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How to Choose the Right Protective Gear for Painting

by Chelsea Creekmore

When beginning any home improvement or construction project, it’s vital to take the proper precautions and wear protective gear, even for painting. Exterior and interior paints often contain harmful chemicals that you may accidentally ingest, inhale, or absorb into your skin. Protective gear, like paint masks, helps you avoid breathing in those fumes.

Painter wearing a paint suit and paint mask using paint supplies, like tape, to prep the space near Central Tennessee!
At Hoover Paint, we’ve been the local paint supply store in Central Tennessee for over 60 years. We offer a range of high-quality paint supplies and tools, including paint suits and masks, to aid you in completing your job safely.

When Should I Use Protective Gear?

There are times you should use protective painting gear, even if it doesn't seem like a big deal, including:

If You’re Pregnant

One reason to wear protective painting gear is if you're pregnant. Wearing a paint mask is a safety issue for you and the baby. If possible, ask someone else to paint for you. If that's not an option, open all the windows and wear a paint mask.

If You’re Using Spray Paint or a Paint Sprayer

Another situation where protective gear is essential is if you're using a paint sprayer or spray paint. The aerosol and the chemicals in the paint can cause short-term health effects if you inhale them. They're leaving the sprayer as a mist, making the drops smaller and more likely to enter your lungs. This situation can lead to side effects, such as:

  • Dizziness.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Skin irritation.

For this reason, we strongly recommend wearing a full body paint suit, including a paint mask and eye protection.

Does the Paint Type Matter for Protective Gear?

Yes, the type of paint does matter when considering using protective gear. Here are a couple of paint types and our recommendations for protecting yourself:

  • Water-Based Paints: The risks of using water-based paints are usually minimal unless it's windy, you're using a paint sprayer, or you're pregnant. However, if it’s windy, wear a paint suit, paint mask, and protective eyewear.
  • Oil-Based Paints: Protective equipment is vital for oil-based paints or paint thinners due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and solvents. VOCs are chemical groups that can reduce indoor air quality and negatively affect health if exposed to high levels.

If you're unsure what type of paint you’re working with, ask one of our helpful staff members, and we’ll gladly help you find the right combination of protective gear for your project.

Types of Protective Gear

You can use several kinds of protective gear during any painting project, whether professional or DIY. However, if you're using water-based paints and painting some walls, you're less likely to need them.

Different types of protective gear include:

  • Respirator masks.
  • Nitrile gloves.
  • Eye protection.
  • Disposable paint suit. 
  • Fabric paint masks.

Shop Quality Paint Supplies and More Near Central Tennessee

Protective gear does a lot more than keep your clothes clean. It ensures you protect your skin from irritating chemicals. Please speak with our knowledgeable team at Hoover Paint to learn more about protective gear, such as paint suits and paint masks.

Get started today by contacting us online, calling (615) 893-5756, or visiting one of our stores. We have locations in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Cool Springs, Shelbyville, Cookeville, Green Hills, Manchester, Mt. Juliet, Clarksville, Pleasant View, and West Nashville, Tennessee, and we proudly serve our surrounding communities.

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