paint booth Archives : Page 2 of 4 : Paint-Booths.com

Expert Troubleshooting Solutions for Malfunctioning Fans and Motors

Following proper operation protocols and performing preventative maintenance regularly can help keep your paint booth in good working order. However, sometimes fans and motors develop issues due to age and general wear and tear. The environment of your shop can also affect your paint booth’s longevity.

If you notice signs that something is wrong with your paint booth, it’s essential to locate and repair the problem as soon as possible. Read on to learn about some of the most common problems with fans and motors and to find helpful troubleshooting tips. If you are ever unsure about any aspect of paint booth operation or maintenance, contact us for assistance.

Common Problems

As in many machines, the moving parts within a paint booth are more likely to develop issues than the stationary elements. Because the fan and motor both operate whenever the spray booth is running, even minor problems can quickly escalate.

There are several signs that may indicate a problem with your paint booth’s filter, motor, or fan:

Excessive overspray
Loud operation
Strong odors
Air pressure imbalances
Overheating
Reduced exhaust airflow

Some paint booth malfunctions can cause problems in your shop’s atmosphere, which can negatively affect your personnel. Take immediate action to stop operation and troubleshoot your paint booth if your employees develop any of the following symptoms:

Difficulty breathing
Lightheadedness
Chest pain
Nausea
Blurred vision

Once you realize there is a problem with your paint booth’s fan or motor, there are several steps you can take to find and repair the issue.

Filters

One of the most common problems that can affect the operation of a paint booth is a clogged air filter. The filters in your paint booth are integral to safe and effective operation, and when they become clogged with overspray or dust, air can’t move through as easily. This increases the load on the exhaust fan, which must work harder to pull used air out of the booth. Continuing to operate the paint booth under these conditions can hasten the failure of many mechanical parts due to increased wear and tear.

If it seems like your exhaust fan is operating outside of its normal conditions, a good first step is to check the air filters. With a manometer installed in your paint booth, it’s easy to see the status of the filters. Another indication of a clogged filter is a strong odor of chemicals or paint, especially if the smell is noticeable far away from the booth.

If you find that your filters are filled with overspray, replace them. You can help the air filters last longer by consistently cleaning the other elements of the paint booth: ducts, fan blades, and housing.

Fans

Like any mechanical part, a paint booth fan benefits from regular maintenance. Refer to the documentation for your equipment to find out how to maintain the fan. Even with consistent maintenance, however, the fan blades will eventually wear out.

A sure sign of a problem with your fan is that it is rotating too slowly. It can be hard to judge the fan’s air speed visually, but you can compare the reading from an anemometer to the operating specs outlined in your owner’s manual. If the fan isn’t spinning fast enough, it could point to worn-out blades and/or a clogged air filter.

You can inspect the blades themselves to see if they look worn down or broken. If so, it’s time to sharpen or replace them. Sometimes, it’s more cost-effective to replace the fan itself.

Motors

Even a small problem with the motor can prevent proper operation of your paint booth. You can reduce the risk of a motor malfunction by following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance tasks.

If you do suspect there is a problem with your paint booth’s motor, there are a few things to do:

Check all the seals and fix any cracks or leaks
Inspect the motor belts for damage and replace them if necessary
Ensure that the belts are maintaining the correct tension
Check ALL wiring connections

In some cases, you may have to install a new motor in your paint booth. Our team can help you determine which motor you need.

Maintaining Your Paint Booth’s Motors and Fans

Preventative maintenance can help your paint booth operate at peak performance. When you do notice issues, however, follow several troubleshooting steps:

Check and replace air filters
Fix motor seals and belts
Replace worn out fan blades

We carry high-quality replacement parts and can answer your questions if you aren’t sure which parts are correct for your paint booth. If you are still having problems after completing these steps, contact us for advice on how to get your paint booth back up and running.

Rules and Regulations: What You Need To Do Before Purchasing a Paint Booth

Adding a paint booth to your shop can upgrade the functionality of the entire space, significantly increasing your productivity. There are various types of paint booths available from Standard Tools, so you’ll want to compare the features and costs of several models before choosing the one that’s best for your shop. You may even decide to customize your paint booth by adding a heated air make-up unit or extra lights.

Before you purchase your paint booth, however, it is imperative to make sure you create a safe environment in your shop that meets applicable regulations and ensures the spray booth can function properly. For safe operation, your paint booth setup must meet fire code, exhaust, and airflow requirements.

