Paint-Booths.com Blog

FAQs About Paint Booth Fans and Motors

Have you ever wondered about the mechanics and parts inside your paint booth? You’re not alone. We get a lot of questions about the mechanical and electrical elements inside our spray booths, especially the fans and motors. Here are answers to the most common questions about paint booth fans and motors.

What kind of fan do you use for a paint booth?

In a paint booth, there are two types of fans. Each one performs a specific function: either pushing air into or pulling air out of the booth. Air is pushed into the booth through a blower fan, which in many cases is part of an AMU. This setup replaces the air that is pulled out of the booth by the exhaust fan to balance the air pressure for optimal operating conditions.

The exhaust fan for a paint booth is a tube axial fan with propeller-style blades. Our fans all use aluminum blades that are best for fire safety because they don’t spark. Non-sparking fans are important for paint booths because most paints and other finishing products are flammable.

Does a paint booth need an explosion-proof fan?

There are several different safety codes that may apply to paint booth operations from organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Your state, city, or county may have additional requirements.

Depending on the exact setup of your shop and your booth, you may need to use an explosion-proof fan in your paint booth. For more information on explosion-proof requirements and our fans, contact our Customer Service Specialists.

How many CFM do you need for a paint booth?

The volume of air moving in a paint booth is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM).

There is a simple rule of thumb you can use to figure out the right CFM for your booth:

Side downdraft booths: Booth width (ft.) X Booth height (ft.) X 40
Cross flow, open face, and semi-downdraft booths: Booth width (ft.) X Booth height (ft.) X 100

So, if you have a cross flow booth that is 16 feet in both width and height, the correct CFM would be 25,600. The best way to determine the right CFM for your booth is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

How do you measure the airflow of a paint booth?

It’s a good idea to know how to measure the airflow in your booth. You may need to do this if you are concerned that a fan isn’t operating correctly or if you are trying to determine whether it’s time to replace some filters. Additionally, both OSHA and NFPA guidelines specify minimum airflow requirements for paint booths in order to reduce the concentration of flammable materials inside the booth. The airflow inside the paint booth is important for both safety and finishing guidelines. The ETL certification that comes with many Standard Tools paint booths means that the airflow has been tested for safety on those models by Intertek.

Paint booth airflow is usually measured in linear feet per minute (lfm). Older International Fire Code (IFC) requirements designated a minimum airflow of 100 lfm. However, modern codes refer to air exchange rates rather than airflow. You need to ensure a minimum of four air exchanges per minute when solvent-based or wet paints are used in the booth. For powder-coating finishes, the minimum airflow required is 60 lfm. The easiest way to measure airflow in your booth is with a special tool: a Vaneometer.

Which type of motor is used in a paint booth?

Most paint booth motors are completely enclosed, fan-cooled styles. Some types of paint booths may need more than one motor. Spray booth motors are usually available in either single-phase or three-phase models. Three-phase motors are sometimes preferred for larger loads, but the best way to know what type of motor your booth needs is to talk directly to the manufacturer as well as a licensed electrician who can tell you what power requirements your shop may have.

What is an explosion-proof motor?

Some motors are explosion-proof, which essentially means that they are designed to contain an internal explosion to prevent external damage or injury. Some common traits of an explosion-proof motor are a UL-listed conduit box and an exterior finish that’s corrosion-resistant. These motors are best for hazardous locations and might be required by certain safety regulations or local codes.

Get Expert Support for Your Paint Booth Purchase

To get the most out of your paint booth, it’s essential to ensure it has the right fans and motors for your unique operating conditions. Fortunately, you can get all your questions answered by our expert customer service team. We can even work with you to build a completely customized booth that meets your specifications. Contact us to get started.

Save Time and Money with These Top Spray Booth Accessories

If you want to get the maximum use out of your paint booth, consider investing in some upgrades. Accessories such as all-in-one control panels, LED lights, and AMUs improve your booth’s efficiency and performance, and special coatings simplify cleaning. Learn more about how to save money with the right accessories for your spray booth.

Mixing Rooms

It may seem easy to just store your paints, primers, glazes, and other chemicals in the corner of your shop, but keeping these things in the open presents a fire hazard. And it’s difficult to clean up accidental spills all over your shop’s floor.

With a well-built mixing booth, you have a dedicated and safe place to store your paints and stains. All of our mixing rooms are ETL-certified and compliant with NFPA standards. Built-in ventilation systems run continuously, removing the fumes and harmful particles created by mixing and storing paint and other chemicals.

