Top 8 Best Respirators For Spray Painting (2023 Review)

Last Updated On September 22, 2023

Are you looking for the perfect respirator to use for your next spray painting project?

You've come to the right place!

In this ProPaintCorner.com guide, you will learn:

  • What you need to know about using a respirator
  • What the different types of paint respirator masks are
  • How to choose a quality respirator to invest in

And much more!

Top 8 Best Respirators For Spray Painting (2020 Review)

Below is a quick list of all our top products. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose and use a paint respirator!

Image Product

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NASUM Reusable Half Face Paint Respirator
  • Dual-filtration system
  • Made from food grade silicone for comfort
  • Easy to breathe
  • Dual-filtration system
  • Made from food grade silicone for comfort
  • Easy to breathe
View on Amazon

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3M Half Face Reusable Respirator 6300
  • Easily cleaned for reuse
  • Comes with 3M filter replacements
  • Inexpensive
  • Easily cleaned for reuse
  • Comes with 3M filter replacements
  • Inexpensive
View on Amazon

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HAOX 15-in-1 Full Face Large Respirator
  • Full-face protection
  • Works with 5N11 filtration
  • Comes with organic vapor cartridge
  • Full-face protection
  • Works with 5N11 filtration
  • Comes with organic vapor cartridge
View on Amazon

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RANKSING Reusable Half Face Respirator
  • High efficiency 90 grade filter
  • Easily replaceable filter
  • Won’t fog glasses
  • High efficiency 90 grade filter
  • Easily replaceable filter
  • Won’t fog glasses
View on Amazon

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NASUM M201 Half Face Respirator
  • Easily adjustable headband
  • Food grade silicone is comfortable for face
  • Dual filtration to protect against organic compounds
  • Easily adjustable headband
  • Food grade silicone is comfortable for face
  • Dual filtration to protect against organic compounds
View on Amazon

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RANKSING 2 Piece Gas Proof Respirator
  • Easy to breathe in
  • Filters formaldehyde
  • Easily adjustable
  • Easy to breathe in
  • Filters formaldehyde
  • Easily adjustable
View on Amazon

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NASUM 308 Half Face Cover Respirator
  • Comes with goggles and ear plugs
  • Filters most dusts
  • Comfortable headband
  • Comes with goggles and ear plugs
  • Filters most dusts
  • Comfortable headband
View on Amazon

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SYINE Half Face Reusable Spray Paint Respirator
  • Comes with one pair of cartridges
  • Dual filter design
  • Multi-purpose uses
  • Comes with one pair of cartridges
  • Dual filter design
  • Multi-purpose uses
View on Amazon

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated On September 22, 2023

Our top choice respirators is this amazing NASUM Half Face Respirator.

This half mask is built with an incredible filtration system that not only works to filter our organic vapors but also dust that may be produced from sanding or welding.

Not only that, but it's super comfortable and easy to adjust to fit your face comfortably.

If you're looking for an affordable reusable respirator that will work for multiple DIY projects, this is the one for you.

What Do You Need To Know About Using A Respirator?

Whether you've used a respirator before or you're new to the game, there are a few things you should know before jumping into buying a paint respirator to add to your toolkit.

Safety Isn't An Option

First things first, we need to get clear on something: 

If you're working with toxic chemicals or harmful dust particles from painting or sanding, you need to get a respirator and eye protection.

This is essential because if these dusts or chemicals get into your lungs or your eyes, they can cause all sorts of health problems in the short and long term.

The same goes for protecting your hands and skin from exposure to these things because chemicals can still be absorbed into your bloodstream if they come into contact with your skin.

These chemicals can prove to be huge occupational safety hazards for those working with them often.

So much so that the national institute for public health has done numerous studies on the long-term health damage these chemicals produce.

Which is why it's so important to find the right safety gear for you when you're working around harmful dusts and caustic chemicals.

Fit Is Essential

All of that is great, but if you don't get the mask fitted to your face precisely, it's not going to do the best job at filtering out the toxic chemicals and dust particles.

While this might create a few uncomfortable pressure points on your face, it's absolutely essential for creating that tight seal that you need in order for a particulate respirator to do its job.

Even the best mask in the world can't prevent dust particles from getting through gaps near the face.

Luckily, most masks (especially the ones on this list) are very easy to adjust and have soft, silicone straps that are comfortable for the skin.

Respirator Filters Are Important

The next thing to understand is that choosing a mask with the proper filters for the work you'll be doing is essential.

Some respirators are geared toward filtering out dust particles like welding dust, sanding dust, and much more.

However, if you're looking for a mask to use specifically for different painting projects like spray painting, you need to ensure that the mask you choose is meant to filter out toxic fumes like formaldehyde and other oil-based chemicals that are released during those painting processes.