Overview of Safety Regulations

There are both federal and local regulations that may apply to your paint booth. For example, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has criteria for spray booths, and so does the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Because painting involves hazardous and/or flammable chemicals, it is essential to make sure controls are in place to prevent injuries to people and property. There are several essential aspects for paint booth safety:

Fire mitigation
Air quality
Ventilation
Airflow
Electrical safety
Personnel protection

Most federal requirements cover the manufacturing of paint booths, so you don’t necessarily have to be familiar with them as long as you purchase your booth from a reputable manufacturer. However, you still have to make sure you follow your local government’s codes when installing your paint booth.

Local Rules and Codes

One of the first steps toward getting a paint booth is understanding your city or county’s building and permit codes. For example, your local government may require you to pull certain permits before installing and operating a paint booth in your building. Local regulations may also require you to get a paint booth with a third-party safety certification, such as an ETL-listed paint booth.

Paint booths utilize flammable substances, so adequate fire protection is essential, both for the spray booth and the shop itself. Before you choose a paint booth, you should check your state or local regulations to find out if you need to have a fire suppression system. Even if your local laws don’t require you to install this type of equipment, you may want to schedule a building inspection by your fire marshal to ensure everything is safe and up to code before you order and install a paint booth.

Another aspect of spray booth operation involves air quality. Improperly designed or installed paint booths can release hazardous air pollutants, which can have serious environmental effects that can harm people and property.

Your local EPA office may provide information on reducing HAPs. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to follow National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants guidelines. Proper operation of your paint booth is another key aspect of reducing harmful emissions. Ensuring compliance with local EPA regulations can help you protect your community and environment.

Elements of a Safe Shop

The exact requirements for your building may depend on the type of paint booth you plan to install. For example, a woodworking spray booth is different than an automotive paint booth. Each paint booth model may have unique requirements for power/voltage, ventilation, and airflow. The dimensions of your shop, including the height of the ceiling, may also limit your options to paint booths of a certain size.

Many buildings require ductwork to carry paint booth exhaust outside. The design of your ductwork depends on the layout of your shop and your local regulations. The ductwork and shop layout requirements may change if you decide to add an air make-up unit to your booth.

Purchasing and Setting Up Your Paint Booth

When you’re ready to enhance your shop with a paint booth, the first step is to walk through all the safety protocols and local regulations to ensure you create a safe environment for operating a spray booth. You can talk to your local government authorities, electricians, and fire protection agencies to ensure your paint booth setup complies with applicable regulations. It’s essential to know about ductwork, fire suppression, and ETL requirements before choosing a paint booth.

Once you’ve worked through these steps, you can choose the right spray booth. Our expert associates can help you figure out which model meets your operational and budgetary requirements. We can even customize your paint booth or help you choose an AMU to improve productivity and performance. Give us a call when you’re ready to get started at 888-312-7488.

What Are the Benefits of an AMU?

Adding an Air Makeup Unit to a paint booth can provide several unique advantages that increase overall productivity and improve finish quality. While the basic function of an AMU is fairly simple, the number of benefits it offers is impressive. An AMU provides a solution to issues created by the air pressure imbalances that can occur during paint booth operation.

Counteracting Negative Air Pressure

During operation, the exhaust system of a paint booth utilizes and then expels a large volume of air. This significant amount of air movement can quickly create an imbalance of air pressure. When air leaves the inside of a booth without being replaced at the same rate, the internal air pressure quickly becomes lower than the external air pressure. A negative air pressure situation such as this can cause several adverse effects:

Strong drafts, especially around windows and doors
Low-quality indoor air
Imperfect paint curing
Malfunctioning exhaust fans
Poor temperature control
Suction pressure that makes doors difficult to open

The Air Makeup Unit fixes these issues by addressing the underlying cause: negative air pressure. The AMU provides air to a paint booth at the proper rate to replace the air that’s lost through exhaust. Many systems can automatically balance the pressure by making small adjustments to offset pressure changes such as a door opening.

Removing Air Particulates

The pressure and quality of the air inside a paint booth can have a significant effect on the overall finish of the coating. When there is negative air pressure inside the booth, it is easy for dirt and debris to be pulled in when a draft occurs. If the air inside the booth becomes contaminated with particulates, it can severely impact the condition of the final product.

