rattle can paint job (self protection)

hey everyone. hope your christmas went well. i think im going to start a rattle can paint job when the weather gets warmer. but heres the thing. im going to try to set it up in my basement. i have lots of empty space down there and i dont have a garage. what kinda ventilation would be adequate and also and most importantly what kind of breathing filter should i use? just a normal face mask. or should i invest into an actual gas mask style one. just curious. thanks.

keep in mind im trying to spend as little money as possible...without killing myself.

 

I've got the itch to do my frame and swingarm too, but I'll tell you, I'm
a. waiting for warmer wx
and
b. doing it outside. Not sure if you are married or not, but I know my wife would go off the deep end

 

i paint in my basement in a made up booth all winter long...it is open enough to not asfixiate me. plus my stairwell to the basement is a straight shot to my patio door and is closed off from the upstairs living area. so when I paint i open that door and the fumes rise up the stairs and out. Just don't do stupid stuff and you'll be okay...

 

oh really. cuase id really like to do it now in the winter. can you give me more details how you have your booth set up? what do you do about tempretures? do you use a heater of some sort? or do you let it just dry cold. also what about face protection?

 

For rattle can use, you should use a cartridge type mask as the paper masks do not filter to the degree one should use. Another strike against the paper filter is that they do not protect against solvents (organic vapors). You should look for filter cartridges that have an activated charcol and particulate filters. Here is a link to a little (and I mean just a little) bit of knowledge about respirators. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respirator
I would suggest you approach your local body shop supplier for assistance in selecting a good half face with the proper cartridges. I own and use both 3-M and North products (I prefer the North, better fitment for my face) but they are by no means the only suppliers out there.
Harbor Freight sells a decent 3-M half face and cartridges for about $35. But don't let price be the selling point on your selection. Fitment should be your primary concern. A poorly fitting mask can be as useful as a bandana (and that ain't much boys and girls).
You can also check with the better stocked automotive supply stores (the Pep Boys out here carry them). But I will re-emphasize, you must have a properly fitting mask so don't let the boob behind the counter be your final input on mask selection.
Things to consider:
1. Does it fit snugly and comfortably around your nose and mouth?
Perform a pressure/pull-down test on the mask. With the mask secured to your face, block the exhaust port and you should feel the mask gasket surface float up off of your face as you exhale. This means the one-way check valves are working. They will ensure that no unfiltered air makes it's way back into your mask. Block the intake port(s) of the cartridge(s) and inhale slighly. You should feel the mask being drawn down against your face tightly. Hold your breath for a short while, the seal should hold without vacuum loss. If the unit you select performs well for these tests, you should have a winner. Be sure that the elastic straps are in good condition and not worn out or trashed. This test should be performed every time you put the mask on to ensure it is functioning properly.
2. Is an appropriate type of cartridge available for this type of mask?
Not a whole lot of good owning a mask that cannot protect you against what you are exposed to.
3. Are you in a good state of health?
Use of a respirator usually requires a physical in most industrial applications. They are a burden upon your respiratory system and will tax your breathing over long periods of time. Some folks can't hack it and should not wear them (this suggests they should also avoid situations that would require respiratory protection).
Note: Thoroughly clean and dry the mask after each day's use. Place it in a ziplock baggie for the next use.
This information is general in nature and not intended to be the final say on whether or not any one product is fit for use for intended function or for that person. Use VERY cautious judgment in selecting the proper equipment as a poor choice can harm you irrevocably! If you have any doubts or questions, PLEASE contact an industrial hygenist for guidance.

 

one other question...is your furnace down there? Electiric or gas? Because if you've got a gas furnace or water heater down there with an open flame, Paint fumes + open flame = er...uh...bad things man, bad things.

 

digitalbroccoli is right on the propellant in rattle can paint is propane. So be careful.

 

I'll take a pic of my setup tomorrow and yes i use a respirator mask with carbon cartridges from harbor freight. I was sick of the dried up paint boogers

 

When I lived in Sheboygan, I had a back room (of course it was by the boilers), I did my Tank, Fairing, and a few odds and ends down there. Like some of the the other comments, works better single than married, wife would wake up pissed due to the smell in the house. Other than that, I didnt use any respirators or such, I also did a good portion of the painting with krylon. at least with the snow showing up this weekend again, now would be a good time to start.

 

thanks for all the responses guys. i dunno now i got doubts. a) yes i have a gas furnace down in the basement and i dont want to blow myself up lol and b) i wouldnt want the fumes to come up through into the house. that would suck too. so i dunno maybe i should think of a differnt place to do it.

really wishing i had that garage right about now.

 

If you could get your hands on a storage shed... They are not cheap but can sometimes be had for free from folks that want them hauled off! Pour a cheap slab or set up a plywood deck and you have a workspace, just got to figure out how to keep it warm and lit.

 

framing was a screen door setup that covered the garage door opening I guess, it was at my house when I bought it. I just bought a roll of 3 mil plastic sheeting and cut and stapled it to the framing. The wood overhead is a piece of 1 by with some eye bolts affixed to it. frame is hinged and folds up to carry outside to 2nd garage in the spring/summer months.