Energy-Efficient LED Lights

Your paint booth probably has lights already, but built-in illumination isn’t always optimal, especially for finishing jobs that require a lot of precision. When you upgrade your booth to energy-efficient LED flat-panel lights. The LED lay-in panels are slim and easy to install, and are suitable for both heated and unheated booths. LED panels drastically reduce energy use, costing you less money on each power bill. Additionally, they last for an extremely long time and come with a five-year warranty. Our panels have up to 60,000 hours of run time, which equates to over 6 years (if you left them on 24/7). Another great benefit is that your energy company may give you a credit for upgrading to LED so the upgrade isn’t as costly as you think.

Air Makeup Units (AMU)

To keep the proper air pressure in your paint booth, you need to replace the air that gets exhausted during operation. The easiest way to do this is with an air makeup unit (AMU), which balances air pressure inside the booth by automatically providing the right amount of replacement air.

Installing an AMU is a better, more-efficient solution for air pressure management than trying to use the HVAC system to regulate the air pressure in the shop. Plus, AMUs are heated, so there are even more benefits:

Faster finish times
Temperature control for even curing
Fewer airborne particles and contaminants inside the booth

A heated AMU can be one of the most cost-effective upgrades for your paint booth.

Air Hose Storage Solutions

Air hoses that are left can be a tripping hazard. Easily keep your air lines stored in reels to your air hoses from getting tangled or tripped on during operation. Many air line reels can be installed anywhere, and come with automatic retraction systems that prevent the hose from becoming loose or unrolling.

Easy-To-Clean Coatings

To keep your spray booth functioning properly, it’s essential to clean the overspray that gets on the ceiling, walls, and floors. This can be a tedious job, but there are several accessories that can make it easier. White Out coating is a water-based spray that creates a film that covers paint booth walls, restoring a “like new” appearance even in booths with extensive overspray. The new white walls improve light quality in the booth. When the film gets covered with overspray, you can simply peel it off and respray the White Out on your booth’s interior.

It’s vital to keep the air inside the booth as clean as possible to reduce dust and debris that can ruin the quality of a finish. This adds to the life of your paint booth filters and keeps your paint booth fan clean. The Grippy Mat is a floor mat that traps dirt, dust, and overspray, reducing the chance that these particles will enter the airflow inside the booth. Our starter bundle includes a Grippy Mat floor covering, particle control solution, and an easy-to-use sprayer.

Operational controls

A paint booth control panel simplifies operation, allowing you to manage your booth’s lights, exhaust fans, and other crucial hardware from one point of contact. All of our ETL-certified spray booths come with electric control panels. If you purchase an uncertified booth model, you can upgrade to one of our ETL-listed control boxes; we have both single-phase and three-phase models.

Optimize Your Paint Booth with Key Accessories

If you want to make it easier to operate, monitor, and clean your paint booth, consider upgrading it with some accessories. We carry a wide range of top-quality options, and you can count on our team for advice about which upgrades are best for your booth and shop. If you have any questions about choosing the right lights, AMU, or control panel for your booth, contact our friendly sales team. We’ll provide expert solutions completely customized for your needs.

What to Do If Your Paint Booth Isn’t Code Compliant

Compliance is one of the most complex issues that you may deal with as a paint booth owner. There are both local and national regulations that apply to the installation and operation of your spray booth. Making sure your booth is compliant isn’t just about avoiding fines and legal issues. Codes are designed to ensure you operate your booth safely and correctly. By following the relevant codes, you can enhance quality control and protect yourself and your employees.

Ideally, it’s best to have a thorough understanding of all the relevant code requirements before you purchase a new paint booth. However, even the most conscientious paint booth owners may find themselves with compliance issues at some point. Read on to learn how to bring your paint booth into compliance.

Understand the Requirements

There are both national and state-level codes that apply to paint booths. The federal requirements come from several different agencies:

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules are related to workplace safety. OSHA laws for paint booths are designed to protect operators from hazardous and combustible substances (such as paints and other finishing products). There are rules about ventilation, filters, illumination, and ignition sources.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes are designed to mitigate the fire risks of spraying flammable materials. NFPA-33 specifically, is intended for fire control for large-scale, indoor spray paint applications such as industrial spray paint booths. This code covers fire prevention, fire suppression measures, cleaning of built-up overspray, and disposal of flammable materials.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards help reduce harm to the environment from volatile organic compounds that come from improper ventilation and/or disposal of toxic substances. There are filter codes, ventilation standards, and record-keeping requirements.

Your paint booth may also be subject to additional rules based on local ordinances. When you are pulling permits for your paint booth, carefully read through all the building codes so you understand them. You may need to choose an ETL-certified booth and/or have your setup checked by a local inspector.

Even if your paint booth is already installed, it may become noncompliant if you change the layout of your shop, disassemble and reassemble the booth, or start using different types of finishing products. Local codes can also change, requiring you to take certain actions to make your spray booth compliant again.

