My homemade spray booth

[mrversatile]

Well my summer long list of "to do" things are nearing an end and I can finally get back to modeling. One of the main tasks was to finish my basement to create a dedicated modeling area. To do this I had to build a spray booth to vent and filter the fumes since there is essentially no natural ventilation. I found an idea on the internet where an Ikea corner cabinet was flipped on it's side and modified to create a ready made large spray booth. below are the progress and finished pics.

First, the cabinet was constructed it is about 40" W x 24" deep x 24" high in front. Once built, I added 1/2" MDF board to the floor and 3/4" MDF to the slanted top where the Dayton blower will be mounted. I also added a switch/outlet box to the side to control the blower and lights.




Next I installed the blower, however, these don't have and way to mount it so I found longer screws that would fit to the intake side and used these to mount a backing plate while countersinking the screw heads so it fits flush against the top/rear of the booth where I cut a matching hole. I also had to modify the square exhaust side to a 4" vent adapter which I converted from a plastic damper part from Home Depot. While making all modifications I was careful to seal the mating surfaces with caulk to prevent leaks.













Next, I created a 25X16X1" plenum in front of the intake to accept a standard furnace filter. I added screw inserts and matching bolts which hold a removable slat that I could remove by hand for easy replacement.





Finally I added an under cabinet fluorescent light fixture to the inside top panel and attached a semi rigid vent hose.





I eventually painted the bare inside wood white but I plan to place a poster board on the bottom to be replaced when necessary. Hope this helps anyone who plans to undertake a similar project.

[TRM]

Nice work on the booth Gil!! Rigid and plenty of ventilation!! Ikea to the rescue! Let us know how it works out for you!!

[Leon]

Nice work on the booth Gil!

[M1Carbine]

Gil - awesome job buddy.

Bob

[bbrowniii]

I've been unhappy with my booth for quite a while. I think you just gave me the inspiration I need to upgrade it.

Thanks!!!

[wbill76]

Should do the job nicely!

[chromdome35]

Great looking booth, I've got to build something similar. My wife is fusing about the smells.

Now that you've had some time to use the booth, how do you like it? If you had to build it again, what would you do differently.

[mrversatile]

As an update, I am really satisfied with the result. I have used paints cut with lacquer, MEK, spray cans, and acrylics and found that the blower provided enough air movement to properly vent the fumes. Although I still use a respirator with the more caustic solvents, I have found that the paint and fumes are adequately removed. The fluorescent light fixture was not strong enough so I added a cheap clip on light to supplement it. Mostly, I like the size of the booth as it can accommodate nearly any model I choose to spray.

[adt70hk]

Gil

Thanks for sharing the build and apologies for being a bit behind. I too have got to build one and this have given me plenty of ideas on how to approach it.

Andrew

[TRM]

Happy to hear things worked out with this Gil!! Functional, rigid and safe!!

[Leon]

Glad to hear the booth is working fine for you Gil!

[fhvn4d]

That looks pretty damn sharp Gil!!!! and certainly not a small booth!!! I have been toying with the idea of gathering the needed parts to make one myself (bought a dryer vent fan, assorted hoses and exhaust for it) but was never really pleased with what I saw.... till now.... Might have to copy some of this !

[mrversatile]

One thing to remember is that you need whats called a "squirrel cage" blower where the airflow is separate from the motor housing. This prevents possible combustion when using more volatile solvents.

[fhvn4d]

Dec 10, 2016 8:39:55 GMT -5 mrversatile said:

One thing to remember is that you need whats called a "squirrel cage" blower where the airflow is separate from the motor housing. This prevents possible combustion when using more volatile solvents.

Thank you for that !!! Probably would be a hell of a story though if I set fire to my paint booth using the wrong blower..... thank god I have three fire extinguishers in the house and one in my hobby room ( a little paranoia is a good thing) LOL

[bbrowniii]

Gil,

Where did you get your blower? I've got some time in the next couple weeks and thought I might rebuild my booth using your design. Figure I can start accumulating supplies.

[mrversatile]

Dayton makes good blowers with various cfm rates. I got mine at Grainger. Here is the link:
www.grainger.com/category/ecatalog/N-1z0dv28

[chromdome35]

I get a link not valid message when I click on your link.

[mrversatile]

Just go to Grainger sitr and search their Dayton blowers and you should be able to find different "squirrel cage" types with varying cfm and price points.

[totalize]

That's a pretty cool build for sure.

Myself I would like to have one with the venting through the bottom of the unit. If you have ever seen a automotive paint booth the venting goes through the floor. This is due to the fact that atomized paint molecules are heavier that air and due to gravity tend to fall. The venting in the floor tends to catch the molecules better and as such is generally healthier to the person spraying the paint. However, I don't think this would be too easy to build and I have never seen a hobby paint booth with venting in the base of the unit. Its always high up and at the back of the booth.

[chromdome35]

Dec 12, 2016 15:31:31 GMT -5 totalize said:

That's a pretty cool build for sure.

Myself I would like to have one with the venting through the bottom of the unit. If you have ever seen a automotive paint booth the venting goes through the floor. This is due to the fact that atomized paint molecules are heavier that air and due to gravity tend to fall. The venting in the floor tends to catch the molecules better and as such is generally healthier to the person spraying the paint. However, I don't think this would be too easy to build and I have never seen a hobby paint booth with venting in the base of the unit. Its always high up and at the back of the booth.

They are out there, but they are $$$

Artograph Airbrush Booth

[totalize]

Wow, Didn't know they existed. That price though is nuts!

Thanks for pointing that out.

Dave.

[jsteinman]

I like it, but I bet you find you need more light.