood more comfortable. Of course this is assuming the use of a supplied air system which is the only truly safe way to spray catalyzed paints.

Oh yes, of course. That makes sense. Simply have a restricted exit for the air and run the thing slightly pressured by blowing air into it. I wonder if it's less likely to fog up.

I don't mean to hijack, but is the air source a portable powered filter or do you run a line to something that grabs outside air?

I probably should just do a web search, but it's an interesting topic.

 

[Al Borland]

Outside air. Should filter to keep out general ****. Hoods are nice for glasses. Make sure you know how/where the excess air exhausts. Don't want to vent onto your fresh paint.

 

[dnschmidt]

3M has a setup that uses an air pump with a rechargeable battery you wear on your belt. Check out the Candy Man on YouTube he uses this setup. Much better than a second air hose.

 

[Al Borland]

NO! That is a PAPR. Powered Air Purifying Respirator. They use the same kind of filters a negative pressure respirators use. you want CLEAN air. Filters break down with exposure to chemicals.

 

[OverkillYJ]

So it sounds like you are saying to run a hose outside. Do you have a link to the system and mask that work with that? I have not seen it. I am also only familiar with the one that goes on your belt from 3M.

 

[AirMech#406]

this is my set up, OP. It’s a the same mask that you posted.

to the left are the face shield protectors. It sounds like you don’t do a ton of painting which I am in a similar situation and this mask works well for me. Use the olive multi-gas cartridges for paint. Just be sure to replace filter cartridges regularly, especially after heavy use, and you’ll be fine.

if you do a lot of painting, then a fresh air hood is the better option as others have suggested.

 

[OverkillYJ]

this is my set up, OP. It’s a the same mask that you posted.

to the left are the face shield protectors. It sounds like you don’t do a ton of painting which I am in a similar situation and this mask works well for me. Use the olive multi-gas cartridges for paint. Just be sure to replace filter cartridges regularly, especially after heavy use, and you’ll be fine.

if you do a lot of painting, then a fresh air hood is the better option as others have suggested.

Thanks man. I just got around to placing an order because I have to paint parts for some front end damage I am repairing, and I ordered the parts in your picture, but I did get P100 cartridges instead of just the vapor ones. I already have both, but like you said, they dont last forever. Those covers that go one the mask were exactly what I was looking for. Although I should have ordered in January, price is up over $50 since then for everything combined.

Thanks again

 

[22george]

Full stop. Supplied air only. Modern catalyzed paint will mess you up. Isocyanates in the hardeners, for example. Supplied air with a turbine system drawing clean outside air at a minimum. Full-face respirator, as toxins will absorb thru mucus membranes. Positive pressure in the facepiece. Full body coveralls keep paint off your skin and lint down. There are stick-on lens covers that protect the lens, but paint on the lens isn't usually a problem.

What he said.

 

[OverkillYJ]

What he said.

I'm not painting in a booth. I am painting parts on plastic in a well ventilated area. Thats a waste of money for me. I would buy a setup like that for my welding mask before I would buy one for painting.

 

[crazybrit]

Full stop. Supplied air only. Modern catalyzed paint will mess you up. Isocyanates in the hardeners, for example. Supplied air with a turbine system drawing clean outside air at a minimum. Full-face respirator, as toxins will absorb thru mucus membranes. Positive pressure in the facepiece. Full body coveralls keep paint off your skin and lint down. There are stick-on lens covers that protect the lens, but paint on the lens isn't usually a problem.

So when using a turbine type supplied air system is it a problem if air leaks out from the mask?

Most of the supplied air masks I've seen still have a one way valve that expels air, so I wasn't sure if that should handle ejecting all the supplied air or if leakage from the mask was ok.

 

[Al Borland]

Okay to a point. Your exhale valve should be doing the work. How much air are you pushing into the mask (volume and pressure) might be excessive, or you might just need to adjust your respirator straps.

 

[speed bump]

Personally I spray with a 3m half mask and goggles but I'm also considering upgrading.

Anyone tried one of these guys out? I don't have to think to hard about buying a supplied air setup at this price point.

Hobbyair 1

Hobbyair Air Supplied Respirator HB01: For one user, 40 feet of hose and choice of facemask

www.axispro.com

 

[crazybrit]

Personally I spray with a 3m half mask and goggles but I'm also considering upgrading.

Anyone tried one of these guys out? I don't have to think to hard about buying a supplied air setup at this price point.

Hobbyair 1

Hobbyair Air Supplied Respirator HB01: For one user, 40 feet of hose and choice of facemask

www.axispro.com

Not tried that one.

I have the Breathe Cool Turbine system. I've had it about 5 years and it's worked well for painting (I have the half mask and the vinyl hood) but the welding hood attachment they sell (for fitting inside welding helmets) is totally useless. I'd like to find a better solution for welding.

The reason I asked about leakage is because I bought a cheap Chinese full-face mask off AliExpress (just the mask, it uses the same NATO connector as the existing Breathe Cool hose) and at anything above minimal airflow from the Turbine pump the mask leaks badly (no tightening of straps helps). No clue why I bought the Chinese one, cheap gear you have no faith in is gear you won't want to use. Stupid of me. I'll probably chuck it and buy the mask designed for this system.

 

[speed bump]

As long as the leakage is out you should be good. When I worked around H2S our SCBAs were designed to be positive pressure so if you didn't get a good seal they would blow air out those poorly sealed areas.

That weld adapter looks terrible. I'm trying to remember who but someone makes a decent half mask papr that fits under a standard welding helmet well. One of our contractors really liked his for air arcing. Might be worth seeing if you could just get the mask from that setup.