Paint filters can be used to strain used and old paint.
The perfect finished paint job requires proper preparation, the correct applicators and contaminant-free paints. Various types of paint filters are available to ensure paint is contaminant free and that the painter can apply the product flawlessly. Paint filters are designed to directly filter paint, to remove paint overspray from the air and to protect the painter from inhaling dangerous paint fumes.
Simple Cheesecloth Filter
Cheesecloth is the simplest paint filter. If a partially used can of paint or varnish has been stored, a smart painter will strain the liquid through a cheesecloth to remove any lumps of pigment or clumps of dried paint that have accumulated in the coating. After the paint is strained through the cheesecloth by pouring it from one container to another, the cheesecloth should be disposed of properly. An old cotton T-shirt or a pair of nylon pantyhose can be used to perform the same task.
Paper Filter Funnel
Conical paper paint filters perform the same task as cheesecloth, and are a bit easier to work with. The paper filter is designed to be resistant to both solvents and water. They are suitable to strain solvent- and water-based paints. The filter is placed in the mouth of an empty 1-gallon paint can. The paint is then poured into the funnel, and filters through a nylon mesh at the tip of the strainer. Paper filter funnels are available at most commercial paint retailers.
Spray Gun Filters
Commercial spray equipment compresses and pushes paint through a high-pressure hose. At the end of the hose, a metal spray gun atomizes the paint as the liquid passes through a tiny slit in the gun's tungsten steel tip. The opening in the spray gun tip can be as small as .015 inch in diameter. To prevent the tip from becoming clogged, a metal mesh paint filter is installed in the spray gun's handle. The filter allows liquid paint to pass to the gun, and keeps any solid particulates from clogging the spray mechanism.
Paint Respirators
A paint respirator is a valuable safety filter that fits over a painter's mouth and nose. Paint respirators are designed to cover the lower half of the face, and protect the painter from dangerous concentrations of paint fumes or spray dust. The respirator is fitted with either cotton- or charcoal-filled filter cartridges. As a painter breathes, the respirator cartridges trap dangerous paint fumes and particles. While using a respirator, painters are able to work safely, even with highly toxic, solvent-based paint products.
Paint Booth Filters
Paint booth filters use a dense matrix of cotton, artificial filler or cellulose material to remove paint overspray from the air that exits a commercial paint booth. Commercial paint applications use paint spray booths to create a controlled environment, which guarantees a perfect paint finish. Some paints emit toxic fumes into the paint spray booth as the paint is used. All paints create a high concentration of paint particulates that float in the air. The paint booth filters scrub the air of paint overspray and toxic fumes before the circulating air is returned back to the surrounding environment.
