A: For any spray painting session involving solvent-based materials: a half-face respirator with organic vapor cartridges (not a dust mask — dust masks do not filter solvent vapor), nitrile gloves rated for solvent contact, and a disposable coverall to protect skin and clothing. For waterborne materials in a well-ventilated space: the respirator remains important as atomized waterborne paint still contains harmful particulates, gloves are recommended, coverall optional. Eye protection (safety glasses minimum, goggles preferred) is always required — atomized paint at spray pressure causes eye injury faster than most people expect. Never substitute a dust mask for a respirator cartridge when spraying any coating material.

A: Match cartridge type to material chemistry. For solvent-based automotive paints, clears, and primers: organic vapor (OV) cartridges, typically color-coded black. For isocyanate-containing 2K clears and primers (the most hazardous common automotive materials): OV/P100 combination cartridges are the minimum — isocyanates are respiratory sensitizers and standard OV cartridges alone are insufficient. For waterborne materials: P100 particulate filter at minimum; OV/P100 combination is safer if any solvent is present in the formulation. Check the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for any coating material you use — it will specify the required respiratory protection under Section 8.