Mitigate Fire Risks

Local fire codes may be stricter than NFPA regulations. If your booth doesn’t meet fire safety standards, you may need to make some changes:

Replace clogged filters and clean out overspray buildup in the booth.
Install fire extinguishers, automatic sprinklers, and other fire suppression equipment as directed by the city or county fire chief.
Identify all ignition sources and move them away from the booth. Common sources of ignition are light fixtures, switches and certain types of fans. Make sure to store and mix paints and finishes away from spark-producing devices, ideally in a paint mixing booth.

Your paint booth itself should meet national fire safety requirements by including non-sparking fans and lights. However, taking extra fire precautions can help protect everyone in your shop.

Schedule a Field Test

Some states and cities only allow paint booths that have ETL certification. This Electrical Testing Laboratories mark indicates that the booth’s components meet certain NFPA safety requirements. In an ETL-listed booth, the electrical control panel for the lights and fans is designed to meet UL standards.

If your local codes require ETL certification, the easiest way to ensure compliance is to purchase an ETL-listed booth. You can also obtain certification for an existing booth by scheduling an official inspection and completing any required changes. However, this can be a costly certification process. If you are unsure if it will be required, it is best to purchase a booth that is already certified.

Prioritize Regular Maintenance

Once your paint booth is compliant with all relevant codes and standards, preventative maintenance is the best thing you can do to keep it that way.

Change filters when necessary.
Clean the booth regularly.
Check wires for wear and tear.
Monitor airflow and ventilation.
Inspect fire suppression equipment frequently.
Clean any overspray from the exhaust fans

If you’re not sure how to maintain your paint booth, contact an expert.

Get Reliable Support To Keep Your Booth Compliant

Paint booth compliance is about more than just following building codes; a compliant booth is safer to operate. If your booth isn’t code compliant, the best thing to do is remedy the situation right away by scheduling an inspection and completing any assigned action items. When you are purchasing a paint booth, make sure to choose one that meets federal standards and is ETL-certified (if your local codes require it). To learn more about paint booth compliance, contact our experienced team.

Upgrading Your Paint Booth: The Top Options for Improving Efficiency, Safety, and Performance

A high-quality paint booth is a significant upgrade to your shop, making it easy to create products with a gorgeous professional finish. Even if your existing spray booth performs reliably, there are several upgrades you can consider. These products can drastically increase the efficiency of your booth and ensure a top-notch finish. With strategic additions, you can improve your paint booth’s performance.

Lighting Upgrades

Most paint booths have integrated lighting, but you may want to consider upgrading the bulbs that are in your booth. Good lighting provides essential benefits:

Color matching is more accurate.
Finish issues (debris, blemishes) are easier to see and address.
Adequate light improves safety.
High-efficiency bulbs reduce operating costs.

With our wide range of lighting options, it’s easy to choose the best upgrades for your paint booth. We carry LED panels and recessed lights along with high-lumen fluorescent bulbs. You can also get clear panes of tempered glass to protect LED panels.

Air Quality Improvements

The quality of the air in your booth is perhaps the most important factor affecting the booth’s operational performance and safety. Air that’s contaminated with dust and debris will compromise the finish. Inadequate airflow contributes to uneven drying and allows the booth to become saturated with overspray. Unbalanced air pressure, inside and outside your booth, can create drafts, temperature fluctuations, and safety issues.

We carry equipment that can address all of these challenges.

Non-sparking aluminum exhaust fans
Manometers to help you monitor air pressure
Heated AMUs that provide warm makeup air

These simple upgrades can drastically reduce drying time and improve the finish quality.

Safety and Storage Equipment

A well-made paint booth should meet all federal and local safety requirements and fire codes, but there are some things you can add to make your shop and your booth even safer. Protect yourself and your team with top-quality PPE. We carry supplied-air respirators and reusable full-body shoot suits.

Paint, varnishes, primers, and other finishing products are flammable and toxic. It’s essential to store and handle them safely. A paint mixing room makes it easy. This enclosed space allows you to store chemicals, paints, and other flammable materials in a safe place that’s separate from spraying operations. You can also mix all your finishes in the room. The integrated air filters minimize airborne debris, and the ventilation system continuously removes harmful vapors.

Flooring and Wall Coverings

We carry wall and floor coatings that trap airborne particles and counteract the effects of overspray.

