Spray Booth ?

Merideth, the cat model next to the spray booth looks great, great weathering, so realistic!! LOL

QUOTE: Originally posted by johnpo A shop vac connected to a box with a furnace filter and a breathable mat on top of that should work. If you can put the vac outside a window ...even better.

I wouldn't spray any enamels or solvent based paints through it though. Shop vacs spark quite a bit inside and may ignite the solvents.

Mike

A shop vac connected to a box with a furnace filter and a breathable mat on top of that should work. If you can put the vac outside a window ...even better.

I have a small apartment too, and no real room for a spray booth. So what I did was go get a big, strong cardboard box...the kind they use to make cardboard furniture like file cabinets out of, cut off part of the top and sides and now i put it by the window (i open all the windows for spraying) and let 'er rip. It's not the best way to do it, but until i can figure out something better, it gets the job done.

curious cat not included

Booth efficiency is based on quite a few variables, not the least of which is your painting technique. They can be quite efficient when used correctly; odors from organic solvents may still be slightly noticeable to non-existent, again depending on a lot of factors. If you have trouble with vapors accumulating in the space(s) where you are painting, a booth has the potential to make a significant difference.
Gip Winecoff

How effective are paint booths? So basically it prevents the vapors from contaminating the whole house? And does your room smells fresh after painting?

You need to be very careful when building a spray booth, because electricity and organic vapors from painting make very incompatible bedfellows. Fires are not fun. Booth walls should be of non-combustible materials, not wood, cardboard, etc. Fans should be at least brushless; that is, they have no brushes rubbing on armatures and creating sparks, and the fan has to be powerful enough to exhaust the vapors out of your apartment. CFM requirements will vary based on the dimensions of the booth and length of exhaust ducting. Don't even consider bathroom exhaust fans. Although more expensive, it may be more advantageous to you to investigate in a pre-made booth by a reputable company.
Gip Winecoff

I built my own... and am building a better one currently.

http://www.naplak.com/modeling/tips/painting_hood.htm

It's not that hard to make one really.......