Spray Booth Maintenance, Tips, and Tricks
The spray booth in your operation is one of the most important tools you own. Just like any tool, if you treat it right, it will do the same for you. The trick is to keep your spray booth maintained and clean, which can be tough to do when it’s getting constant use.
Dirt, debris, and other contaminants can ruin a finish, and when you have to do the same thing twice, you’re losing money and adding one more chore to your already long list.
So what can you do?
Luckily there are simple precautions you and your crew can take in order to reduce problems with finishes, and keep your reputation as bright and shiny as a new paint job.
Dust is the Enemy
A shop is going to have its fair share of dust, no matter how careful everyone is – it’s one of those irritants you have to deal with.
The golden rule is to keep all of the spray booth’s doors closed when not in use – and when you open up the booth, make sure it’s on and running – that way the contaminants are drawn into the exhaust filters.
Other tips include:
- Don’t leave anything that’s not needed in the booth. Tools attract dust naturally, so keep them in a separate place.
- Never sand in the spray booth. (That’s a no brainer, but worth repeating.)
- Caulk any openings like ceiling frames, wall joints, even fire sprinkler openings.
- Your painters’ suits need to be lint-free, and stored in a clean area.
Paint Booth Filters
Don’t cheap out when it comes to buying filters, you may save some money up front, but on the back end you’ll regret it when your finished product isn’t up to par.
And don’t forget to change them on a regular basis – plugged up filters throw off the balance of your booth and overspray can clog up the exhaust fans.
Check the Temperature
You may be spraying parts or vehicles that have been outside in the cold or heat – let them rest and get to room temperature before you spray. If you don’t, the paint might not adhere correctly, and that’s a big problem.
It’s also important to constantly check the spray booth temperature – 72 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit is what you should aim for.
Watch for Overspray
Professional painters know this practice can cause buildup on walls, floors, equipment, and the ceiling. Sure, it’s a byproduct of doing your job, but you can use protective coatings on the interior of the booth to battle this problem and save time during clean-up down the road.
Train with the Experts
Westside Auto Paint’s group of experts offer several different types of training courses that contain practical solutions that can help your business succeed. You can check them out here. At Westside Auto Paint & Supply, our goal is to help our customers start their projects the right way – with quality supplies at affordable prices. With three locations to serve you, in Fairview Park, Akron, and Elyria, we’re ready to help your business wherever it’s located. Give us a call today to answer any questions you might have regarding spray booth best practices or to order supplies for your net project!