Dual Cartridge Respirators Are Best For Spray Painting

This brings us to the wonderful world of dual cartridge respirators and specifically respirators with carbon filters and a vapor filter.

These are going to be key for keeping those toxic chemicals from reaching your lungs while you're working on a DIY project.

These dual cartridge respirators have a series of respirator filters in place that essentially pre-filter the chemicals out and as the air moves through each filtration step it gets cleaner and cleaner until it finally reaches your mouth.

Read More >> What Are The Best Spray Paints For Graffiti?

Did you know: Most spray paints are oil-based. This means that they're not water soluble (like permanent markers) which is why they're harder to remove.

What Are The Different Types of Respirators To Choose From?

The good news is there are tons of different types of respirators that you can choose from depending on your own preferences and needs.

Whichever style you pick, you still need to ensure it's fitted well and it has the best filters for the work you're doing.

But beyond that, each type has it's own benefits and drawbacks.

Full Face Respirators

Full face mask respirators are less common than half-face respirators.

However, they can be an excellent choice for those looking for an added boost of protection and those who hate using safety goggles or safety glasses.

These respirators create a full face shield of protection which is excellent if you're doing a lot of sanding or working around dust and spray painting chemicals at the same time.

Our #3 pick on this list 

Half Face Respirators

Half face respirators are far more common and make up the bulk of the masks on this list.

Half face respirators are often preferred by users because they only cover part of the face and allow you to choose whatever safety glasses you want to use.

They also tend to be a bit cheaper than full-face respirators (not always, but usually).

Read More >> How Do You Remove Spray Paint From Bricks?

Disposable Masks

The last type we'll go over is the disposable masks which are great if you only work with paint sometimes, however they will cost more in the long run because they don't have reusable filters so you need to use a new mask each time.

They're also not quite as effective at filtering toxic chemicals as the other types of respirators out there because their filtration systems aren't as complex.

These are really much better suited for use as a dust mask to prevent inhalation of dust particles.

Read More >> What Are The Best Air Compressors For Spray Painting?

How Do You Choose The Best Respirator For Spray Painting?

So how exactly do you choose the best respirator for your purposes?

It ultimately comes down to a few key factors that will help you decide which type of mask is best for you:

  1. What types of projects do you do most? (Spray painting, sanding, etc.)
  2. What types of paints do you work with the most? (Latex-based paints or oil-based paints/solvents.)
  3. How long do you think you'll need the respirator for? (One-off project vs. consistent projects.)

Answering these 3 questions will help guide you toward the right respirator type for you and make it much easier to find one that fits your needs and your budget!

Our Buying Guide For The Best Respirators For Spray Painting

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NASUM made this amazing half-face mask paint respirator that works well for more than just spray painting.

It will keep those paint fumes and harmful chemicals from reaching your lungs whether you're using a can of spray paint or a paint sprayer on your next home improvement project.

Plus, it comes with 2 replaceable filters so you won't need to buy any of those upfront to get started using this respirator.

This is truly an excellent choice for those looking to add a high-quality respirator to their arsenal for a variety of DIY projects.

Pros

  • Dual-filtration system
  • Made from food-grade silicone for comfort
  • Easy to breathe

Cons

  • Nose bridge can be a bit uncomfortable or tight
  • Replacement filters can be a bit pricey

Our best budget choice is this epic 3M Half Face Reusable Respirator.

This face mask is actually quite affordable for a 3M product but it doesn't compromise on safety or effectiveness either.

Plus, this mask is NIOSH approved for safety and negative air pressure which makes it an excellent choice for filtering out dust particles as well as volatile organic compounds from paint.

While it doesn't come with the classic 3M Cool Flow Valve like some of the more expensive masks, it is still an excellent choice for a spray paint mask.

Pros

  • Easily cleaned for reuse
  • Comes with 3M filter replacements
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Can cause pain on nose bridge when sealed tightly
  • Not great for people with large heads

Our high-end choice is this full-face respirator from HAOX which functions as a 15-in-1 respirator.

This is by far the most advanced mask on our list, and it's only a bit more expensive than some of the others.

However, it does an excellent job for filtering out toxic chemicals as well as dust particles.

Our high-end choice is this full-face respirator from HAOX which functions as a 15-in-1 respirator.

This is by far the most advanced mask on our list, and it's only a bit more expensive than some of the others.

However, it does an excellent job for filtering out toxic chemicals as well as dust particles.

It also comes with an organic vapor cartridge that works well for all sorts of DIY projects.

Plus, because it's a full-face respirator, it gives you a larger field of view without the need for safety goggles or other forms of personal protective equipment.

