What type of respirators do you recommend for use when working with polyester and epoxy resins and gelcoats?
3m part or full face, with cartridges for organic compounds.
I use the 3M 4277, always sealed in an airtight bag after use
Excellant tip as who wants to breathe in dust from the shop!
Is it a one-shot product or you can change elements?
It has built in filters which arent replaceable but it will last for 4-5 months, depends on the use however.As soon as you start smelling resins etc it’s time for a new one. I previously had another with replacable filter but even when the filters were new I could still smell fumes, probably the filters didn’t lock perfectly in place with the mask.
Hmm i have never had to use a respirator while working with resins, then again i work with epoxy resin only. I must not be using the same smelly good stuff you guys are. But when it comes to grinding i pefer a full face mask respirator 3m makes one. No need for safety glasses that still allow dust to get into your eyes.
Maybe you just didn’t realize that a respirator was needed. One may not smell the fumes, but they are still there!
no respirator = brain damage. It may take a few years to notice or maybe it will just kill the part of the brain that notices. lol
I use a 3M organic cartridge respirator. $19 at HomeDepot. or $29 for the one with replaceable cartridges.
but then again 98% of the work i do is prepreg and not wet layup.
Anyone have a problem with respirators irritating your face after extended use (6+hours). I have used the 3M organic vapor unit from home depot, and then I tried the Binks respirator that USComp sells. Both irritate my face pretty bad around the top and sides of the nose seal. Its annoying! Maybe I am wearing it too tight, but I am always worried about glass dust getting in around the seal. Any tips to avoid this or recommendations would be appreciated.
Try lighten up the tension straps or maybe baby powder on the mask flanges? 
You could maybe do with a little bit of barrier cream on that part of the mask? only thing I can think off
Sounds like you might be getting dust on the seal zone at some point & its chafing ya.
Try cleaning the seal & your face more often ?
The cream might make for a dust magnet ?
I think that was it. I stop and clean the mask every few hours and it seems to be better. I was doing 8hour sanding sessions and that was a messy disaster.
i have not been using a respirator, but since a couple of months ago that i started using one, i can tell the difference. now whenever i forget myself and mix polyester without it, i get instantly disgusted and may cough once and a while, and i put it on. especially when wet laying carbon, cause i gotta get my face close and inspect the layup.