Grippy Mat: It’s a padded material that protects the floor of the booth and attracts dust, dirt, and overspray. The padded mat makes standing and kneeling more comfortable, and the green color maintains good light quality in the booth. Just clean it with a vacuum when necessary.
Particle Control: This solution is designed for use with the Grippy Mat. Regular application keeps the mat ready to trap dust and debris.
White Out: This water-based spray is easy to apply to your booth’s walls, covering up overspray to restore optimal finishing conditions. Removal is easy; just peel off the coating in large sheets.
Clear View: Applied in the same way as White Out, Clear View is designed to protect your paint booth’s lights from overspray. It’s easy to peel and reapply as necessary.

Depending on the setup of your shop, you may also want to consider investing in a roll-up door for your paint booth. This specially designed fabric curtain allows you to control the environment in your booth without permanently impacting your shop’s floor space.

Maximize Paint Booth Performance With Smart Upgrades

It just takes a few upgrades to optimize your paint booth for peak performance and exceptional results. Add a few high-quality lights and some equipment to manage the airflow. Invest in wall and floor coatings that support a flawless finish and reduce the time between projects. Not sure which upgrades are right for you? Just contract our team. We’ll discuss your needs and recommend the ideal upgrades for your paint booth.

Paint Booth Construction: Innovative Solutions for Easy Installation

Choosing the right paint booth for your shop involves more than just picking the dimensions and features you want. You also need to think about installation and longevity. Fortunately, our booths check all the boxes; they’re durable, easy to install, and available in a wide range of sizes and configurations.

What Makes Our Paint Booths Different?

We are committed to providing the best paint booths on the market, so we build them out of top-quality materials and offer a wide range of customization options. One of the main things that sets our booths apart is how the panels are fastened together; our booths utilize Tek screws rather than nuts and bolts. While most booths on the market are designed for nut-and-bolt assembly, there are several potential downsides to this method:

Precut holes on the panels may not line up perfectly because floors are not perfectly level.
Lining up and attaching each bolt, washer, and nut is time-consuming.
Nuts and bolts can loosen over time.

To avoid the headaches of nuts and bolts, we use Tek screws for our booths. This innovative solution can drastically reduce the installation time for your booth without compromising structural integrity or strength.

What Are the Benefits of Tek Screws?

Tek screws are so easy to use that it can seem like they may be inferior to the nut-and-bolt method. However, Tek screws are the preferred method for paint booth construction because they’re designed for the construction of large metal buildings, and a paint booth is essentially just a smaller version.

DIY-Friendly

Installing a paint booth may seem like a daunting process, but it’s actually extremely simple, especially when you use Tek screws. These fasteners make it simple and fast to assemble a paint booth without spending thousands on a professional installer. In fact, about 80% of our customers install their booths themselves.

Self-Drilling Installation

Tek screws don’t require predrilled holes. This means you don’t have to worry about lining up the existing holes in two panels in order to attach them together. It can be especially hard to get all the predrilled holes to line up if your floor isn’t completely level or your booth panels were not manufactured perfectly. With Tek screws, these issues don’t exist. The Tek screw drills its own hole during installation, so it’s easy to ensure your panels are fastened securely and accurately.

Designed for Metal-to-Metal Applications

While nuts and bolts have a wide variety of uses, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best option for every situation. Tek screws were created for metal-to-metal applications, so they’re optimized for this type of construction. We are so sure that Tek screws are the best option for metal buildings that our 75,000 sq. ft. warehouse is constructed with them and has been for over 20 years!

Fast and Efficient

Assembling panels with nuts and bolts takes significantly more time to install. The predrilled holes need to perfectly align and each bolt and washer are tightened with every nut. This process is even more challenging if you are standing on a ladder.

It only takes half as long to fasten panels together with Tek screws. The process is to secure the panels by simply clamping them together and then using a drill fitted with the Tek screw itself.

Durable and Long-Lasting

Another advantage of Tek screws is that they create an extremely durable metal building. Nut-and-bolt construction can loosen over time, causing the panels to misalign or become insecure. Tek screws are designed for long-term use in heavy-duty applications, and they don’t tend to loosen on their own. Some of our paint booths constructed with Tek screws have been in use for over two decades!

Reusable

Because Tek screws drill their own holes and create such strong attachments, it may seem like they are impractical for paint booths. What if you want to move your booth to another location? Is it even possible to disassemble it without ruining the panels? Another great benefit of Tek strews is that they can be removed safely without affecting the reassembly options for your booth.

If you need to disassemble and move your booth, you can simply reconstruct it in the new location. Either reuse your Tek screws by installing them in new self-drilled holes or reuse the same holes with slightly larger Tek screws.

Find Your Perfect Paint Booth Today

When you invest in a paint booth for your shop, you want to feel confident that you are getting a high-quality building that will last for years. When you order from us, you can be sure you are getting a booth that’s made of the best materials and manufactured to exceptional standards. Tek screws allow you to assemble the booth yourself quickly and easily. You can save money on installation costs and be sure that your panels are fastened securely. Our team is here to answer all your questions, and we can even customize a booth for you. If you want more details on the installation process or need a little bit of help along the way, just contact our experts.

