My first spray booth was the basement kitchen fan with a big cardboard box. Overspray wasn’t an issue since the basement was eventually going to be renovated. I painted about 60+ cars before having to make changes.
After the renovations, I moved the spray area closer to the kitchen window. But the fan was actually higher in the room than the kitchen fan, and was less effective even with a much bigger fan. It moved the smelly air out of the room. But the overspray dust was like a cloud slowly moving to the floor. Let’s just agree that it was a total failure. I painted one or two HO cars, and decided to undo everything. It was either outside, or nothing now.
I needed to use gravity to my advantage. So far it’s been working against me.
I bought a wardrobe box from U-Haul for $19.95. It measures 24″x24″x48″ inches closed. 60″ inches tall with the top flaps open. It barely fits in the shower stall. I installed two 6″ inch vents at the back to evacuate the fumes. A plywood plate was cut to perfectly fit into the window slot. Two 6″ inch metal joiners were glued into the plywood plate for the flexible hose. The shower has a plastic drop-sheet lining the entire thing. You can’t be too safe.
I have hanging lights on both sides so I can see properly.
Blocks were glued to keep the flaps open.
The evacuation vents had to be staggered because they didn’t quite fit beside each other.
When the booth isn’t being used. The plate and flexible ductwork are at rest beside the sink.
It was finished last night. Ted came over with an unpainted Pioneer Mustang today, and the booth is an absolute success. The overspray cloud falls to the bottom of the box. Nothing escapes into the washroom itself except barely a light smell. You can’t smell the fumes outside the washroom door with the door wide open. Perfect.
The power for the booth comes from an old 24″ inch fan. It moves enough air to easily dilute the fumes. I need to watch that I don’t leave it running too long after painting. It removes a lot of warmth from the house very quickly.
Thank you very kindly for looking.
