Sunday, September 30, 2012

3M TEKK Sanding and Fiberglass Valved Respirator

The single most important step to a durable, long lasting finish is prep work. I always start by sanding my furniture. When I'm prepping for paint, I do not sand down to the bare wood, but do sand off about 70-80% of the existing finish, weather it's paint or stain. While I'm outside, hovering over said piece of furniture, I'm usually standing in a cloud of dust full of contaminates from the existing finish that I just sanded off. If you're sanding an older piece, you're very possibly dealing with lead particles.. mixed with paint particles...

mixed with wood particles... not to mention all of the other unknown things that could've been lingering on that piece for years!
I then prime
Primer acts as a bonding agent between the wood and the paint. If you sand really well, and use a quality brand of paint, this step can be skipped. However, when I paint for a client, I always prime. Primers don't play around when it comes to chemicals and odor. If you've ever been outside spraying something with primer and the wind blows in back into your your face- I'm sure you'll agree that it's not a very fun experience. This is a good example of where the phrase ''painter's cough'' comes from- not familiar? It can be compared to ''smoker's cough''.

The single most important step to protect your body against the aliments of prep work- a good respirator. It may be a little more comfortable not to wear something wrapped around your head but do. it. anyway. It's not worth the risk of effecting your health! Always, always, always protect yourself. The particles and the chemicals mentioned earlier are not things you want in your lungs!

I've found that the Sanding and Fiberglass Valved Respirator by 3Mtekk is a good choice if you're refinishing furniture. It's well made, inexpensive, and disposable. I personally think it's the most comfortable disposable respirator that I've used, as well. Not to mention the quality of 3M in general doesn't leave me wondering if any of that dust is sneaking into my mask- peace of mind means a lot to me! 
If you're dealing with the possibility of your existing finish being lead based, they have a respirator made just for that =) Try 3Mtekk's Lead Paint Removal Valved Respirator 

Both masks can be found at your local Home Depot =)

Don't forget your safety glasses!
-Audra

This was a sponsored post brought to you by 3M tekk-  all opinions are my own.

2 comments:

  1. Audra, I'm seriously wondering if I might have "painter's cough". I've been coughing since mid-july, and been to the dr. 3 times. They have done a chest x-ray and have said I'm all clear. It's somewhat under control with zyrtec and cough meds, but it's still around. I use Annie Sloan's chalk paint almost exclusively, but I do sand. and I don't wear a mask :( My next step is a Pulmonologist if this cough persists. I hadn't really thought about the painting and sanding. yikes!

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