Guide To Airbrush Respirators! (Safety First)

Let’s discuss whether or not you need to wear a mask (respirator) while you airbrush. Many new airbrush artist commonly ask questions along the line of:

Do I need a respirator to airbrush?
Why do I need a respirator when airbrushing?
How do I choose a respirator for airbrush work?
And so on…

Given that you are here reading this I’m assuming you’re wondering the same.

So, Do you need to wear a respirator while airbrushing?

Well, simply put, You should always wear a respirator any time paint is atomized, and/or toxic fumes are given off. So, Yes, If you are airbrushing any sort of paint, you should technically be wearing a (Paint Specific) respirator to keep any overspray, and fumes out of your lungs.

Granted, there are instances when some would consider it excessive to be wearing a respirator, an typically this is dependent on the paint type being used.

However, my philosophy is a little more on the safe side. My suggestion would be to always use a respirator that is recommended for paint use and is of good quality. Doesn’t matter the paint type you’re using. Overspray and the fumes given off is most likely going to end up in your lungs if you neglect to use a respirator.

It’s just some paint types are more harmful to the body than others. That is why some would say, “its alittle excessive” to be wearing a proper respirator when spraying say: water based acrylic paints. This is because water based acrylics are considered to be non toxic (depending on the brand). But all paints are harmful to a degree, just depends how much.

Me personally, I would say you can never over do it when it comes to safety precautions.

Why You need A Respirator When Airbrushing

There are two major aspects to be considered when airbrushing. First is the fact of Overspray. The Second is the fact of Fumes.

When airbrushing a process known as atomization is in effect. Atomization is simply the process of breaking up a liquid into micro particles. Which is exactly what occurs during the act of airbrushing.

Overspray

Overspray is simply the occurrence of atomized paint particles making their way outside the location desired to be painted.

Overspray is commonly seen as micro paint droplets on items, or in areas of your piece that was not intentional.

When paint is atomized by an airbrush it is spraying out many micro particles of paint. While a majority of those particles are hitting your canvas, some are landing off canvas, while others are remaining in the atmosphere around you.

These remaining particles of paint can easily be inhaled if you are not using an approved respirator or mask.

Inhaling atomized paint particles can lead to future damage of the lungs and even the overall respiratory system.

Fumes

Now on the other side of that coin are the fumes given off by the paint. And truly there is a plethora of different paints available on the market today that give off some nasty fumes.

Some paints, such as water based acrylics typically don’t give off a whole lot of fumes (strong chemical smells). However, the solvent based paints available on the market today, such as enamels and urethanes tend to give off some nasty (toxic) fumes that, when given time, will damage the respiratory system.

So, what does this mean?

Well, depending on the paint type you are using you should opt for a respirator that provides proper protection from both of the above aspects (overspray, and fume inhalation).

Keep in mind, here we are focusing on respiratory protection when airbrushing. Eye protection is another factor of concern when working with paint.

Respirator Types & Which To Use When Airbrushing

There is a massive amount of controversy out there on the topic of respirator types, and when to use them. Me personally, I consider myself to be on the cautious side of things, and prefer to take the option that is over qualified for the task, so to say.

Anyway, with that said. I did some heavy research to see what other people were using as respiratory protection devices (Respirators) when airbrushing. Granted this heavily depends on the type of paint your using, as solvent based (oil based) paints are going to require “heavier duty” filters for cleansing the chemicals and particles from the oxygen before it enters your lungs.

Basic Cloth Surgical Mask (NOT Recommended For Airbrush)

This is the type of mask you are likely to see at a doctors office, or hospital. These masks are commonly used to reduce the spread of illness, but can also be used when sanding wood, fiberglass, and other elements. However, these masks aren’t going to protect you from all contaminants in the air.

Surgical masks are not ideal to be used for spraying paint (airbrush work). Though they are better than nothing. They won’t protect you from the fumes, and they will only provide a minimal amount of protection from particles.

Basic Dust Mask (NOT Recommended For Airbrush)

The dust mask is essentially a step up from the above “Cloth Surgical Mask”. Now, is it ideal for painting? No, this mask is rather ideal for sanding paint, rather then spraying it.

The major difference between the Surgical Mask, and the Dust Mask is the fiber density. The dust mask is equipped with a thicker fiber field which helps to filter out smaller particles.

You may find that some recommend the use of dust masks when airbrushing with acrylic paints (or other water based paints). But I don’t consider a simple dust mask worth taking the risk on. Granted dust masks tend to be cheaper (Depending on the mask) but they don’t commonly fit snug on the average users face, and are not qualified to separate the fumes.

I personally have never been able to achieve a proper fit when using a dust mask, as my face must simply be shaped differently compared to the mold they used when making the mask…

That, or I have been trying to use masks that are not sized correctly for my face? Either way, I don’t prefer dust masks when airbrushing, as they don’t seal properly for me, and are rather ideal for sanding purposes only, not for painting purposes.

Painters Respirator (Recommended For Airbrush)

The painters respirator mask is ideal for those who are going to be painting with solvent based paints, as well as water based paints. These respirators basically have two filters that the air must pass through before reaching your mouth (depending on the filter style).

It’s common to see the first filtering layer remove the particulates in the air. While the second filtering layer cleans up the fumes.

If you have spent any time airbrushing with lacquers, enamels, or urethanes. You know just how bad the smell can be.

If you are going to be airbrushing any solvent based paints, it is highly advised that you get yourself a painters mask.

If you want to stay on the safe side. Then consider wearing a paint specific respirator mask when airbrushing non-toxic water based paints as well.

Granted it’s crucial you wear one when painting solvent based paints. Water based paints also have contents in them that you would be better off not inhaling.

Watch the video below for a complete break down on what to look for when selecting a respirator for airbrushing.

Video By Commando Designs

How To Choose An Airbrush Respirator

The biggest factors to consider when it comes to choosing a respirator that best suits airbrush use. Is to simply look for one that filters both paint particles, along with the paint fumes.

However, outside of that there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a respirator. Those are as follows:

Opt for a respirator that is specified as “Spray Paint Specific” (Or similar) & is NIOSH Approved.
Look for a common (easily accessible) respirator, by a reputable company (this will make things like spare filters easier to find)
Proper Fit is a must (it needs to seal around your face snug, in order to prevent leaks)
Ensure filters can be purchased separately for future replacement. (Will be cheaper)
Read reviews on the respirator your likely to choose (Get a good understanding as to how people use the product, and how well it works)
Go to the companies website if possible for further information on the respirator. (If seller doesn’t providing enough info.)

My recommended respirator for airbrush use is anything paint compliant by “3M”, however due to current economic events respirator options have dwindled. Nonetheless, a closely related 3M option is this one: Listed Here on Amazon.

Conclusion

All in all, a good quality respirator is a must have when it comes to doing any paint work with an airbrush. Simply not using a respirator can lead to health problems later on down the road.

We want to avoid that as much as possible.

To best protect yourself from the harmful, and toxic fumes given off when painting be sure to use a paint specific (or similar) respirator.

I strongly recommend against using a simple dust mask when it comes to your respiratory protection. For further information regarding respirators, do some looking around on the OSHA, & CDC websites.

Anyway, I hope you were able to find some value here! If you have any further questions regarding the airbrush do be sure to take a look around the website. Airbrush Insider is dedicated to helping all in the airbrush community!

This is Colt signing off!

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