An AMU provides clean, filtered air to a paint booth, improving the overall air quality and reducing particles and debris that can compromise the finish of the coating. This setup may also improve the overall air quality in the building itself, because there is no longer a need to draw unfiltered outdoor air inside to address pressure inequalities.

Reducing Curing Time

An AMU can improve productivity by reducing the time it takes to complete a project. It can take an inordinately long time for a finish to cure in cold air. Some AMU models have a heating option that can provide warm air to the booth, creating the ideal environment for optimal curing efficiency. A heated AMU may be especially helpful during the winter months to eliminate prolonged curing times due to cold temperatures.

Improving the Working Environment

An AMU can significantly improve the operation of a paint booth, enhancing both efficiency and finish quality. In addition, there are other advantages that an AMU can provide:

Faster curing time
Reduced load on a building’s HVAC system
Improved indoor air quality
Lower energy requirements
Less risk of personnel injuries from pressurized doors

Managing shop conditions and ensuring finish quality is easy when there is an AMU system controlling pressure and air quality.

Choosing the Right AMU

Adding an AMU to your paint booth is a simple way to improve your productivity, cut production costs, and ensure exceptional quality on all your finishes. There are several models available, and each one has unique advantages. Contact us to learn about all the options and determine which one is the best solution to your needs. You can give us a call at 888-312-7488 or email us at sales@paint-booths.com.

Productivity Challenges In 2020

Productivity Challenges In 2020

It’s a new year in a new decade. At the start of something fresh, it’s traditional to make plans and set goals. It happens every January with new gym memberships and increased sales on romaine. We do it in our personal lives and it’s equally important to set optimistic goals for our business. January is the perfect time to create plans, set strategies and develop tactics for how to get there. During that process, look at equipment needs, personnel gaps, and potential growth opportunities. Once you start brainstorming, excitement will build and you’ll want to get moving sooner rather than later.

It’s easy to get distracted by challenges. Large and small businesses alike face productivity challenges. During these times, leaders look for ways to increase efficiency while also boosting the bottom line. At all levels, keep an eye on improvements to keep the business viable and equip it for growth.

To increase productivity, you need to ask yourself what productivity means to you. It may be better work efficiency, more project profitability, improved job safety or higher quality work produced.

Standard Tools faces these same challenges within our production so we are keenly aware of our customer’s situations. We produce products that offer an affordable way to improve production goals, making it a strong investment for your business in 2020.

Keep reading for our top 5 tips if you’re looking to buy a paint booth in 2020. What are your top goals for 2020 in your business? We’d love to hear.

Top 5 tips for buying a booth in 2020:

Have a business plan for the new year! This will define what you’re working towards and the strategic plan on how you can get there. This will also outline what your needs are and what you plan to improve.
Select the right paint booth for your needs. It all starts with what you’re painting, what your production goals are and what your investment is. We work with all budgets and can design booths for your specific needs. It’s important for you to know what your local codes and requirements are before you invest in a new booth. Trust us, this saves you a lot of time and headaches in the long run.
Set aggressive goals for the year: Look at what your production is currently and then set a realistic goal for the next 12-months. After you have done that, set an aggressive goal and write down what you need to achieve it. This could include equipment, personnel or other resources.
Do what’s comfortable for you. It’s important to make large purchase decisions with a company where you feel comfortable and with whom you can count on for advice, support and service.
Ask a lot of questions! We have a knowledgeable and friendly sales team that is here to tell you everything we know on paint spray booths. We will ask all the right questions and tell you things you need to consider in the process. We have a team of engineers that can assist in the compliance and design of your new paint booth. You can talk directly with who will be designing and producing your paint booth. Give us a call and pick our brain on everything you ever wanted to know about paint booths, and even some stuff you never knew you needed to know. It’ll help you make a more informed decision and that’s what we’re here for.

Here’s to a prosperous year of achieving your goals. We’re here to help in any way we can, so give us a call at 1-888-312-7488.

Cheers to 2020,

Kat Mendenhall

General Manager, Standard Tools and Equipment Co.

Buy Before January 1st to Save Thousands.*

With the year winding to a close, you may hear a lot about “Section 179” and how you’re business can benefit if you are looking to purchase some equipment before the new year.

We get just as confused as the next guy when you start talking “tax rate”, “deductions” and “depreciation”. We thought we would do a little research and try to explain how this could be a HUGE benefit to small businesses, we should know because Standard Tools is also a small business that takes advantage of incentives such as this.