Top 5 Paint Booth Safety Measures

No matter what kind of paint spray booth you have, it’s essential to make sure you are taking all the necessary precautions to keep your shop and personnel safe. By following a few simple guidelines, you can reduce the risks of fire, air quality problems, and damage to your products. Here are some of the most important safety measures for spray booths.

1. Protect Air Quality

Whether your spray booth is designed for wood finishing or automotive painting, the primers, varnishes, and finishing products that it uses contain hazardous chemicals that can damage equipment and/or create health problems. A properly functioning paint booth reduces the threat of these chemicals in several ways:

Creating a closed space for the finishing process
Capturing overspray before air is exhausted outside the booth
Providing makeup air to maintain balanced air pressure in the booth and shop
Heating the air so that the finishes cure faster

To maintain good air quality in your shop, it’s essential to operate your spray booth according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to use proper exhaust filters and ductwork. Run the ventilation system at all times during spraying operations and for a suitable time afterward to clear vapor from the air.

2. Reduce Fire Risks

Most finishing products are extremely flammable, so it’s vital to take steps to mitigate fire risk. The three components that can cause an explosion or fire are an ignition source, oxygen, and flammable material. Standard paint booth operation converts liquid finishing products into airborne particles, and these particles then collect on equipment and in overspray filters. It’s not possible to remove oxygen from the air in and around the paint booth, so you must control the last remaining element: ignition.

Many actions can create sparks: drilling, welding, and using other types of equipment with high friction levels. You can help eliminate the chance of sparks by installing mats that reduce static and ensuring light fixtures are sealed properly. Make sure both your shop and the paint booth itself have adequate fire detection systems. Automatic sprinklers and other fire suppression measures are essential as well.

An ETL-listed paint booth has an electrical control panel that meets the highest safety standards. Even if your state does not require you to use ETL-certified equipment, purchasing an ETL-listed model can help you feel confident you are mitigating fire risk as much as possible.

3. Follow All Safety Codes and Standards

Safety codes and regulations are in place to help you create and maintain a safe work environment. Paint booth safety requirements come from several different organizations, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Your state may have additional regulations. While you may not have the time or desire to memorize all the details of applicable safety regulations, there are a few basics you should know:

Paint booths should be made of strong materials, such as concrete or steel
Booths should have proper exhaust systems
Spray booths should be grounded, and electrical equipment should be designed for use in a flammable environment
Fans should have integrated spark-arrestor systems
There should be a clear space of at least 3 feet around all sides of the booth, including the top
You should post appropriate and clear safety instructions

You should only purchase a paint booth that complies with all relevant codes, including specifications from your local Fire Marshall, building inspector, and insurance provider. It’s also essential to make sure your booth is installed by a professional who follows local building codes.

4. Create Safe Storage and Mixing Procedures

Solvents, paints, varnishes, and other flammable liquids must be stored and handled safely. Personnel should wear proper protective equipment during all phases of operation: mixing, moving, and applying finishes.

It’s best to have a designated storage space or room that is separate from the rest of your shop and from the paint booth. It’s also important to mix finishing products in a space with good ventilation and fire suppression equipment. A paint mixing room makes it easy to safely store and mix your finishes.

5. Complete Preventative Maintenance

Setting up your shop and your paint booth properly is the first step to creating a safe operating environment. However, maintaining that environment is just as important. Follow the preventative maintenance guidelines for your spray booth:

Replace intake and exhaust air filters according to the manufacturer’s recommended frequency
Keep all hoses, fans, and other equipment clean and free of overspray and debris
Check your ductwork and seals periodically, and repair any leaks
Complete any maintenance tasks recommended by the manufacturer

Routine maintenance helps your paint booth operate safely and efficiently.

Keep Your Finishing Operations Safe

Choosing a high-quality paint booth is the first step toward creating a suitable environment for finishing operations. Other vital safety precautions include performing equipment maintenance tasks, using suitable PPE, and changing air filters frequently. When you purchase a paint booth from us, you can feel confident that your new spray booth complies with all NFPA, OSHA, and EPA guidelines. If you have specific requirements, we can also develop a customized booth for you.

Choosing the Right Paint Booth Filters & Knowing When to Replace Them

Air filters are key elements in any paint booth; they help ensure the booth operates properly, efficiently, and safely. Your spray booth cannot perform with clogged filters or incorrect media. Ignoring filter maintenance can also place everyone in the shop at risk for health and safety problems. Choosing the right filters, installing them correctly, and knowing the appropriate time to change them is essential in preventative maintenance.

