Installing a do-it-yourself paint booth is something that should only be done by people with extensive building experience. A lot of things go into making sure that a paint booth runs efficiently and safely. If you have a background in construction and have knowledge of safety codes and regulations, a DIY paint booth can be a great way to install your workspace for a fraction of the price.
If you decide to install your own paint booth, here are some important DIY paint booth mistakes to avoid:
1. Creating an Unsealed Workplace
Industrial paints produce dangerous toxic fumes that are harmful to your health. Exposure to these fumes can affect you in a number of ways, such as:
- Having difficulty breathing.
- Becoming nauseous and dizzy.
- Experiencing chest pain and elevated heartbeats.
- Blurred vision.
Constant exposure to these fumes can also have long-lasting effects on your health. For this reason, it’s important to that your paint booth is built to OSHA’s safety standards so you don’t have to worry about being exposed to dangerous chemicals.
One way to reduce your exposure to hazardous chemicals is by constructing a ventilated paint mixing room. That way you can handle all your paint prep in the same place without risking yourself to dangerous fumes.
2. Not Fireproofing Your Paint Booth
Fireproofing is one of the most important DIY paint booth steps, and can also be one of the easiest to forget. Many people don’t think about the gas and propane-powered components that come with most paint booths or how the painting and drying process uses heat.
Improperly constructed paint booths or ones that haven’t passed NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) codes are potential fire hazards. Fortunately, there are a number of talented professionals who are happy to inspect and properly fire proof your DIY paint booth.
3. Transporting Your Own Paint Booth
Trying to load and transport your own paint booth may seem simple enough, but it’s actually a common mistake that many people make when building a DIY paint booth.
A paint booth weighs around 5,000 pounds, and it needs to be strapped to the back of a flatbed truck or heavy-duty trailer. You could be a danger to yourself and others if you’re not used to transporting this much weight. Not only do you need to know how to steer and brake with such a load, you also need to have heavy-duty tires that are able to support such weight. If you don’t have experience towing or hauling heavy loads, let a professional deliver your paint booth to you.
4. Cutting Corners to Save Money
There’s no denying that your paint booth will be an expensive purchase. Look at this purchase as an investment – the money that you spend on your company will help you improve your business and generate more revenue.
If you don’t have the money to buy a new or used paint booth from a licensed professional, don’t cut corners by buying one that isn’t backed by a reputable distributor. Unlicensed paint booths are potential safety hazards and are far less reliable than booths backed by a distributor. These cheap paint booths can save you money upfront, but will end up costing more in the long run.
You might want to save money by installing your own paint booth, but don’t let your frugality trick you into making the mistake of buying a cheaply made unit. Choose a paint booth from a company that can guarantee customer service and technical support.
Don’t Take on More Than You Can Handle
If you are set on installing your own paint booth, it’s important that you take the time to learn about common DIY paint booth mistakes to avoid. Remember, you’re working with highly flammable paint, so make sure that you install your paint booth in an area that is away from electrical and heat sources that could start a fire.
If you have construction-related experience and are knowledgeable on putting in paint booths, installing your own open-front booth shouldn’t be too difficult. Even if you have experience putting in paint booths, don’t try to install large units on your own. One person never installs these models; only a team of professionals should do take on this type of job.
When it comes to producing paint booths that are efficient and provide consistently excellent quality, Accudraft is number one. We have a variety of paint booths that accommodate companies of all sizes, as well as various tools that help boost your paint booth’s performance. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help improve your business.