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So, I've been looking for a half mask in the UK and appropriate filters to use while airbrushing. I'm only airbrushing acrylics at the moment, though that could change. I've checked the likes of B&Q, Homebase, Wikes, Halfords which don't really sell much, or they have low ratings. I had slightly better luck with Screwfix, however all masks with replaceable filters are order in only (and I live fairly far away from the closest store).

I tried looking around to see if I thought they would fit OK at a glance, realistically I figured most would be sized to fit men, comparatively my face is probably quite small. With this being a bust I am now looking online.

But then I get confused with filter and types also, there’s lots of random letters and numbers and I can at best figure from the description, best to check I think with people who know.

So this -> http://www.amazon.co.uk/Moldex-898225-Series-Medium-Reusable/dp/B002SHR3ZS/ref=sr_1_3?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1389704024&sr=1-3&keywords=half+mask

Looks comfortable, not too bulky, and priced enough for me to consider it good at a glance. Nose section in particular looks slender compared to Force 8 I was looking at, I want something that won't disrupt my glasses much.
It says
The P3 R D particulate protects against all dusts, mists and fumes (based on water and oil). - Is water and oil based enough?
Seems to come with filters.

Will that do the job?

I can't tell from that listing if it comes with any filters or not. The Mask can take P3 filters or ABEK filters which you can buy separately, but it's not clear to me whether any are included in that item.

You would want P3 filters, ABEK would be overkill and significantly more expensive. ABEK filters come with carbon to absorb gases, P3 filters take out liquids and particulates which is what you'd need for acrylics.

If you got into something that was giving off quantities of gases, you could add ABEK filters to that mask later if it didn't come with any now.




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Mind you I'll be casting about for one of these as a freebie from work when I get my airbrush going

We use the 3M respirator filter guide at work which might help - If you google "respirator filter guide" its one of the first three links usually.

As richred says P3 is probably the way to go for airbrushing, the alternative being a spray booth to extract the fumes. I picked up a portable one (ideal for my small house) for about £50 and it came with a hose to stick out of the window. I'm not sure its perfect but my check on it (tissue in the extract) showed that it was extracting the paint particulates well and I didn't have the classic sign of inhaling particulates - black bogeys!

Finally if you are really concerned about inhaling fumes and particulates and always where safety is concerned I would suggest paying a few more quid with a reputable retailer than ebay or a random online shop. You were quite right to look at screwfix they have a good range of professional quality products that will not be knock offs/fakes.

Does it need to be one with replaceable filters?

I use this one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/3M-4251-Maintenance-Reusable-respirator/dp/B000VDPNCQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1389816237&sr=1-1&keywords=half+mask+3m and suspect it will be a fair while before it needs replacing, but I suppose it depends on how much airbrushing you're doing. I find it comfortable and the straps are a good length so it should adjust to fit even a very small head.