Types of Paint Booth Filters

There are several different types of filter media to capture debris, foreign particles, overspray, and other contaminants.

Intake filters prevent dust, debris, and other small particles from entering your paint booth. Without a well-functioning filter, these tiny particles can damage the finish quality. Each type of paint booth (e.g. downdraft, cross flow) may have a different style of intake filter, but the purpose is always the same: to protect the finish from contaminants.There will be a different type of intake filters for booths that are heated with an air makeup unit.
Exhaust filters trap overspray and other chemicals to prevent them from building up on the fans and from being released outside the booth. There are several different types of exhaust filters, including bags and blankets. Clogged exhaust filters can allow toxic chemicals into the environment, increase the risk of fire, and/or reduce the performance of the entire spray booth.
AMU filters are part of an air makeup unit, which provides replacement air into the booth to stabilize interior air pressure. AMU filters capture large particles from outside air before entering the AMU and reducies the load on the booth’s other filters before entering the booth.
Optional filters can be added to your paint booth to create a two-sage or three-stage filtration. For example, a carbon polyester filter can capture minute contaminants responsible for unpleasant odors. A pre-filter can take care of sawdust and powder-coating particles before they enter the bag filter. Depending on what you are spraying, this may be required.

The best way to know which type of replacement filters to get for your paint booth is to check the manufacturer’s specifications. It’s vital to choose the correct style, size, and material for the replacement filters to ensure your paint booth continues to function optimally.

When To Change a Filter

By nature, filters will eventually become clogged with debris. It’s essential to replace them when they become full of debris. Using a paint booth with clogged filters drastically reduces the quality of the finish, the operational efficiency, and the safety of the shop’s personnel.

It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for determining when to change your filters. Recommendations may be based on the number of operating hours or on calendar weeks/months. There may also be OSHA, EPA, and/or state guidelines for filter maintenance that you should be aware of and follow.

The exact operating conditions of your shop can affect the time it takes for your filters to get clogged, so you may need to replace them sooner than the average time frame recommended by the manufacturer. There are several visual cues you can rely on to determine when it’s time to change your filters.

Intake filters: debris in the booth and/or blemishes in the finish
Exhaust filters: overspray remaining in the booth and/or continuous operation of the fan at 100% capacity

In general, you should wait no longer than six months to replace an intake filter. It’s a good idea to replace an exhaust filter at least every month. However, it’s best to conscientiously monitor the filters to determine when they are ready to be replaced. You can use a manometer in addition to the visual cues described above to get a clear and accurate picture of how your filters are performing.

Understanding a Manometer

Installing a manometer on your paint booth can make it easier to see when it’s time to change the filter. All booths from Standard Tools come with a Dwyer manometer to measure air pressure. You should install a manometer at the rear of the paint booth near the exhaust filter so it can measure the difference in air pressure inside the booth before the filters and on the other side of the exhaust filters. The more clogged the filters are, the less air flow there is through the filters.

Once you install and calibrate a manometer, you can monitor when the filter starts affecting the booth’s airflow and interior air pressure. We recommend changing exhaust filters when your manometer reading is 0.5” above the initial calibrated level. Watch how to install your manometer on our YouTube channel.

Proper Filter Maintenance Keeps Your Paint Booth Working Efficiently

You can use the manometer readings and visual observations to determine when the filters are full and need to be replaced. We carry a wide range of high-quality intake, exhaust, and AMU filters for various spray booth models. You can order in bulk to ensure you always have replacement filters on hand. Contact us today; our experienced team is ready to answer your questions and recommend the right replacement filters for your booth.

Upgrade Your Shop with a Paint Mixing Room

Whether your shop is dedicated to painting automobiles, creating furniture, or finishing cabinets, having the right equipment makes all the difference. Even if you already have a spray booth for finishing your products, you may want to consider installing a paint mixing booth. Investing in a dedicated paint mixing room can significantly improve the safety and productivity of your shop.

Benefits of a Paint Mixing Room

Mixing and storing paint and finishing products on an industrial scale requires planning and preparation. With a dedicated paint mixing room, you can increase the efficiency of your workflow and bring your shop into compliance with safety standards and local codes.

Safety

One of the most important benefits of a paint mixing room is an improvement in your shop’s safety conditions. Most finishing products, including paint, varnish, and solvents, are extremely flammable. It’s essential to keep these chemicals away from heat sources, which is far easier when you have a dedicated room in which to mix and store them.

Productivity

You can greatly increase the productivity of your operation by installing a paint mixing room. It gives you a secure, separate space in which to organize and store all your finishing products and mixing equipment. Having everything in one place can eliminate the need to find and set up equipment every time you want to use it. It’s far easier to deploy spill containment measures in a dedicated space.

