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Do I need a respirator?
acctingman1969
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United States
Member Since: July 08, 2017
entire network: 13 Posts
KitMaker Network: 4 Posts
Posted: Monday, August 21, 2017 - 10:08 PM UTC
Airbrushing I work with acrylics only. When I spray anything (acrylics, Vallejo thinner and AB cleaner) I'm in the garage with the garage door open.

Hand painting is done with acrylics and oils and odorless mineral spirits.

So, is it an absolute must that I have a respirator mask?

Thanks
Tojo72
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North Carolina, United States
Member Since: June 06, 2006
entire network: 4,691 Posts
KitMaker Network: 668 Posts
Posted: Monday, August 21, 2017 - 10:11 PM UTC
Your probably going to be okay without one.If you want to be sure,get one,their not that expensive.

A lot depends on the amount of spraying you do do,time and size of models.
acctingman1969
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United States
Member Since: July 08, 2017
entire network: 13 Posts
KitMaker Network: 4 Posts
Posted: Monday, August 21, 2017 - 10:18 PM UTC
I don't spray but once or twice a week as I'm slooooow with my builds (since I'm just starting out).

Maybe when things pick up and/or I start using enamels and other more toxic materials I'll get one for sure.

Thanks for the help
Steven000
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Antwerpen, Belgium
Member Since: August 07, 2016
entire network: 191 Posts
KitMaker Network: 39 Posts
Posted: Monday, August 21, 2017 - 11:41 PM UTC
I made a small spraybooth with a kitchen hood fan,
it works very well for me, as long as I spray close to the filter.

So I don't use my respirator.


I think the fumes of my Tamiya glue are a lot more dangerous then my Vallejo paint...

Kind regards
Steven
Anmoga
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Spain / España
Member Since: November 18, 2004
entire network: 456 Posts
KitMaker Network: 87 Posts
Posted: Monday, August 21, 2017 - 11:47 PM UTC
Hi Bruce,

If you are airbrushing I would recomend that you use a respirator.

I only airbrush with acrylics and one day I didn't use it since I told to myself "it is just one moment nothing will happen". After finishing I snorted my nose with a cleenex and saw a lot of dirt that came from my short airbrush sesion.

For hand painting I don't think you need a respirator.

Regards,
Angel
Scarred
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Washington, United States
Member Since: March 11, 2016
entire network: 1,792 Posts
KitMaker Network: 482 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, August 22, 2017 - 05:27 AM UTC
If you are worried about dust and particles you can get a box of dust mask from a place like home depot. I wear them while sanding drywall. The only time I've used a respirator was when I was painting cars. Real cars not models. I'll wear a dust mask if I'm doing heavy sanding but that's it. I have a fan blowing when I build and paint and I use a paint booth to blow fumes out. 40 plus years the worst thing that's happened is I scratched my nose with a wet paint brush.
retiredyank
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Arkansas, United States
Member Since: June 29, 2009
entire network: 11,610 Posts
KitMaker Network: 3,657 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, August 22, 2017 - 02:19 PM UTC
A dust mask has its place, as Patrick stated. However, it is not a sufficient replacement for a respirator. I used them for some time, as such and had terrible sinus problems. I don't think you will need a respirator, in your situation. I would recommend a spray booth, though. If you use a fan, it will affect your spray pattern. Whatever you do, don't drop your brush! I had a nice Iwata that needed cleaning. At the time, I had to do it in the garage. Dropped the brush and it cracked the body to the air valve. I shed a tear and used some colorful adjectives that day.
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