Disposable paper dust masks can be used to filter thinners and light finishing oils. To support the mask as the liquid is poured through it, I put the mask in a funnel. Now that I know what to do with the dust masks besides throwing them away, I change my masks more often and I feel less wasteful about it. The masks work better than paint filters, especially on expensive solvents like lacquer thinner.
—Michael R. Sweem, Downey, CA
Edited by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #40
A pro painter evaluates a variety of drywall sanders and dust collection systems for quality of finish, user fatigue, and more.
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View Comments
This is a great tip for maximizing shop resources, but should note that you'd want to invert the natural curve of the filter into the funnel lest you flush prior use airborne contaminants into your finish or solvents.
I concur, and I'd also be concerned about dissolving some of the particulate matter trapped in the mask, regardless of the side it went through.