Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Jan 18, 2011 01:58pm | #1

   Your best solution is to use waterborne finishes that avoid the explosion issue altogether.  Current waterbornes from such brands as Target and Enduro and others, are formulated for spraying.  You need the ability to move enough air to keep overspray away from the work.  You also need to filter air to minimize dust.  But furnace filters can work for that.  To move up to NC lacquer you would have to have explosion proof fans to move air.  To move to higher tech finishes you need the legal booths that recapture solvent gases, etc.to protect the neighborhood, and you need protective gear to protect yourself. 

2. 
   forrestb | Jan 18, 2011 06:57pm | #2

   temporary spray booth

   When I sprayed 2 6x3 bookcases I had the same issue: what kind of booth to use.  Since I, too, planned on waterborne finish for safety and my only area was half of a 2-car garage, I used 6 mil plastic that I hung on hooks screwed into the joists.  I used a square fan with a furnace filter on the back to exhaust through hole cut in the plastic.  I wound up with a 10x5 spray booth.  USE A GOOD RESPIRATOR if  you do this since there is not nearly enough air flow to keep down the overspray from your lungs.

   I did not put plastic on the floor so my garage floor is now cream color which flaked a bit with the car tires.  I did put a piece of plastic on the wall where the fan was to protect my wall and the shelves there.

   Not a permanent solution by any means, since after a couple of days my inspiration was asking when she could get her car back into the garage, but the plastic was re-useable for about 3 uses before the flake-off of overspray was getting to be a problem with a good finish.

   Forrest

3. 
   sapwood | Jan 18, 2011 09:38pm | #3

   First off, I will second the idea of using water borne finishes. I've used Target brand lacquer and think it is great. Drying time is very fast, it sands well, levels well, and seems to protect things just fine. I like to use shellac first to bring out the color. Target also makes a water borne shellac that I've used and like. 

   Spray booths can be either positive or negative pressure. The most common are negative with the fan pulling the nasty overspray out. This necessitates an explosion proof fan if you use stuff such as nitrocellulose lacquer. The positive booth has its fan pushing air into the booth with the exhaust simply a hole in the wall, floor, ceiling shielded with an overspray filter. This sort of booth can use any sort of fan since the nasty explosive laden air never sees the fan.

4. 
   Debbie Teter | Jan 21, 2011 11:18am | #4

   Mobil Paint Booths

   Hi,

   GarmatUSA offers a mobile booth, Intelle-air, for spraying smaller items. IT runns on 110/120V and does not require additional ducts etc. that add to installation costs.     It is still over 10 grand but provides a safer environment.  Also check out small parts booths, they may be helpful.

   Debbie

1. 
   Grovey | Jan 23, 2011 04:06pm | #5

   Spray booth

   Thank you for the comments so far. I already have the finishing materials I like. The stains are oil based and the sealer is Mohawk E Z Vinyl which is also oil based. The top coats are usually conversion varnish but there are times when the customer dictates what I use. I would like to set up a booth to be able to spray both oil and waterbased finishes safely. This week I had a "spray booth company" stop in and give me a quote for ove $8,000. This seems excessive since I only spray one or two days a month.

1. 
   DonStephan | Jan 24, 2011 08:22pm | #6

   My understanding is that solvent finishes need to go through filter tabric and then exhausted outside.  Lights and switches in the area should be explosion proof.  If the exhaust goes thru fhe fan, explosion proof.  If the fan moves a significant amount of air, need ultra high BTU makeup heater or in winter the air temp will fall rapidly.

   WB can be recirculated indoors.

   Seems the choice is either to spend a lot of money for solvent capable spray booth and makeup heater,  or sub out the occasional solvent spray job.

5. 
   SteveSchoene | Jan 25, 2011 09:53pm | #7

   Remember, putting a car in a garage inreases the risk of underbody rusting.  Why?  warmth in the garage accelerates the chemical oxidation  reaction that is the rusting.  It's true, but no guarantee she will believe it.