When we say ‘equipment’, we mean any large purchase you buy to benefit your business. For example, a heated paint booth to help boost your productivity. Since it’s an ‘investment’ in your business, it is included in this category.

You can even finance it this year and still write it off to save thousands.

So, section 179 is what exactly? It’s an incentive created by the U.S. government to encourage businesses to buy equipment and invest in themselves. Essentially, Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment purchased (or financed) during the tax year. Wow! The FULL PURCHASE PRICE will be deducted from your gross income. (As long as the total purchase price is less than $2.2 million on equipment. Continue reading Buy Before January 1st to Save Thousands.*

Install Your Own Spray Booth! Case Study

At Howard Classic Boats, their number one commitment is to preserve and advance the enjoyment of Antique and Classic Boats.

When they contacted Standard Tools about a finishing booth to use on these beautiful boats, we couldn’t wait to get started. They needed a custom booth, so our engineers worked to get it designed to fit their needs. A 14’ X 11’ X 35’ powder-coated semi-downdraft booth was in the works.

Located on the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees in North East Oklahoma, Howard Classic Boats restores Antique and Classic Boats from 13’ to 42’. When working on these gems, dust is a consummate problem in trying for that flawless finish on the boats and parts. Continue reading Install Your Own Spray Booth! Case Study

NEW! Heated Full Downdraft Booth.

We have designed a heated downdraft full-sized paint booth. The downdraft paint booth supplies filtered air to the booth through the full-filtered ceiling, and exhaust the chemical-containing air through filters below the grating on the floor. The air is directed downward, and the paint vapors and overspray are carried downward. So, the toxins do not pass by the painter’s breathing zone. This design is built for a pitted exhaust system. Although we provide the grating and the floor filters, we do not include the installation of the actual pit.

Since this booth is heated, the intake air is passes over the Sure-Cure direct-fired air make up unit (AMU) before it is pushed down through a full-plenum filtered ceiling.

DDGrateFloor-7filters-500 — Booth Shown: DD-1000GH, with Powder-Coating finish, LED Flat Panel Lights, Floor covering.

We provide the booth, the Sure-Cure air makeup unit, the floor grates and filters for your downdraft paint booth. We are the manufacturer and can customize your booth to fit your needs. So, if you want to add lights, have double drive-thru doors or make your booth taller, just give us a call for a custom-designed booth. Continue reading NEW! Heated Full Downdraft Booth.

Buying a paint booth is easy … sort of.

Have you ever made a big purchase to find out details later that you wish you knew before?

Let us help you out. Here are some things to think about before you buy your paint booth:

Buy from an established company. Know who you’re doing business with. When you buy from a company that has been around a while, chances are that they will be around a while yet to come. Know their story. That will help when you need warranty or replacement parts in the future. Make sure you’re dealing with the manufacturer of the booth and not an installer, distributor of a foreign product or a reseller of a product. When you work directly with the manufacturer, you are talking to the folks who are making your booth, so you know you can customize your booth to fit your needs. Work with the experts in paint booths.

Buy a booth now that you can grow into later. Like buying a house, you’ll need to make sure this booth will fit your growing needs in the coming years. It can be very costly or nearly impossible to enlarge certain booths later.

Will it ever need to be heated? The great thing about our booths is you can choose to add a Sure-Cure Air Makeup Unit later to add heat, and the ability to cure quickly, to your booth. However, you will need to have a booth that can be heated. It is also for a smaller shop that needs to provide additional air to use a booth in their shop. Read our blog to see what an air makeup unit is.

What are your power requirements? Yup, we will need to know how your space is wired so we know how to build the electrical components of your paint booth. Is is single-phase or three-phase?

Additional Needs. Will there be additional needs for your booth? Do you need Ductwork packages for exhaust? Our Control panels make turning your booth on an off (Lights and Fans) super easy. Our sales experts can assist you in determining what you need to start spraying fast!

Buying upgrades during the initial purchase process is best. The booth will be designed for those upgrades. Some upgrades are not possible after the booth is shipped, like powder coating the panels or adding the ETL certification. ETL may be required where you live… it’s best to find out all local requirements prior to making the purchase so you can make sure you buy a booth that will pass inspection. An ETL package makes the permitting and insuring processes much easier. A quicker start-up means that you can start painting earlier.

