Building my own paint booth

nanook177 · Post by **nanook177** » Wed Oct 08, 2014 7:43 pm

I'm constructing a paint booth in my basement on the cheap. Is there any advantage or disadvantage to mounting the fan so it draws horizontally across the table as opposed to vertically over the table? Thanks!

Ziz · Post by **Ziz** » Wed Oct 08, 2014 11:28 pm

As long as it has enough "pull", it doesn't really matter where it is. Put it wherever is convenient for your work area layout.

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Thu Oct 09, 2014 12:12 pm

Yes, typically you don't spray up.

TimeScape · Post by **TimeScape** » Fri Oct 10, 2014 6:57 am

I recently modified my home made booth from vertical to horizontal draw. One reason was what Kewell says; the other primary was the filter. I place a furnace filter over the opening to catch the excess paint particles; however, it also collects dust in the air as well. With the vertical draw, the filter (and captured dust) sits above what you are painting. I am sure you can guess this is not an ideal set up...

b5ranger99 · Post by **b5ranger99** » Fri Oct 10, 2014 9:59 pm

I have built booths with airflow going vertical and horizontal they worked equally well. However I filter the air coming in and going out and wipe down the booth before spraying. Just my 2 cents.

YankeeGuy0 · Post by **YankeeGuy0** » Wed Apr 15, 2015 3:20 pm

The only I've built a few of my own over the years, the only difference you'll really find is that down draft boxes don't need to move as much air as cross draft boxes to vent the same space. This site explains things fairly well : http://www.modelersite.com/Abr2003/engl ... gn_Eng.htm .

The only thing I have to point out and has become my pet peeve over the years is people not using "explosion proof" fans. It's not a big deal if you're not spraying a flammable solvent but you ought to have the fan motor out of the air flow. All electric motors create sparks that can ignite vapors. For this same reason the duct work you use should be grounded to the fan housing.

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Wed Apr 15, 2015 3:30 pm

Awesome piece of info. Thanks!

YankeeGuy0 · Post by **YankeeGuy0** » Thu Apr 16, 2015 6:47 am

Here's a shot of mine. This is the third iteration. It's 1/8th ply and I bought the fan from a tool supply site (I think it cost around $40 maybe 10years ago). It's a downdraft design and has a 2" plenum at the back to even out the airflow and avoid hotspots.

<a href="http://s846.photobucket.com/user/awmora ... 8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img></a>