Do you guys wear air masks when polishing?

7

74 thing

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Since we are removing paint with abrasives I was thinking that breathing in all of this can't be good for our lungs.
 
I don't either. Of course, I don't always use a mask when I am painting body panels either.



Now, when I am painting a whole car, I use a mask.



It really wouldn't hurt at all to wear a mask while you are detailing though.
 
I never have, but I am going to start to when I use polishes that dust a lot. Especially some of the 3M Products that contain Silica (at least I think that is what is in them). Other products that don't dust at all I would not think it would be necessary. I also work outside all the time, if you are in a garage it might even be more important to wear a mask. And I am just thinking the surgical type not a painters mask or anything.
 
When I don't wear a mask, I get all stuffed up and have some wicked stuff coming out of my nose. I usually do though, especially if polishing in the garage.
 
xtahoex said:
I never have, but I am going to start to when I use polishes that dust a lot. Especially some of the 3M Products that contain Silica (at least I think that is what is in them)..
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Yeah, that's right- silica based abrasives. The only time I've bothered with a mask was with the 3m PI-II FCRC and only when I was really working with it (not just quick by-hand work). But yeah#2 breathing any of this stuff might be more of an issue for some people than for others, even if not life-threatening it can still be irritating.
 
I plan to start wearing particle masks this spring, especially if I'm in the garage. It seems to be an unnecessary risk to take, and I'm young with a healthy lifestyle--there's no reason I should put the risk on myself.
 
If you read the health warning's on the package most polishes/compounds will tell you to avoid breathing in the dust. I don't think it requires an air mask like used when painting but one of those particle masks that White95max is talking about.



That said I don't use one but probaly should. When I doing bodywork (sanding and the like) and esp when painting I use a high quality NIOSH air respirator.



Not to is to do so at your own peril.



Greg
 
Here is something I just remembered...I used to work for a custom boat trailer builder. We never wore mask for anything. I worked in several departments.. the wood department cutting bunks all day and prep department sanding and grinding trailers where the two worst places as far as dust went. Well, we had some cry babies that called MIOSHA about it so they had us all wear monitors for a couple of days to monitor the levels we where breathing in. It was not even close enough to worry about and they said mask where not needed unless we wanted to wear them. it sure can't hurt but I don't think it is needed unless you are using something really toxic.
 
Well, I knew a guy at the body shop I worked at, who would walk into the paint booth (right past the MASKS MUST BE WORN sign) and he'd paint a car with no mask on. He'd also sand and work with fiberglass without a mask on. He was a professional...he'd been doing this for decades. But that doesn't mean it's not a bad idea.

I actually had to ASK my manager for a particle mask and gloves when changing the fiberglass floor filters. Nobody there seemed to care about their health or anyone else's, which was one of the factors that contributed to my leaving that position.
 
I've primered my truck in the garage (with krylon) like 5 different times and i never wore a mask. Well the paper ones, but they didnt do anything so i took them off. After about 5 min you dont really smell it anymore. lol I may be a little slow because of it.
 
I don't right now but I think I am going to start. I have been getting bad headaches lately when out in the garage with the door shut polishing and it makes detailing very un-enjoyable. In the summer I have never had a problem since I leave the garage door open, better safe than sorry I guess...
 
This topic shouldn't have anything to do with age, or any other factor.



Masks should be worn for all polishing. The dust can not be good to breathe in. My last polishing session, I did not wear a mask, and wound up with an infection. I know this is no coincidence for me, it has happened before. I try wear masks as much as I can detailing.



Masks are very cheap. Some people are posting up about how they look "un-B.A." which should be no reason to skimp on the future of your health.
 
My thought was that when you use polish to get rid of swirls you are leveling the paint so the paint you are polishing must be in the air and if you are breathing it in this cannot be good!
 
SW-138-large.jpg




this is no ordinary cheap mask either this is "Supreme Edition Darth Vader Helmet this normally cost $1200 but i got it for less



i only use this when compounding funny thing is my neighbor look @ me weird and Strangers get a kick out of it....:p



No i dont wear a mask i should but i havent worked in a enclosed area that often i much perfer the outdoor, plus i think i would only use it when polishing stage
 
Optimum = no dust. ;)



I've never worn a mask and in nearly 13 years now full time, I haven't had any breathing problems either. Until I see a real need to wear one, I won't.
 
Djmigs said:
SW-138-large.jpg




this is no ordinary cheap mask either this is "Supreme Edition Darth Vader Helmet this normally cost $1200 but i got it for less



i only use this when compounding funny thing is my neighbor look @ me weird and Strangers get a kick out of it....:p
Click to expand...



:funnypost



LOL
 
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