Is this a good respirator?

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

So my dad purchased this respirator, and I was wondering if it is good for models.

It is rated as a P100 filter, and it blocks 99% of particles. But, when I sprayed Tamiya surface primer in my garage, I could smell the fumes. I was wearing this respirator, while spraying the primer. Does that mean this respirator is not good?

If you want some more research, here is the product, as well as the cartrige.

2

Hi TM,

If you can smell the paint, that it’s not what you want to use. Look for one that works on paint, solvents, or organic vapors.

I use one like this from the same site.

3

If you can smell anything it’s not effective or not fitted right.Did you not see the type I posted on your other thread.

4

I get these at harbor freight, disposable but good for a lot of uses and come in two or three sizes depending on the size of your dome

https://www.harborfreight.com/p95-maintenance-free-dual-cartridge-respirator-66554.html

5

Here is the one I use. fit is comfortable and snug. I don’t smell any fumes. I bought the compatible cartridges.

6

Thanks for the tip. I’m pretty sure I can buy a cartridge for organic vapors for the type.

7

The P100 might cover your need actually. But does the mask fit your face nice and snug enough to form a seal ? These masks generally are sold size specific. S M L XL. You want one that fits tight to your facial features and leaves no gaps.

Additionally the 3M and maybe others, have an outer hepa layer so the particles are caught in that, then the carbon fiber cartridge itself eats the vapors. You literally smell nothing but clean air even in a paint booth where you see dimly across the room through the mist in an extreme case of over spray ( been there done that).

8

Yeah, I made sure to test it right. I checked both positive and negative pressure checks, and they all were fine. I tested the mask by smelling a bottle of Tamiya Acrylics, but it went through, and could still smell the paint. I made sure it was right in front of the filter and not anywhere else, so I could make sure that the filter was a problem.