If you decide to make your own paint, be sure to handle the raw
materials safely. When you are measuring pigment powders, I can guarantee that
you will generate dust. It is unlikely that you will see the dust suspended in
the air, but you will breathe it in unless you wear a dust mask. The really
fine dust particles will cause you the most health problems, because these are
the ones that will settle in the lower part of your lungs.
Also keep in mind
that some pigment particles are toxic. Some of these can contain heavy metals,
such as lead, and poisons, such as arsenic. The cloth dust masks provide
limited protection, but it is better than nothing. A better choice is to wear
either a half mask or full mask air respirator with a particulate filter.
Whatever type of dust mask you use, make sure that it is tight fitting.
Half Facepiece Reusable Respirators
Half-facepiece respirators provide many advantages over a dust mask. It fits tighter onto your face so the risk of contaminants is reduced. It accepts a variety of filter cartridges, so you can use it to filter dust as well as gases and vapors. Half masks can also be reused after cleaning.
The 3M 6000 Series and 7500 Series Half Facepiece Reusable Respirators are popular choices. Here’s why:
● Soft hypoallergenic face piece is very comfortable even for extended use.
● Snug fitting for secure protection compared to cheap dust masks.
● Lightweight.
● Easy-to-adjust head straps.
● Versatile. Great for sanding, grinding or painting applications when used with approved cartridges and filters.
● Affordably priced for any budget.
The 3M 7500 Series Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator is 3M’s top-of-the-line half face mask, which features a softer silicone plastic construction for extended wear. This mask is also preferred by painters, because paint is less likely to adhere to its slick does silicone surface.
Other Personal Protective Equipment and Safety Practices
In addition to using a dust mask, you should wear rubber gloves and keep
your skin covered. At least you should wear a long sleeve shirt. Or you could
wear a lab coat.
Before making paint, cover your work surface. Application tape is ideal
for this purpose. At the end of the day, remove and discard the tape. Wipe down
any exposed surface with a damp rag.
Pigment powders often are sold in glass containers. Cover the containers
securely when you are finished working and make sure that it is clearly marked.
While you are handling pigment powders, avoid eating, drinking and
smoking. After working with the powders, remove contaminated clothing and have
it laundered. Be sure to wash your hands and any exposed skin.
About Jim Hingst: After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.
Hingst began his career 42 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer. Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.
Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 150 articles for publications, such as Signs Canada, SignCraft, Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 450 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published. Vinyl Sign Techniques is available at sign supply distributors and at Amazon.
© 2017 Jim Hingst
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