How often should I change my paint booth filters?

How often should I change my paint booth filters?

Anyone who works regularly with spray paints will appreciate the importance of a fully functioning paint booth. When properly maintained, paint booths create a clean working environment to ensure the best results from a spray job. But, continued use and improper maintenance can lead to paint booth filters becoming clogged with dirt and debris which can cause problems. Knowing when to change filters is vital as they are fundamental to the effectiveness of your booth.

Why do I need paint booth filters?

 There are two main reasons for using and effectively maintaining paint booth filters:

Firstly, filters are essential in ensuring that air that enters the spray booth is contaminant-free and doesn’t contain unsafe levels of hazardous chemicals. Spray paints can be harmful to humans and cause irritation to eyes, nose and throat. These risks are exacerbated further with long-term use and regular users can experience damage to organs and the nervous system as well as heightened risk of long-term illness. In short, your spray booth filters keep you and your employees safe.

In addition to user safety, input and extraction paint booth filters ensure a clean work environment and a better finish. The filters will trap and remove dirt and debris from the air so that visible particles are removed from your finished paint job.

How does a paint booth filter work?

The paint booth filters act as a screen which blocks airborne contaminants and debris from affecting your work. Most paint booths have multiple filters which play slightly different roles. At the front of your booth, there will be an intake filter, this draws fresh, filtered air into the booth and ensures users are breathing clean air whilst at work. At the back of your filter, there will be an exhaust system that traps and expels toxic and hazardous fumes and ensures only safe particle levels are released back into the air.

How long do spray booth filters last?

As a general rule of thumb, spray booth filters should be changed every 100 hours of use –this equates to around every 3-4 weeks with regular and consistent use. Waiting longer than this, not only puts you in breach of COSHH regulations on safe paint usage but also increases the risk of your spray booth malfunctioning.

When should I change my paint booth filter?

While 100 hours is a good generalised maximum usage amount, there are certain paint operations that may require more frequent changes. It’s generally agreed that a spray booth exhaust filter is most effective within the first 50-60 hours usage, or the first two weeks of use. Aiming to change your exhaust filter every two weeks will keep your exhaust fan working well and ensure that only clean, safe air is released into your shop.

What happens if I don’t change my paint booth filters on time?

Failure to change your filters within the requisite time frame can lead to poor results. For example, paint overspray won’t be adequately filtered, and this can result in defects in your paintwork. In a worst-case scenario, failure to update your filter could lead to you have to completely strip and start a paint job again from scratch.

What are the different types of filters in a spray booth?

 There are various types of filters necessary for your spray booth to function at an optimum level. Take a look at the below and follow the links to find the products you need.

•  Pre-filters are designed to sift out larger particles before they reach the intake filter. By using a pre-filter such as our Atomize Fibreglass Disposable Pre-Filter Spray Booth Panels, you can prolong the life of the intake filter, increase airflow and lower potential maintenance costs.
• Input filters such as our Atomize Synthetic Filter Roll Spray Booth Filter or Atomize Glass Fibre Spray Booth Filter Rolls, ensure clean air is being drawn into the spray booth.
• Extract filters such as our Atomize Layered Paper Filters or Binks Concertina Spray Booth Filter clean the air leaving the booth before it enters the general atmosphere or your paint workshop. As well as protecting employees from chemicals, they also prolong the lifespan of your machinery by protecting against overspray build up. The high efficiency filters offer up to 99% filtration efficiency.

How do I dispose of used spray paint filters?

It’s worth noting that paint filters must be managed as hazardous waste. Many of the solvents that the filters collect are potentially harmful and/or flammable solvents. Keep used filters in a sealed and leak-proof container and employ the services of a hazardous waste disposal expert to transport and dispose of them at a hazardous waste disposal site.

Still have questions on your spray booth needs? Get in touch with a member of our expert team on 01452 525757, sales@elmbridgeuk.com who will be happy to help or fill out the form below and we can discuss your specific requirements.