Homeaid Airbrush Spray-Booth!

I purchased one of those paint-booth kits that you can find all over Ebay and other online retail sites.  It has the hose and fitting that goes out of a window and has the fan unit behind the spraying area.  There are three filters before the fan and it seems to work pretty darn good.  I've been using it a lot lately.  I will say that I've found that it seems to work best when using the airbrush, especially when using laquer base products like Alclad II.  There are virtually no fumes and no overspray.  As for using "rattle-cans" its not 100%, it removes the overspray just fine; however, it doesn't remove all of the volatile fumes as well.  I think this is because the amount of propellant that are in the cans is too much for the fan to pull.  I think in the future when I have to use canned spray paint, I will most likely decant it and use it through the airbrush.

Can't remember where I read it, but saw somewhere a discussion stating that the optimal exhaust pull position is the bottom of the spray booth.  The top placement will suck your paint upward, sides all pull sideways.  Whereas the bottom exhaust will pull it straight down, ideally onto/toward your model.

I think that the optimal placement is directly behind the airbrush in your style of painting.  If you paint downward, then underneath.  If you paint laterally, then behind the model.

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

I've been watching this thread and didn't want to comment on the DIY spray paint booth until I heard from others. I am in agreement with above poster. However... the fan placement would better suited on top of spray paint booth - not in front or sides.

Thanks for the comment  BlackSheep!    I did think about trying it on the top of the box at first, but figured I would give it a try on the back first.   I have now used the booth 3 times (about 1.5 hours of spraying) and it sucks great!  I have not had any problems.    I am actually extremely shocked!   But it's a complete success.   I will, however, build another one in the future with a stronger fan, and I will try putting it on the top.

I do have a fire extinguisher near by; however, I do plan on putting a cheap filter on it.  So don't worry, I wont burn the house down!

I've been watching this thread and didn't want to comment on the DIY spray paint booth until I heard from others. I am in agreement with above poster. However... the fan placement would better suited on top of spray paint booth - not in front or sides.

Since you'll have atomized paint going through a motor I'd recommend having a fire extinguisher close by. A cheap furnace filter will help keep your fan clean. For that size it should only cost a dollar or two.

I cut out squares of poster board to fit in my spray booth. Makes it a snap to clean after using it for a couple months.

Nice!

Chris

nice work, tidier than mine  but I only spent $2.60 of beer tokens!

I tried some grease trap filter paper trapped between fan & the plastic housing, which reduced the efficiency of the extraction to 0%!

I suggest you find some of that fleecy filter materiel (mine was described as, "Foam Sponge Filter Double Layer" on a well-known auction site).

Add a layer of coarse mesh between the fleece & fan though.

good luck

Thanks! I used a Dremel. I cut it on a higher speed so it left a few plastic bits behind.  I pulled them off and took a micro torch to the newly cut edge to make sure there was no sharp bits.

Thank you John la Porta!

I think that is absolutely wonderful for someone who is budget-conscious. Very nice work!

Nice!  What tool did you use to cut the opening on the plastic tub?

mitsdude

Will the white rectangular piece on the fan come off? If so you might get better air flow.

Thank for the heads up!  I was thinking the same thing.  Yes, it easily comes off ( I have 4 small bolts holding it on).   I  think I will take it off and put a thin, cheap filter in front of the fan.

Will the white rectangular piece on the fan come off? If so you might get better air flow.