Lacquer dangers?

[StephenDeli]

Im beggining to spray only acrylics as they are less dangerous...

[RallyRaider]

If anybody is spraying lacquers without a respirator then stop right now! You need a respirator. Go to an Automotive paint shop and ask what kind you need, don't skimp, it is your health, look after it.

[mike@af]

I've been painting using lacquers, urethanes, epoxys, etc for a few years now, and I strongly advise you get a nice dual cartridge respirator.

Duplicolor's and other products that you do not get through specialty stores are less dangerous, but still dangerous. Other paints from specialty stores, like HoK, PPG (especially the some of the primers and clears), and other high end paints are definately more dangerous.

To make it short, get a respirator.

[geofroley]

Originally Posted by GTmike400

I've been painting using lacquers, urethanes, epoxys, etc for a few years now, and I strongly advise you get a nice dual cartridge respirator.

Duplicolor's and other products that you do not get through specialty stores are less dangerous, but still dangerous. Other paints from specialty stores, like HoK, PPG (especially the some of the primers and clears), and other high end paints are definately more dangerous.

To make it short, get a respirator.

Thanks Mike and everyone. Any specific brands or just dual cartridge? Should I go to an automotive store like Pep Boys? Thanks for all the help guys.

[minniebanister]

Originally Posted by geofroley

Any specific brands or just dual cartridge?

I use a dual cartridge respirator from AOSafety. You can find them via google. 3M make good respirators too I think. A respirator without cartridges should cost you $15 - $20. A pair of cartridges should run around $10 - $14. I brought mine in my local hardware store. Pep Boys ought to have the right stuff.

It's important that you buy the right cartridges. My cartridges say this on them...

For Organic Vapors, Mists of Paints, Lacquers & Enamels, Dusts, Mists, Fumes, Asbestos-Containing Dusts and Mists, Pesticides, Radionuclides and Radon Daughters (yes, they really do say that last item).

They are Combination Cartridges R51HE. ("HE" stands for "High Efficiency"). I brought them when I was removing some really old floor covering and I was scared of asbestos. You probably will not be spraying your models with asbestos so you probably only need ones which catch organic vapors and paint mists. However, if the ones which also catch particulates cost just a few dollars more, it's probably worth it.

Edit...
Hey Pat, I just noticed another thread in which you said you were gonna go to Sears. That's just the ticket! Craftsman model 18574 costs $39.99 including catridges. Replacement catridges cost $14.99. Will protect you against everything including nuclear explosions.

[mike@af]

When you go to replace the cartridges, check out some specialty carbon cartridges. I've never used them in my mask, but I've used them in a fellow painters, they are amazing. I believe the were carbon cartridges...I'll double check.