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For those of you who have a dedicated spray booth/room, what sort of vent fan do you use? My soon to be room is going to be about 7' x 11'. I will be putting in a window that I can then fit a fan in (with filters). The other side of the room will also be fitted with filters for good cross ventilation. I plan on spraying mostly water-based lacquer. Do I really need an explosion proof fan? Anyways, let me know what sort of fan you have. Thanks.

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I've got an explosion proof fan I bought from an automotive body shop that was upgrading. You don't need an explosion proof fan for waterborne finishes, (and probably not most solvent based finishes.)

You can get a "gable fan" (attic fan) as well as a set of shutters for it at Lowe's or some other building supply store. My fan is 3100 CFM but I run it at a really slow speed. There's probably some kind of formula, but I'd say 1200 CFM would be sufficient. If you find a fan that's belt driven, with the motor mounted outside of the airflow that's even better.

Here in NC (or maybe nationwide) there's some new VOC regulations. Most automotive body shops have had to do some upgrades. You may get a used explosion proof fan on the cheap from the right shop. I got mine several years ago, but I only paid $100 for it.

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I would love to be able to find an explosion proof fan for $100. The ones I have found online are more like $800. I really don't need that much power for that small of a room. Anyone seen any good prices on fans anywhere?

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I have a friend who avoided the whole fan thing at the exit by forcing air through the booth. He painted a home built airplane. Now that paint is way more toxic than most of the finishes we typically use. Of course, you have to be in the booth.

So Mike, are you saying that I could use say a couple of box fans blowing into the booth from my back and put a filter in a window on the opposite side and call it good?

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First, please understand that I am NOT reccomending anything. If you are using volatile components, there is always the possibility of things going wrong. If you are using waterborne products, other than possible toxicity, I have less concern. You should wear a M95 mask (or better) all of the time. If you are in a closed environment, blower or not, you should have an breathable air supply.

With all the disclaimers aside, yes, I spose you could do that. I would lean towards one of those floor drying fans and build a hose of sorts. As long as you have positive pressure and an exit point through a filter, you can do it.

Mike