Hello again Eric. I have a Respirator that I use for spraying primers,paints (basecoat) and clears. It is a Comfo respirator (msa) p/n459029 . and I am using the screw in type fiters,Binks number 4899 chemical cartridge for organic vapors. My question is this: Am I using the correct respirator and cartridges for spraying epoxy primers,basecoat/clearcoats ?? It covers my nose and mouth with two adjustable straps. Thanks,Mark ----------------------------------------------------------------------------1968 Chevelle Mailbu (Weekend Cruiser) 1968 El Camino (Daily Driver)

Sevt Chev. Martin Sr. or knowledgeable person, can anyone verify ? Mark

I dont know anything about your model of respirator, I only know about SAS and 3M.

Anyway it SHOULD have two filters, a white prefilter(kinda cotton looking thing) and a charcoal/organic filter.
The white filter needs to have a rating of P95.

The thing to remember about filters is that they are ONLY good for a total of 8 hrs of exposure once opened. So say you open it up in the morning and just throw on the toolbox, by the next day those filters are JUNK!!!

Only open up the mask once you are ready to spray. Then once you are done spraying put the mask back in a sealed bag. Doing so will extend the filter life as they are no longer exposed to the envirnoment.

Also if you can seprate the white filter from the charcoal filter. if you throw BOTH filters in the same sealed bag the charcoal filter will continue to draw out the nasty stuff from the white filters.

So once you are done spraying its BEST to remove the white filters from the charcoal filters then place them in seprate sealed bags. Ziplock bags work great.

3M makes three type of masks.
The first one under part number 07193, which is a disposable mask. Once you have reached the 8hr you throw the WHOLE mask away. The filters CAN NOT be removed from the mask. Basically it a one or two time once mask. In my oponion its junk.

The second mask is under part 07179
Its basically the same type of mask as the 07193, but the filters can be removed from the mask. Same nosepiece and straps but the filters come off.

The third and the BEST mask is under 37079
Its the PRO model mask, made of totally different plastic and nosepiece. It forms around the face much better and provides a better seal then any other mask Ive had.
This mask is blue in color where all other 3M masks are gray, so its easy to identify it.
The filters on this mask can be removed also.
In my opinion this IS the THE mask to buy, it will cost around 25 bucks.

Replacement parts for the 2 and 3 third masks are.
07195 or 07046 for the charcoal/organic filters
07194 for the P95 white pre filters.

SAS is a ok mask. I just dont like the way they fit and they also seem to loosen during usage. They're strap mounting system sucks, the masks just dont stay tight.

THANKS ALOT for all that info. Eric. I will call my paint shop tomorrow and ask about the 3M Mask #37079. Thanks,MARK

Make sure it fits with an air tight seal. Maybe Eric could go into some detail about the fitment and testing procedures for these to make sure they are properly sealed against your face.

Mark keep in mind that they do make three sizes of each type of mask, small, med and large.
The part numbers for the PRO mask would:
small-37077
med-37078
large-37079

Not knowing your build or face type its hard to say what size will fit.
Am about 6'1 and 160lbs with normal sized head, I wear a large PRO model mask.
The first two types of masks I wear a med, because they dont form fit as well as the PRO model so the smaller size fits better.

When putting on the mask Ive been told its best to start at the bottom strap then apply the head strap. Keep the mask on the lower portion of the face, if it rides high it wont get a good seal aroun the mouth.

Once you have the mask on a good way to check if its tight enough and sealed properly is take your hand and place it OVER the exhaust valve of the mask. Now exhaul this will pressurize the inside of the mask, air SHOULD NOT excape from the mask. If you have an air leak readjust the mask on the face first and try again.
If problems still occur adjust the straps.

Too tight straps can be just as bad as too loose straps.

Also make sure you have NO facial hear as it will prevent a good seal.

Exactly correct. You can also spray something scented around the mask while covering the cartridges and breathe in at the same time.If you smell it then readjust till u cant. It can be tested on inhaling and exhaling.

Are they ok for all Dupont urethanes etc.

No you need to buy a special filters for Dupont products ;)

Are the ones that are compatible Binks 1604 Charcoal filters if you know?

Am only kidding ya.
As long as they meet the above mentioned info they will be fine.

Anyway it SHOULD have two filters, a white prefilter(kinda cotton looking thing) and a charcoal/organic filter.
The white filter needs to have a rating of P95.

The thing to remember about filters is that they are ONLY good for a total of 8 hrs of exposure once opened. So say you open it up in the morning and just throw on the toolbox, by the next day those filters are JUNK!!!