Spray painting involves using force, usually generated by compressed air, to produce a highly pressurized liquid vapor that shoots through the air and attaches to the substrate, creating a smooth, even coating. The technique of spray-painting is an incredibly effective way to achieve a quick, even coating over a large area. However, due to the equipment and materials involved, spray painting also introduces a unique set of hazards. In this post, Blue Door Painters discusses some of the critical safety concerns involved with spray painting and gives tips on how to use this powerful tool with maximum safety.
Most of the safety hazards arising from spray painting have to do with the fact that the paint spends time as a vapor. Most paint (and other coatings) transforms from a liquid to a solid as it is spread on a surface and dries or cures, but spray painting involves a third step: the vaporization of the paint so that it can be sprayed, rather than rolled or brushed. Spraying separates the particles of paint and distributes them evenly into the air. This third state of matter introduces several additional hazards.
First, spray painting increases the risk of fire. The mist produced by a spray painting device is particularly flammable, because the mist contains the perfect balance of fuel and air for ignition. The spraying area needs to be kept at least 20 feet away from any potential source of ignition, including all sparks (static, cigarette lighters, electric circuits, equipment, etc) and heat. Inspect all spraying equipment, especially for flaws in the cords and electrical elements, as these may become potential sources of heat or sparks. Do not use damaged equipment, and make sure that the grounding devices for all equipment are in adequate working order. Keep a fire extinguisher handy while spraying.
Second, the vapor state turns coatings into something that humans can inhale. Nearly all paints or other materials that might be used in a spraying device are toxic to be inhaled, so the spray form of the substance is more dangerous than the initial liquid. In order to mitigate the risk of inhalation, always ensure that there is adequate ventilation whenever you are spray painting.
Great care should be taken when working indoors to use fans, open windows, and air filters. In fact, spraying indoors involves such a high risk to air quality and property damage that it is not recommended that it be undertaken other than by trained professionals. Consult the manufacturer safety recommendations on your spraying equipment before spraying indoors.
For outdoor projects, attention should be payed to the wind direction, and eye and respiratory protection (ie, goggles and a face mask) should be used while spraying. Anyone who does not need to be in the vicinity during spraying should clear the area.
Finally, fluids under high pressure (and the mechanism that transforms the liquid into vapor does so by forcing it out through the spray nozzle at high speeds) can penetrate the skin and cause extremely serious injection injuries that can lead to amputation. NEVER point a spray gun at another person. Always check that the pressure settings match the manufacturer recommendation prior to use, and do not remove or modify any part of the spray gun. When the spray gun is not in use, set the safety latch in the ‘safe’ position. Consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for how far to hold the spray paint gun away from the wall or surface you are spraying, so that injurie so not occur from splash-back, and the coating result is as even and beautiful as possible.
With these safety recommendations in mind, you are now ready to add this powerful tool to your painting and redecorating arsenal. Paint on!