The 3M Half Mask with P100 particulate filters is the best mask option for ceramic studios.
Editors note: Updated January 2022 to reflect the greater availability of N95s and other masks. The guidance on respirators remains the same.
Silica dust is a real hazard in ceramics studios and it’s important to have the right mask. Cloth masks or basic nuisance-grade dust mask will not offer enough protection against silica. The best options are N95/KN95 masks, or respirators with P95 or P100 filters. This is also the level of protection businesses are required by OSHA to provide to employees if silica dust is present.
Respirable silica is very fine with almost invisible particles that can stay airborne for some time, and repeated exposure can lead to silicosis or black lung. To protect against silica, it is important that masks fit correctly. If air can leak around the sides, it really defeats the whole purpose. This is especially of concern if you have facial hair, as that can cause the mask to not be properly sealed to the face. In that case, you may need a full face mask or to trim your beard. Overall, the best mask is going to be one that you reach for and wear during dust-generating tasks. Any protection is better than none. Personally, I use a respirator with P100 filtration whenever I am working with clay, plaster, wood, or other materials that create dust.
Also consider what is causing dust in your studio and seek to minimize that activity if possible. Keep an organized studio, use wet cleaning and sanding methods, and avoid creating dust. You may want to consider adding a dust collection system. For additional recommendations, visit our guides for cleaning tools and HEPA vacuums.
TOP PICK: 3M Half-Facepiece Respirator with P100 Filters
3M 6300 Half-Facepiece Mask without filters attached.
The 3M 6300 Half-Facepiece Respirator is a comfortable, reusable mask with filters that can be replaced as needed. This facepiece will take the round P95 or P100 particulate filters, or the cartridge style filters that are rated for particulates and some types of gases. Either will work, but you might find the round particulate filters to be more breathable. 3M also makes upgraded half masks (see below for more info) but this basic model is affordable, long-lasting, and will get the job done.
Note: this half-facepiece mask has unfiltered exhaust valves that are not appropriate for Covid safety in shared spaces.
The pink, round 3M 2097 P100 filters will fit the half facepiece mask.
P100 Filters and other options
The round, pink 3M 2097 Filters rated to P100 will offer the highest level of particulate protection. You could go with the slightly cheaper, white P95 filters but in my opinion, P100 filters are the way to go.
Another advantage of the Half Facepiece masks and filters is that they seem to be readily available during this time when disposable face masks are in high demand. When using these half masks, there can be some moisture buildup inside, but in general, I find them more comfortable than disposable masks.
All together, the 6300 half facepiece with P100 filters will typically cost around $25, and replacement filters are around $11-15 per set.
DISPOSABLE MASK TOP PICK: 3M 8210 N95 Masks
The 3M 8210 N95 mask has straps that go over the head.
We’ve all learned a lot about masks during the Covid-19 pandemic, and if you’ve incorporated these into your Covid routine, you’re set for the studio too. N95 or KN-95 Masks are NIOSH rated to filter 95 percent of dust particles and are good for multiple uses if kept clean. N95 Masks have straps that go over your head, making them fit more snugly. KN-95 masks typically have ear bands and fit more loosely, however, they often seem to be constructed with a bit more breathing room around your mouth.
These days, it can be hard to find NIOSH-approved N95 / KN-95 masks but if it’s available, a solid option is the 3M 8210 N95 Mask. It typically comes in bulk packs where each mask costs $1.50 to $2.00 each.
ALTERNATE DISPOSABLE PICK: KN-95 Masks
Armbrust is an Austin, Texas-based mask manufacturer. Their KN-95 masks are available in a variety of colors. Shop at Armbrust
The disposable mask market is quickly changing these days, with a variety of manufacturers attempting to fulfill the demand during the Covid-19 pandemic. There also have been reports of fake name-brand masks and other problems. It can be very confusing to buy a “real” N95 or KN-95 mask, as detailed in this NY Times report.
KN-95 masks, which have ear bands as opposed to the over-the-head N95 style, have become quite common but the number and variety available are confusing. One place to start is by reviewing CDC-approved mask manufacturers as explained here or listed by the CDC here.
In late 2021, I placed an order with the Texas-based U.S. manufacturer Armbrust, and have been very happy with the quality of the surgical, KN-95, and kids KN-95 masks that I received. Not only are they NIOSH approved, but the masks are available in a variety of colors. It is great to have a readily available source of NIOSH-rated masks.
Tightest Fit: Pouch or “Duckbill” Style N95s
The Kimberly-Clark Pouch Style N95 has two soft straps that go over your head.
They may look sort of funny, but in my experience, the pouch or “duckbill-style” N95s have the tightest fit of any disposable masks. You can see the mask material move in and out as you are breathing, and it seems to provide excellent coverage for Covid and dust. These are what I favor for teaching and other times when a respirator is not feasible.
More mask reviews below:
Those are my top picks for studio dust masks that are appropriate to use for silica. Keep reading for a deeper look at various half-facepiece masks and other disposable mask options.