Code Compliance

It’s essential to make sure your operation complies with safety and building codes. Installing a mixing booth can make it easier to ensure you are following all relevant legal requirements. Both the National Fire Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration have regulations that apply to mixing and storing paint and chemicals. Paint mixing booths are designed around these requirements, so installing one in your shop is a simple way to establish compliance with essential codes.

Reduce Contaminants

A mixing booth allows you to mix and store finishing products in an isolated environment where you can filter the air, significantly reducing dirt and other foreign matter. Lowering the amount of dust and debris in the preparation area helps ensure your finishing products are free from contaminants that can damage the final quality of the finish.

Air Quality

Primer, paint, lacquer, and other products used in the finishing process can release toxic fumes that can damage indoor air quality and present a risk to shop personnel. A paint mixing room has built-in ventilation, which can help reduce dangerous particulates in the air, improving the shop’s working environment.

Paint Mixing Booth Design

A mixing booth is exactly what it sounds like: a stand-alone booth set aside for preparing and storing paint and finishing products. There are several key features to look for when choosing a paint mixing booth:

Heavy-duty wall panels
A secure door
Appropriate exhaust and ventilation components
A proper air intake filter
Excellent lighting
Code-compliant fire protection measures
Easy control panel for light operation

In many cases, paint mixing booths are designed for DIY assembly. It’s essential to choose a booth that comes with clear, easy-to-follow assembly instructions.

Paint Mixing Booths and Code Regulations

A mixing booth is subject to vital safety codes, most of which are based on NFPA requirements and/or OSHA guidelines for different aspects of the design:

Safe storage for paint/flammable liquids (the allowable quantity is based on the distance between the mixing room and the spray booth)
Automatic fire protection system
Continuously operating ventilation fan providing adequate air movement
Appropriate size dimensions
Effective spill containment
ETL-certified electrical components

It’s vital to choose a mixing booth that complies with these federal codes as well as any local safety regulations that exist in your area.

Getting Maximum Value Out of Your Paint Mixing Booth

A paint mixing booth is an excellent addition to your shop, making it easier and safer to organize, mix, and store your finishing products. When you are choosing a mixing booth, make sure to find one that fits well in your shop and complies with all applicable safety codes.

We make it easy for you to get the right mixing booth. Our mixing booths come in three standard sizes, but we can also create a customized booth for you in any size up to 150 sq. ft. All of our mixing booths are compliant with NFPA and OSHA standards, and they’re also ETL-certified. We design our booths for easy assembly and offer flexible placement options for the door, light, and fan. Our production is fast, so you can get your booth up and running in just days. When you’re ready to enhance your shop with a dedicated paint mixing booth, we are here to help. Contact our team for answers to your questions or details on our customization options.

Paint Booths for Wood Finishing: What You Need to Know

While most spray booths operate in similar ways, there are some characteristics that make certain models better for specific tasks. Woodworking spray booths are specifically designed to enhance the finishing process for wood items, including furniture and art pieces. These specialized spray booths offer many advantages, making the finishing process better, safer, and more efficient.

Spray Booths and Wood Finishing

In general, a paint booth provides a place to apply finishes to three-dimensional objects. In the field of woodworking, different projects may require unique finishes and coatings:

Stain
Paint
Sealer
Primer
Glaze
Powder coating (for MDF)
Lacquer
Varnish

Woodworking paint booths are designed to make it easier to finish wood items, improving the final appearance and condition.

Benefits of a Woodworking Spray Booth

A paint booth provides a favorable environment for the wood-finishing process. There are several advantages a specialized spray booth provides in a woodworking shop:

Better lighting, which can allow the operator to identify and fix issues with the finish
Proper ventilation, which can improve the overall air quality in the shop
Upgraded safety measures, which can help mitigate fire risks
Filtered exhaust mechanisms, which can reduce overspray and air pressure problems

Finishing furniture and other wood products is safer and faster with a paint booth that’s customized for woodworking.

Types of Woodworking Paint Booths

Spray booths for wood finishing are available in different configurations, but there are two styles that are the most common: enclosed and open face. Each type has unique benefits and challenges that render it better for certain shops and projects.

Enclosed Paint Booths

In general, enclosed spray booths take up more space in a shop than open face models. You must allow space for all four sides of the booth plus additional room for the doors to open. Enclosed paint booths also tend to be more expensive. However, this design makes it far easier to reduce contaminants that can degrade the quality of the finish. With an enclosed booth, it can be easier to control the air pressure and the airflow style and, in turn, the finish quality.

