Spray Booths Basics

Spray booths use air flow and containment to paint things quickly and safely
By Leah Kuriluk Spray booths are enclosed areas used to paint items like cars and parts. Generally, the spray painting booth is equipped with a ventilation system, allowing it to achieve maximum airflow and minimize drying time. Some spray booth systems allow a heating system to be attached, further decreasing drying times.
 

Spray paint booths come in many varieties. The average price of a spray booth varies, depending on the size, features and ventilation system. A large or custom spray paint booth may be expensive, while a smaller or used paint booth is usually more economic. Used spray booths may even require less insurance. Some spray booths require you to pay for installation, while others allow you to construct the booth yourself.

1. You may need a permit to use a spray booth, depending on the area you live in. Check with local authorities to determine whether this is necessary.

2. Government guidelines may require you to use a certain type of spray booth, ventilation system and more. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in fines.

3. Assembling a spray paint booth may require special tools. Ask for a listing of required tools if you plan to assemble the unit yourself.

Pick a cross flow spray booth for small spaces and economic design

Cross flow spray booths, often called crossdraft spray booths, make very efficient use of shop space and tend to be less expensive than many other types of spray booths. A cross flow booth draws clean air in from filters in the booth's doors and moves it over the car or parts inside. The air is then forced up through through a filter system on the opposite side. This type of booth works well for the vast majority of uses.
Try: Buy a cross flow spray booth from Col-Met, or choose the cross flow model available from Eagle Equipment.

Purchase a down draft spray booth for excellent filtration

Down draft spray booths draw air in through filters in the booth's ceiling and suck them into a filtered grate in the booth's floor. This type of spray booth requires a down draft pit to be dug in the floor of your work area, making it more expensive than some models. If you want to skip digging the pit in your floor, some down draft spray booth models come equipped with a basement, so you can install the pit without harming your floor.
Try: Get a down draft spray booth from SK Bowling or Tools USA.

Choose custom spray booths for unusual areas or specific problems

Custom-designed covers more than just spray booths basics. Custom paint spray booths work well for spaces that wouldn't normally be able to fit a spray booth, as well as unusual requirements, like larger sizes, strange shapes, unique ventilation and more. Paint booth manufacturers often offer to work with you to create a custom spray booth that meets all your specifications.
Try: Get a quote on a custom spray booth from Thermal Engineering, or ask for one from Acorn Equipment.

• Not all spray booths are compatible with heating systems. If you plan to use one or add a heating system to your spray booth in the future, make sure the model you choose allows this.