Yesterday, I tackled the first few steps of my long-discussed bookshelf craft table, only to be stopped short by an unexpected culprit: spray paint fumes.

These are the little buggers that got me. Since I was only doing a few coats of primer for each caster and was working outside, I thought it would be ok. But an hour later, my brain told me otherwise when it unleashed a migraine. Damn you, sensitive brain!

So I’ve realized it’s time to invest in a paint-fume blocking mechanism that’s more advanced than holding my breath.

I’m thinking something like this:

Image via amctv.com

I need the real deal, guys. The masks that can get me safely cooking meth alongside my DIY projects. (There’s a new blog idea: Making Bad—DIY and the Pleasantries of Meth).

Several friends and family recommended the masks by 3M Tekk Protection to avoid spray paint fumes. I purchased the Paint Project Respirator and it works like a charm! I can’t smell a thing through it, and as a bonus it makes me look like Bane:

Bane image via flicksandbits.com

Admit it, the resemblance is uncanny.

Author: Marlene @ Idle Hands Awake

Maker, baker, cat momma, total nerd, perpetually covered in glitter/sawdust/paint. Blogging DIY and design for modern creatives. View all posts by Marlene @ Idle Hands Awake