Table of Contents
Half Facepiece Masks (3M 6300, 3M 6500, 3M 7500)
Filters for Half Facepiece Masks
RZ Masks
Disposable Masks
Summary
Half Facepiece Masks: 3M Models
My top pick for a dust mask for a pottery or ceramic studio is a 3M 6300 Half Facepiece mask. It’s the basic model but will get the job done. The upgraded models are made with softer plastic and have a few different features with the straps and valves.
3M 6000 series Half Facepiece Mask
The 3M 6300 Half Facepiece Mask.
The 6000 series is the standard mask in the 3M line, and seems to be readily available in the 6300 model but you may occasionally see the 6200 or 6100. From what I can tell, these are all about the same. Made of “thermoplastic elastomer,” the masks will work with 3M filters or cartridge filters, and can be taken apart and cleaned. At around $13 each, these are a great deal.
3M 6500 Cool Flow Half Facepiece Mask
3M 6503QL Rugged Comfort Quick Latch model.
The 3M 6500 series is termed the “rugged comfort line” and features a softer silicone face seal, a low profile design, a “Cool-Flow” valve, and some models have a quick-latch drop down feature.
The most common and popular model in this series appears to be the 6503QL Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Model. In addition to the silicone lining, this mask features upgraded straps. It typically retails for $20 to $25 plus filters.
3M 7500 Half Facepiece Mask
The 3M 7502 Half Facepiece Mask.
The 7500 Half Facepiece line from 3M has the same features as the 6500 line, with the silicone lining and Cool Flow valve, but it has one main difference: the exhalation valve air is routed down to reduce fogging. If you wear glasses or googles, you should consider this mask.
This 7500 line typically retails for $25 to $30 plus filters.
3M Filter Options for Half Facepiece Masks
There are two styles of filters available for 3M masks: round particulate filters and cartridge filters, which work for particulates and gasses. For ceramics, particulate filters are adequate but if you stain wood, paint, or other activities with volatile gases, the cartridges will be a better option.
Particulate Filters
There are two options for round particulate filters: P95 and P100. The P100 offers a higher level of filtration. For a ceramic studio, the 2071 or 2091 filters are your best options. There are a few other filter options aimed at welders, smelting, and chemistry applications.
3M Cartridge Filters
3M Cartridges are almost all rated P100 and will filter particulates, gases, and vapors. There are a variety of options but the basic 60291 should cover most art studio applications. These are a bit overkill if you are just worried about silica / particulates, but are a good option if you are painting or working with anything that produces volatile fumes. The cartridges are generally about double the cost of particulate filters. At big box hardware stores, they typically only sell the cartridge filters or mask combos, as shown below.
For a complete overview of all the mask and filter options available from 3M, click here or here.
RZ Masks
The M2 mask from RZ.
RZ Reusable Face Masks are an interesting mix of a disposable mask with some features of a respirator. A newer product, you can now find these at a lot of hardware and home improvement stores, and online. The masks are not yet NIOSH rated, so I have some hesitancy in rating them higher, but when they do (most likely) receive a NIOSH rating, these would be a great workshop mask. (For technical info on RZ masks and the testing they have undergone, click here.)
The M2 Mask from RZ features a mesh fabric, hook and loop neck strap (i.e. similar to Velcro), and carbon filters that filter 99.9% of particles down to .1 micron. These masks were designed with unfiltered exhalation valves but the company now makes valve caps for use in shared environments where only filtered exhalation is recommended for the best Covid safety.
You will need to replace the carbon filters over time. Think of this mask as a more comfortable hybrid of a respirator and a disposable mask. They typically retail for $32 to $36 and come in a wide variety of colors. Replacement filters are available in a 3 pack for $9.
Other Disposable Masks
The 3M N95 and KN-95 masks listed at the top of this post are great options, but there are other disposable masks.
Moldex 2300
The Moldex 2300 Mask.
The Moldex 2300 is another N95 particulate respirator that also features an exhaust valve. This helps reduce moisture buildup, but it’s not recommended for Covid-level safety. The Moldex masks are also currently reserved for front-line organizations fighting Covid.
Honeywell Nuisance Masks
Honeywell Nuisance Masks
The Honeywell Nuisance Masks are cheap and easy to find, but they are not rated for hazardous dust or particulate use. Too often, I’ve seen these as the masks offered to students in ceramic classes. I guess they are better than no mask but there’s no reason to be casual about silica dust. These might be fine in a pinch, but they may give a false sense of security. For art studios, it’s best to use the proper N95 or higher masks.
Summary
This post has covered a variety of masks to deal with silica and other particulates in a ceramic studio. The first step should be to avoid making dust if possible. But to deal with silica, use a NIOSH approved half facemask respirator, or N95 rated disposable masks. Your long-term health is worth it, and investing in quality personal protective equipment is always a good idea.
What type of mask do you use to protect against silica and other particulates? Let us know in the comments.