So, if you're looking for an awesome full-face respirator, this is the one we'd recommend.

Pros

  • Full-face protection
  • Works with 5N11 filtration
  • Comes with organic vapor cartridge

Cons

  • A bit on the pricey side
  • Shipping can take a while

This RANKSING Reusable Half-Face respirator is an excellent dust-proof respirator that also works for spray painting and various other home improvement projects.

This respirator has a dual filtration system that makes it easy to breathe while also ensuring safety by filtering all toxic chemicals and gases.

Plus, this half facepiece has a wide range of applications, from sanding to welding to chemical cleaning.

It comes at a decent price for how robust and effective this mask is. It's a great purchase if you're looking for something with a high-end feel at a reasonable price.

Pros

  • High-efficiency 90-grade filter
  • Easily replaceable filter
  • Won't fog glasses

Cons

  • Does have a rubber smell that needs to be aired out before first use
  • Somewhat bulky compared to other styles

This reusable face mask by NASUM is one of their higher-end masks, which means it has a longer lifespan and doesn't require constant changing of the reusable filter cartridges.

Plus, this particular model comes with 2 filter cartridge boxes and 4 cotton filters as well so there's less of an upfront cost.

Many users of this mask agree that's it's pretty comfortable and easy to adjust and it comes with an anti-fogging coating for those who need to use safety goggles with this mask.

Pros

  • Easily adjustable headband
  • Food grade silicone is comfortable for face
  • Dual filtration to protect against organic compounds

Cons

  • Prices vary and can be a bit expensive at times
  • Is hard to talk with the mask on

Our next choice by RANKSING is this amazing gas-proof respirator that has activated carbon filters for filtering dust particles and toxic chemicals like formaldehyde.

This respirator is an excellent balance of high powered filtration and ease of breathing so you won't be huffing and puffing trying to catch your breath but you'll be fully protected from dust and gases.

Plus, this comes with 2 cotton filters and 2 filter cartridges, as well as 2 filter covers so you'll be fully stocked up and ready to go!

Pros

  • Easy to breathe in
  • Filters formaldehyde
  • Easily adjustable

Cons

  • Some users reported still being able to smell gases or fumes while using

Our next choice is a high-end choice for a reusable half-mask respirator.

This is NASUM's 308 respirator and it's a fantastic paint respirator mask that also happens to come with safety goggles that work well with the mask and have a great field of vision. 

They also won't cause fogging and will make it much easier for you to work on whatever project you're taking on.

Pros

  • Comes with goggles and earplugs
  • Filters most dust
  • Comfortable headband

Cons

  • Slight rubber smell that needs to be aired out before first use
  • No charcoal filter (not ideal for painting with oil-based paints)

Our final choice is this SYINE Half-Face Reusable Respirator that is specifically made for spray paint.

The filter level is a P95 and the mask has a dual cartridge design that makes it perfect for protecting against organic vapors when painting.

It's a fantastic multi-purpose respirator for multiple amateur and professional uses that involve the use of toxic chemicals.

Plus, it's lightweight and easy to adjust even if you've never used a respirator before.

Pros

  • Comes with one pair of cartridges
  • Dual filter design
  • Multi-purpose uses

Cons

  • Filter cartridges are sometimes unavailable on Amazon
  • Has a smell that needs to air out before the first use

Overall, our top choice is still this high-quality NASUM Half Face Mask Respirator because it truly provides one of the best particulate filters for the price point.

While the replaceable filters are a bit on the pricey end, this mask does an excellent job of filtering out paint fumes and all sorts of other dust.

If you're looking for a stellar multi-purpose respirator, look no further than this awesome one by NASUM.

Plus, it's such a great value for the money. Find it at the latest price on Amazon now!

Meet Your Pro Paint Corner Author

Madison Rude

Madison Rude

I’m kind of a painting nerd. My mom taught me how to paint when I was nine, and since then I’ve painted rooms, furniture...you name it. I’ve written technical advice for Wagner sprayers, and I’ve spent a lot of time DIYing my own home. I’m no expert, but I love to learn. And here at ProPaintCorner, I learn more about painting every time I work with one of our painting pros to bring you the best product reviews and How To advice available. Together, let’s make your next painting project the best it can be!

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Madison Rude

Madison Rude

I’m kind of a painting nerd. My mom taught me how to paint when I was nine, and since then I’ve painted rooms, furniture...you name it. I’ve written technical advice for Wagner sprayers, and I’ve spent a lot of time DIYing my own home. I’m no expert, but I love to learn. And here at ProPaintCorner, I learn more about painting every time I work with one of our painting pros to bring you the best product reviews and How To advice available. Together, let’s make your next painting project the best it can be!

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