Open Face Paint Booths

As the name implies, an open face spray booth usually has three walls and a ceiling, with the fourth side being open to the rest of the shop. This style is generally more affordable than an enclosed model and may take up less floor space. Some open face booths are wider than they are deep (the opposite of many enclosed models), which may be better for some woodworking projects such as finishing cabinet doors. However, the open nature of this type of spray booth makes is more difficult to eliminate the contaminants that can negatively affect the finish.

Considerations When Choosing a Paint Booth

When you’re ready to upgrade the functionality of your woodworking shop with a spray booth, there are several things to consider. As discussed above, one of the most important aspects to decide on is whether you want an open face or enclosed model. There are other essential factors:

Size
Exhaust infrastructure
Fans and ductwork
ETL certification

The specifications of your shop may limit your options to booths of a specific size and/or exhaust structure. Your local laws may require you to purchase an ETL-certified model, or you may choose to do so for the added safety benefits.

Upgrade Your Shop with a Woodworking Spray Booth

The right paint booth can simplify the finishing process for countless types of wood items. Whether you are making wood furniture or crafting wood art pieces, you can count on a gorgeous finish when you use a specialized woodworking spray booth.

We offer a variety of spray booths designed for wood finishing, including both open face and enclosed models. ETL-listed booths are available, and we can also develop and manufacture a customized solution based on your unique requirements. Contact our team to learn more about our woodworking paint booth options.

ETL Certification: What Is It and Why Is It Important?

When you are choosing a paint booth, one thing you need to consider is ETL certification. Spray booths with this certification have been rigorously tested and verified to comply with certain safety codes. Some state and local regulations may require you to install an ETL-certified model. The ETL Mark can give you peace of mind that your paint booth meets the highest safety standards and won’t give you any issues with local authorities.

ETL Certification and OSHA

ETL stands for Electrical Testing Laboratories, and it’s an organization that tests the safety of products and electronic components based on a set of rigid standards. While this company has been around for over 100 years (it was started by Thomas Edison), it now functions as a division of Intertek Testing Laboratories. Intertek ETL is a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory acknowledged by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Paint Booth Compliance with Safety Codes

Intertek tests products based on North American safety standards and applies the ETL Mark to products and components that meet compliance requirements. One relevant safety code for paint booths is NFPA-33, which is the National Fire Protection Association’s standard for spray application using flammable or combustible materials. An ETL Mark on a paint booth indicates that Intertek finds it in compliance with NFPA-33 standards.

Another element of ETL testing for a paint booth covers the electrical control panel that operates the fans and lights. The relevant safety codes for a control panel are C 22.2 No. 14 and UL-508A. At Standard Tools and Equipment, we are an authorized ETL shop by Intertek for all the control panels we manufacture. We affix the ETL mark to these components prior to shipping them out to you.

Government Requirements and ETL-Listed Paint Booths

There are many advantages to purchasing an ETL-listed paint booth, and you may decide that you want these benefits in your shop. In some cases, however, you may not have a choice; certain state or federal laws may require you to get an ETL-listed booth. There may also be local ordinances or fire codes that necessitate you choosing ETL-listed equipment for your shop.

In general, you may need an ETL-listed paint booth if your shop is in a large city or a state with high safety standards (e.g. WA, CA, OR, MN, RI, CT, MA, and NY). Most government facilities require ETL-listed equipment. Before ordering a paint booth, it’s best to contact your local authorities for information on certification requirements.

Obtaining the ETL Mark for a Paint Booth

There are two ways to obtain an ETL mark for your paint booth: purchase an ETL-listed model or schedule an Intertek inspection and certification after you install an uncertified spray booth. Getting the ETL mark upon purchase can save you a significant amount of time and money.

Standard Tools and Equipment offers several ETL-listed models that include the following:

An air valve solenoid that interlocks the spray equipment and the fan motor
An electrical control panel that is ETL-listed
An official ETL certification label on the booth

Having the ETL mark on your paint booth can show your clients, employees, and local authorities that you value safety and have taken the necessary precautions.

Selecting the Right ETL-Listed Paint Booth

Whether your local laws require you to get an ETL-listed booth or you simply want the confidence that comes with knowing your booth meets the standards, we can help you choose the right certified paint booth. We have a wide range of ETL-listed models, including semidown, cross flow, and open face options. You can also choose an ETL-listed booth that includes a heated AMU for more control over the finishing process. When you order a booth from Standard Tools that has been certified, it is included in the listed booth’s price. Purchasing an ETL-listed booth is far more cost-efficient than requesting a certification inspection after installation should you need it. Our diverse selection of paint booths makes it easy to find the right model for your needs. For additional information on the ETL certification or assistance in choosing a paint booth, contact our team at 888-312-7488.