Paint Booth — Loveland CreatorSpace Metal Shop

Enclosed Spray Booth • Ventilated Workspace • Controlled Overspray • Finishing Area

Purpose & Capabilities

The paint booth provides a controlled, ventilated environment for applying spray paint, clear coats, primers, and other aerosol finishes. It is designed to:

• Contain overspray

• Protect the rest of the shop from fumes

• Improve finish quality

• Provide a safe, clean area for painting small‑to‑medium projects

This booth is intended for spray cans and light finishing work, not industrial paint guns or high‑volume coatings.

Access Level

• General Member Use with Metal Shop Orientation

• No reservation required

• Only authorized volunteers may modify ventilation or filters

• Members must follow all posted rules inside the booth

Booth Features

• Fully enclosed spray area
  to contain overspray

• Built‑in ventilation system
  to remove fumes and particulates

• Small work table
  at the bottom for holding parts and projects

• Interior lighting
  for accurate color and finish visibility

• Overspray‑resistant walls
  (but not a canvas for paint — see rules below)

• Clear signage
  including:
  
  “Spray your project, not the walls of the spray booth.”
  
  
  

Before You Begin

• Inspect the booth for cleanliness

• Ensure the ventilation fan is running

• Place your project on the interior table

• Shake spray cans thoroughly

• Test spray pattern on scrap material outside the booth

• Wear appropriate PPE:

  • Safety glasses

  • Respirator or mask

  • Gloves (optional)

Operating Guidelines

Inside the Booth

• There is a rocker switch above the welding hood that says either "Welding" or "Painting" - Set the switch to "Painting"

• The dial to activate the fan is on the wall between the spray booth and the garage bay door.  Turn it past 15 minutes (like you would a jacuzzi).

• Keep your project centered on the table

• Maintain a consistent spray distance

• Use smooth, overlapping passes

• Allow proper drying time between coats

• Keep the spray directed toward your project, not the walls

• Take care to not spray the filters directly

Ventilation

• Always run the fan while spraying

• Keep the booth door closed during use

• Do not block airflow with large objects

Drying

• Light projects may dry inside the booth

• Larger projects should be moved to a designated drying area

• Do not leave items overnight unless approved by the area lead

After Use

• Turn off the fan if no one is waiting

• Remove your project and any tape, paper, or masking materials

• Wipe overspray from the table if needed

• Dispose of used cans properly

• Leave the booth clean for the next member

Approved Use Cases

• Spray paint

• Primer

• Clear coat

• Small woodworking projects

• Metal parts

• 3D prints

• Small craft items

• Touch‑up work

Not Approved

• Automotive paint guns

• High‑volume HVLP sprayers

• Powder coating

• Flammable solvents or open containers

• Large furniture pieces

• Epoxy resin spraying

• Anything producing excessive fumes beyond booth capacity

Safety Rules

• Wear eye protection

• Use a respirator for extended spraying

• Keep flammable materials away from the booth

• Do not spray toward the door or outside the booth

• Do not modify ventilation or filters

• Report fan issues immediately

• Follow posted signage at all times

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

• Poor ventilation:

  • Fan may be off or obstructed

  • Report immediately in #machinedown

• Uneven finish:

  • Spray distance inconsistent

  • Can not shaken enough

  • Humidity too high

• Overspray buildup:

  • Clean table surface

  • Avoid spraying too close to walls