Home made spray booth question.
- Thread starter Patyrn
- Start date
Bloodhowl
New member
For spraying acrylics, I think a standard A/C filter (HEPA or otherwise) would work fine. If you are going with enamels or solvent based paints, then venting the fumes outside is highly recommended, if not mandatory.
I found this DIY article on a homemade spray booth, and the way he rigged it so he could vent outside if needed, might be an option when you build yours, just in case you decide to spray anything other than acrylics! :wink: :
http://www.armorama.com/modules.php...kBox&file=index&req=viewtopic&topic_id=174962
I found this DIY article on a homemade spray booth, and the way he rigged it so he could vent outside if needed, might be an option when you build yours, just in case you decide to spray anything other than acrylics! :wink: :
http://www.armorama.com/modules.php...kBox&file=index&req=viewtopic&topic_id=174962
Last edited:
QuietiManes
New member
It depends what you're spraying, even if it's acrylics, the larger the molecules of paint, the easier to catch. Also depends on how much you're spraying, even if it's acrylics, the fumes and propellants aren't safe to inhale, plus the paint itself can overload filters and there's always a bit that gets through, so the more you spray the more gets through, which eventually gets problematic. Either way, you NEED air circulation, GOOD air circulation, unless you spend large bills to create a science lab grade booth that purifies the air from EVERYTHING.
For light use, just about any filter should work fine, there's loads to choose from, for deep fryers, furnaces, air conditioners, humidifiers, commercial spray booths, etc. You can even use upholstery and stuffing from the fabric store. If you're worried about any paint getting through, you can put a pillow case (or something like it...or another filter) on the exhaust, you'll know quickly if anything is getting through when colour shows up. It can be removed later, if not required.
Keep in mind, the filter will restrict air flow, strain the fan, so take that into account when choosing a fan (filtering the exhaust would restrict the air flow even more). Also the tiniest holes will allow a ton of paint to slip around the filter...no matter how small, it'll travel through the path of least resistance the most.
For light use, just about any filter should work fine, there's loads to choose from, for deep fryers, furnaces, air conditioners, humidifiers, commercial spray booths, etc. You can even use upholstery and stuffing from the fabric store. If you're worried about any paint getting through, you can put a pillow case (or something like it...or another filter) on the exhaust, you'll know quickly if anything is getting through when colour shows up. It can be removed later, if not required.
Keep in mind, the filter will restrict air flow, strain the fan, so take that into account when choosing a fan (filtering the exhaust would restrict the air flow even more). Also the tiniest holes will allow a ton of paint to slip around the filter...no matter how small, it'll travel through the path of least resistance the most.
Einion
New member
Specifically in answer to this question: unfortunately it's yes and no.Patyrn said:
There are two main things to worry about with airborne paint, particulates and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and regular types of filter only deals with the former - mechanical filtering. When spraying water-borne paints most people only concern themselves with particulates, and it is easy enough to filter sufficiently for those, but with acrylic or vinyl paints VOCs are still a factor, albeit a far lesser one than with something like enamel.
Einion
I'm thinking if I sandwhich this:
http://www.amazon.com/SPT-2102-VOC-...F8&qid=1355778552&sr=1-15&keywords=VOC+filter
With a HEPA filter, I should cover all bases for air purification.
I just don't know if removing 95% of VOCs and over 99% of particulates means it's actually safe to vent back into the room now.
I did some research on that point and got an "ignition proof" fan designed for venting gasoline fumes. I only do a small amount of enamel spraying, but better safe than sorry.
QuietiManes
New member
Most of those types of filters only work for a certain amount of time. Like a few hours in the face mask varieties. Did you look into that? As for it being safe, anything is safe with enough air circulation to the outside or for a short burst. For an extended period in a closed off room, breathing in %5 of a VOC is not going to end well for anyone, I don't think.
Einion
New member
Safer certainly. Bearing in mind that a lot of folks spraying into unvented booths don't have filters that deal with VOCs and quite a few don't use a booth at all, so anything is a step up from there.Patyrn said:
Out of curiosity, are you planning on spraying in something like a basement where there's no direct access to the outside, or is this for when the weather makes it impractical to open a window like deep winter?
:good: I think it's all of this type.QuietiManes said:
Einion
Phoulmouth
New member
Im just going to chime in here real quick.
How big of a spray booth? I am assuming you are talking about spraying miniatures.
What kind of spraying are you doing? Air brushing? Priming? Spray paint?
How much money are you looking to spend? I know good quality hepa filters can cost upwards of 500 dollars. That doesn't seem cost effective.
What kind of environment do you live in? Is it really cold? Are you worried about drafts from ventilation? Insulated louvered vents aren't that expensive and can keep the cold out.
Personally I would go with ventilation, an insulated louvre, and fan. Can run the vent right through the wall or window easy enough. Should be able to get all that under 200 bucks.
