Most people are aware that the filters used in a spray booth play an important part in keeping workshops free of toxic fumes. However, they also play a vital part in producing a quality finish. Spray booths are widely used in the motor vehicle industry, but they’re also used in other finishing processes in industries such as furniture making.
The Health and Safety Executive has detailed guidance for anyone using or managing a spray booth, whether they are applying paint or other materials, such as lacquers.
In all of these industries, the finish matters. Overspraying, or dust contamination, can ruin the final result. No matter how much you spend on high-end equipment in the booth, if the filter is dirty, old, or the wrong one for the job, it will affect the final result.
In addition, a poorly functioning filter means the ventilation system has to work harder and its life cycle is shortened. For the sake of a few filter changes, you could end up replacing the filtration system sooner than necessary. The solution is to build filter changes into your regular maintenance schedule.
How often should filters be changed?
Don’t be tempted to skimp on filters just because you don’t use the booth every day. Older filters are not as efficient because contaminants build up on them, even when not in use. Some of the more advanced paint systems have an alert that tells you when it’s time to change the filter.
Every four weeks, change the exhaust filter, and change the intake filter every three or four months to ensure the spray booth performance remains at its peak. If the spray booth is being heavily used, the filter will need changed more often. Check the instructions to see how many hours the filter should be used.
Air quality matters
It’s also a good idea to select your filters from an online store that has a really wide selection, such as https://www.dustspares.co.uk/spray-booth-filters/, so you can choose the appropriate filter not only for your system but also for your work schedule.
Finally, our air is becoming more polluted daily, so when you’re choosing your filter, take into account the quality of the outside air that is being drawn into the ventilation system.
