Hi,

I use a similar one that Paula mentioned. I have another thread going about getting dust in your nose after painting with pastels.

You’d be surprised – for those of you who don’t think you’re breathing in pastel dust, just blow your nose after working for a while. Even with wearing a mask, I find a good amount of ‘color’ coming out (yuk)!

Makes me a bit anxious about how safe all this is???

-dk-

I’ve actually taken to using my pastels outside, lol. It doesn’t bother me there.

— Linda

I’ve been painting with pastels since 1986 (actually longer than that, although I began using them exclusively then) and never have worn a mask. I never had a lick of trouble and I know artists who have a lot longer history of pastelling with no problems.

I know of one pastelist who has been working in pastels and oils for over 40 years. When this person started coughing one winter the doctors did a huge, every which way to Sunday work-up testing absolutely everything. When all was said and done, they said to stop oil painting in a closed environment–no problems with pastels.

Deborah

Hi,

There are several protection levels on those kind of masks.
There are even some with activated coal. But for pastels, I guess that’s not needed.
In this case we’re talking about TLV / particles protection levels.
One has FP1S, FP2S and FP3S.
Then one has models with a respirator to help breathing and causing less sweat. An example of this are 3M’s 06922 FP2S (06923 is the one that is «streched») and 06933 (FP3S). All these have a respirator.
Other reliable brands are Norton and Moldex.
I think that for pastels an FP2S is enough. But only the manufacturer of the product can tell.

Kind regards,

José

P.S. In case you decide to use a paper bag with a mosquito net as a filter, don’t forget to punch some holes so that you can see.

Kind regards,

José

Mine has purple feathers
Happy Halloween

LOL…Hi Kitty Happy Halloween to you also…and to everyone!

Paula

Paula Ann Ford

My Blog
Manager of OnlineJuriedShows.com, IAPS Show Chair, Assoc. Member PSA, Member Pastel Society of Colorado, Member Adirondack Pastel Society
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I would not be able to use pastels without one. Those of you who wear no mask and have had no problems should thank your lucky stars, but please don’t assume that all people are the same as you. Don

So very true. Everyone’s health situation is different. Some of us have allergies, some don’t. Some of us have respiratory/breathing sensitivities, some don’t. Dak, I do thank my lucky stars but I also run an air filter and take precautions such as keeping pastels out of food areas. What works for one, doesn’t for another. It’s so important to do your own research, hear from others, then make your own decisions as to what you know will be the best working setup for you.

Cindy

I never wear a mask, and I’ve been pasteling almost daily for 50 years.