Choose an Outdoor Paint Booth When Your Shop’s Short on Space
There are a few reasons you may have to look for an alternative option to the traditional indoor paint booth structure. For example, your auto shop may not have space for it, or expanding is not viable and is too costly. However, a paint booth is essential and necessary for running your operations.
Let’s take a look at an outdoor paint booth—and why it’s an excellent choice when your shop is short on space.
What Is An Outdoor Paint Booth?
An outdoor paint booth is a free-standing facility that can either be attached or detached to your current space. It’s loaded with all of the same features as it would if located inside, including mechanicals and a paint mix room. The mechanicals include control systems, lighting, fans, filters, and a heating system.
Being outdoors, they are specifically designed and engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, such as rain, wind, sleet, and snow. Reinforcements may include strengthened joints, support beams, hinges, and latches. Depending on where your shop is located, a custom design may be needed to ensure the structure includes proper protection against local weather conditions.
Are There Any Benefits to an Outdoor Paint Booth?
The primary benefit of adding an outdoor paint booth to your auto shop is cost-efficiency. As an owner, weighing the pros and cons of a building expansion is a crucial first step. The decisions will be influenced heavily based on your budget and shop’s needs. Be sure to calculate the cost of everything you may need for an extension project, such as:
- Foundation
- Windows and doors
- Lighting fixtures and electricity
- Roofing and flooring
- Plumbing
- Heating, ventilation, and air (HVAC)
- Materials and delivery
- Construction labor
- Equipment and furnishings
Your build-out cost may keep going up and up when you get into the details. While this may be necessary for some shops looking to increase business and staff, it’s not required to install a paint booth. By opting for an outdoor painting facility, you’re eliminating all of those costs and only have to budget for one product.
Are There Different Types of Outdoor Paint Booths?
Most manufactures, such as Accudraft, can design custom paint booths and offer several options for doors, controls, and more. For outdoor booths specifically, there are a few enclosure styles you can choose from, depending on the layout of your shop and lot space.
The side enclosure includes a vestibule next to the painting space for mechanicals and a heated mixing room.
The rear enclosure’s mechanical vestibule is located in the back.
Here, the mechanicals are located overhead. It also includes a roof that covers and encloses the mechanicals and paint booth.
Can I Upgrade My Outdoor Paint Booth?
Since an outdoor paint booth has the same performance and function as it would indoors, it can also score the same upgrades. These enhancements may include installing an advanced control system, accelerated airflow devices to flash water-base coatings, or other equipment to boost overall performance. It’s vital to work with a trusted and reliable company. This way, years later, you can receive the same high-quality service when looking to strengthen your paint booth.
Finding The Right Outdoor Paint Booth For Your Shop
Evaluating your shop’s needs may be a conversation you’ll need to have with an expert. The professionals at Accudraft are available to talk you through options, features, and installation of our outdoor paint booths. As industry leaders, we strive to educate our clients and help streamline the overall performance and business of their auto shop. Contact us today to discuss more!