Fire Suppression will include additional costs. We offer fire suppression as a convenience for you as we can offer a better cost with our buying volume. You can certainly order a fire suppression system on your own if you choose. We sell you the system and the labor through a fire suppression company. Once the local installer comes out to view your space, they also check to see how much pipe and fitting you will need and will sell you that material directly. The Fire Suppression fee also does not include local permits needed, and those fees vary based on where you live.

Installation. How are you going to get your booth up? Buying a booth that you can install yourself can save a great deal of money and headaches.

Standard Tools and Equipment designs their booths to be put together by the end-user. It does take a few guys a few days, but can save you thousands of dollars. If you would rather have it installed, we have a national installer program and can recommend one for you. Regardless of how your booth is assembled, you will have to hire professional contractors for electrical and your fire systems will need to be installed by an installer through the fire suppression company.

Once you have done all the leg-work and know what your needs are, ordering a booth is easy! Want to know more? Please visit our website www.paint-booths.com or even better…. call our sales team at 800-451-2425 to find out how we can help you get the booth you need!

TOP 10 THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE ORDERING YOUR PAINT BOOTH.

When looking to buy a paint booth, there are a lot of factors to consider. It may seem overwhelming, but we’re here to help! Here’s our top ten things to consider when buying a paint booth. Considering these things will help you to determine what booth is right for you and will save you a lot of money and heartache by considering them BEFORE you buy your booth.

1. What are the dimensions of the building? We need to know the dimensions of the space you plan to put the paint booth. How tall are the ceilings?

2. What type of booth you are interested in? We have different styles of paint booths. From open-faced booths to large and enclosed truck booths. We have different air flow styles as well, from cross flow and side-down draft or semi-down draft or down draft … if you have a type or style you’re looking for, be sure to let us know. If you don’t know what type or airflow style would work best for you, no problem… our sales folks can help you determine the best booth to meet your painting needs.

3. What phase and/or voltage run through your building? We need to know the kind of power you have so we can make sure that your paint booth and/or your air makeup unit is designed to work in conjunction with it. Did you know that the majority of the time you can contact your power company and they can give you this information if you are unsure?

4. Do you need ductwork? Do you know how much ductwork will you need? One of the reasons we need to know the height of your building is because we need to determine how much ductwork is needed from the top of your paint booth straight out of the roof, plus some! In most states it is required that there is 6’ of ductwork exhausting up from the roof.

5. Are you adding heat to your booth? There are several benefits to decide on a heated paint booth. Heat makes it a more comfortable environment in the winter, but that is not why the majority of our customers decide to add heat. Sometimes, there isn’t enough airflow in the business to provide for the booth. (Click here to see if that applies to you). When you have a Sure-Cure AMU, you are able to significantly increase your production. You are able to paint, cure and cool in less than an hour, making your new booth the hardest working part of your business!

6. Have you contacted your city to find out what is required in your city or in your state? It’s important that you know before you order your booth what is required from your city or in your state. Find out what permits you will need and if there are special requirements, like and ETL-listed booth that you have to comply with. For example, if you have to have an ETL-listed booth, but you order a non-ETL booth, you will either have to order a new booth (that we offer already with ETL) or you will have to pay big bucks to have someone come and certify it. To be absolutely safe, you can always request that a fire marshal come and do a walk-through to advise you what you need to consider prior to ordering your booth.

7. Does your state require you to have fire suppression? It is extremely important to know the answer to this question so you can properly plan. Call your local authorities and get informed. We offer Fire Suppression systems from PyroChem or you may be able to provide a sprinkler system.

8. Do you want your booth powered-coated booth? Not only will your booth be a lot brighter, but it will also stand out and have a professional look to it. See how our booths are powder-coated.

9. Get everything you need in one quick swoop. We offer light bulbs for all of the booth’s light fixtures, as well as the electrical wiring kits that your electrician will need to wire your booth. Get everything ordered and shipped to you to setup and start using your booth. Easily add a supply of intake or exhaust filters to your order so that when they need to be changed, you have them on hand.

10. What other features can I add to my booth? Is there something you want on your paint booth like drive-thru doors, a connected mixing booth or extra lights? One thing that Standard Tools and Equipment does well is our ability to produce custom paint booths. Our engineers can design a booth to fit your needs. If you want your booth taller, wider or brighter… just let us have the opportunity to design your booth for you.