Capital Area Modelers Society

Several years ago I wrote about constructing my spray booth from 3/8” plywood (IPMS/USA Journal May-June 2016, p. 22).  For the most part, it served my needs well, but over time I recognized some problems. I made some upgrades recently to resolve the issues.

First, the original ventilation system wasn’t very effective.  The fan and filter setup did fairly well at capturing paint particles, but did nothing about fumes. Second, it was impossible to clean.  Over-spray would build up on the walls and top of the booth, creating cobwebs and allowing dust to contaminate a paint job.  In addition, I wasn’t really satisfied with the lighting from a couple of goose-neck desk lamps.

I decided I could rework things and improve my home-built booth.  First, I purchased a pair of 22″ LED strip lights designed to be mounted under a cabinet and connected to each other in series.  Then I bought a “Polywall Utility Panel.”  It’s a 4’x8’ panel of thick white plastic for things like bathroom wall paneling.  It’s tough, but can be cut with a good pair of scissors or utility knife.  Online, I found an 8” exhaust fan, flexible ducting, a pair of clamps and exhaust vent.

I removed the old box fan and filter on the side and cut an opening in upper right at the back of the booth to accommodate the exhaust fan.  I cut pieces from the Polywall to fit each panel of the booth attaching them with wood glue. I had to reopen a space in the back for the exhaust fan.  I sealed the seams along the bottom and the back with acrylic caulk but left top panel loose.  I attached the LED strips to the top panel and connected them together. I cut a small notch at the top of the right side to run the power cord through.

Then came the exhaust system.  The fan had the option of a pull chain, which I used, then installed the fan in the back.  I installed the exhaust vent in some left-over plywood cut to fit on the window ledge by the opening.  Then I connected the fan and vent with the flexible ducting.

When I’m ready to paint, I open the window as wide as the plywood and turn on the fan.  This has proven to remove not only the particles floating around as I work, but most of the fumes .  I have ample lighting with the LED strip in front, but can turn on the one in back if needed.  The Polywall is resistant to all solvents, so the panels clean easily. 

I can also use this setup as a photo booth.  I clamp a piece of left over Polywall to the bottom of the booth, which curves up in the back to provide a sweep. It’s immune to wrinkles and is also easy to clean.

In all, I’m very pleased with the way this turned out.