Full face mask for car spray painting
Anyone spray painting in a body shop breathes two things at once: solvent vapour and the paint mist that does not land on the panel. A full face mask with a combined filter stops both and also protects the eyes from overspray.
What is in the air
Thinners, solvents in base coats and clear coats, degreasers: these are organic vapours, the letter A on the filter.
Paint mist is made of droplets and fine particles: you need the particle disc, P3.
When sanding fillers and primers, dust is the main hazard: P3 again.
Isocyanates in two-component paints
Many two-component clear coats and paints contain isocyanates, which sensitise the airways: even a small exposure can lead to occupational asthma.
Isocyanates have little smell, so smell does not warn you that the filter is spent. For spraying these products many guidelines call for air-fed equipment instead of a filter: read the product's safety data sheet and decide in the risk assessment.
Why a full face mask
Paint mist irritates the eyes and settles on glasses. A full face mask covers eyes, nose and mouth with one seal, and the TR 2002 visor is solvent-resistant.
The filter to start from
A2 P3Spasciani 202 A2P3
A2 holds the organic vapours of solvents, P3 the paint mist: it is the minimum combination for spray painting.
The filter shown is a starting point: the substance's safety data sheet, and at work the risk assessment, have the final word.
Other jobs
Limits and warnings
- The spray booth and extraction come before the mask: the mask protects you from what is left.
- With a beard the face seal is not guaranteed.
- Change the filter as soon as you smell solvent, and in any case on the schedule set by the employer.