PPE for spraying paint

[Big Ray]

I am thinking hard on spraying my truck this summer. I need info on masks and such for today's paints. Snag is I don't want to shave...I am just too damn ugly!

Can I use a paint sock or hood with a good activated charcoal mask? Or is shaving mandatory?

 

[76zimmer]

you need to get a good seal around your nose/mouth...you can't really do that without shaving.
You can buy a self powered mask though...it has its own pump to supply fresh breathing air to a full face mask, providing positive pressure.

http://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-...e?N=5002385+8709322+8711405+3292439741&rt=rud

 

[Big Ray]

I guess I'll be shaving...those are too rich for me!! Thanks Dave

 

[CK10]

How long of a beard? G.I. gas masks will provide an adequate seal with a 1/4" beard growth. My 3M mask also works well when I'm not clean shaven, I'm never on leave long enough to get any more than 1/2" of a beard going though.

Just trim the beard down, it's hot in the summer anyway. When I retire I'll never shave again, I'm tired of it.

 

[Overkill6x6]

Where do you plan to paint your rig? The size and ventilation of your "booth" will make a big difference on your choice of ppe. I'm not saying that you shouldn't choose the best that you can afford but a well ventilated space can go a long ways

 

[76zimmer]

/\ /\ /\ agreed! I try to paint closest to my exhaust fan first and work my way towards the intake filter....I have a ceiling mounted furnace filter and a floor mounted exhaust fan shooting out the back wall of my paint stall.
Trial fit a 3M mask, use some ammonia on a cotton swab and hold it close to the seal to see if you can suck anything through...you do NOT want to get those paint chemicals in your lungs Ray!
Also remember that the paint chemicals can be absorbed through the eyes (that burning sensation you get is a tell tale sign) all those things add up and can affect many organs.

 

[HankScorpio]

I paint with a beard. I am not a pro doing it daily. I just make my mask good and tight and use a row of box fans under the garage door. I have had good luck and do not notice paint odors with my mask on. I use a $35 mask from the hardware store and keep extra filters on hand.

 

[JoshHefnerX]

I've got a trimmed goatee (1/2 to 3/4") and was using the 3m masks when doing fiberglassing. Very occasionally I'd smell a slight fume for a sec but it was rare. You can test the seal by putting the mask on and blocking the filter intakes with you hand while sucking in. If you have a leak you'll feel it.

 

[Big Ray]

I have about a 3 inch goatee with close cropped beard & haircut.

I don't have a booth, planned on "fabbing" up something in the back yard. I know a decent job can be done at home. Start early before too much crap gets flying around, damping the area with a hose to keep the dust down.

My original plan was to bed line it, might stick with that...

 

[Vombrown]

I paint with a beard. I am not a pro doing it daily. I just make my mask good and tight and use a row of box fans under the garage door. I have had good luck and do not notice paint odors with my mask on. I use a $35 mask from the hardware store and keep extra filters on hand.

My beard is half way down my chest. I roll it up and push it i to my mask. I use a dual element face shield And it works fine.