A question for the paint gurus...

[JayVee]

I'd like to try HOK urethane-based paints, but I'm concerned about respiratory safety. How do you guys deal with this? As I understand it, this stuff is basically airborne super glue and can cause some serious health issues. I use a respirator with two screw-on paper filters on the front, and I have a large window fan blowing outside right next to the bench where I set up the airbrush. I'm thinking I need a spray booth with built-in fans or something like that, but I wanted to hear your experiences with this type of paint.

[Len Woodruff]

I'd like to try HOK urethane-based paints, but I'm concerned about respiratory safety. How do you guys deal with this? As I understand it, this stuff is basically airborne super glue and can cause some serious health issues. I use a respirator with two screw-on paper filters on the front, and I have a large window fan blowing outside right next to the bench where I set up the airbrush. I'm thinking I need a spray booth with built-in fans or something like that, but I wanted to hear your experiences with this type of paint.

I use a charcol foltered mask with paper covers to catch the paint. The charcol filters all of the bad stuff.

[Jairus]

What? You want to live forever? :roll:

[MonoPed]

I'd like to try HOK urethane-based paints, but I'm concerned about respiratory safety. How do you guys deal with this? As I understand it, this stuff is basically airborne super glue and can cause some serious health issues. I use a respirator with two screw-on paper filters on the front, and I have a large window fan blowing outside right next to the bench where I set up the airbrush. I'm thinking I need a spray booth with built-in fans or something like that, but I wanted to hear your experiences with this type of paint.

You should be using a respirator with any of the paints you've been shooting. I use a disposable 3M respirator I picked up from the local auto paint supplier for around $25.00. It's good for 15 hours of use, just keep it sealed in a ziploc bag between paint sessions. For a few bucks more, you can get a respirator with replaceable cartridges. Just make sure the cartridges are approved for paint and other VOC.

Brian

[ismaelg]

An appropriate quality respirator is a MUST. You should also consider some kind of safety goggles to protect your eyes and some skin protection like gloves, but even a Subway sandwich bag will help.

Thanks,

[JayVee]

Thanks for the info guys. I wasn't planning on living forever but I was imagining a more glamorous obituary than Death by Superglue.

[BMC Tackle]

Jay Vee,

The respirator you need is made by 3M. It is the model 6000 with dual replaceable cartridges. This is the way to go. I do not put too much faith on disposable respirators. Fit is very important, particularly if you have a beard. Paints like Awlgrip, etc. are very dangerous. Exposure will kill you. Exposure causes a condition know as ARDS. Basically the lung is made more porous by the inhaled chemical, and the blood rushes into the air sacs. This blood destroys an enzyme, surfactant. The function of surfactant is to keep the lungs inflated, and it is rarely reversable under such conditions (destruction of lung tissue). Prior to getting into the tackle business I worked, and continue to work, part time as a respiratory therapist. I have seen this complication due to exposure to paint 3 times in the last year alone. It is not a pleasant experience. I can tell you that it is worth spending the extra $$$ on the right equipment.

The filters need to be changed as recommended if not before.

[JayVee]

Thanks for the info, BMC.

[BMC Tackle]

You are most welcomed. I am not a pro modeler, came here to learn but respirators and machines along those lines are right up my alley! Glad to shed some light on the subject.

[ultraliner13]

Any modeler who sprays paint and does not wear a respirator is a fool.

I have lost 2 model friends over the years because they did not protect themselves from the fumes.

When I told my dad years ago I wanted to spray paint he said the first thing you buy is a respirator.

For those out there who have got away with out one I hope you have been lucky so far.

Cheers

John Wilson