Spray Booth

• What spray equipment do we have in the 3D workshop?
• How do I book the spray booth?
• What materials can I use in the spray booth?
• How does the spray booth work?
• How do I use the spray booth?
• What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) do I need to wear to use the spray booth?

What spray equipment do we have in the 3D workshop?

The spray booth is an enclosed room used for spray painting and using other aerosol sprays.

The most important function of the spray booth is to contain and filter paint and aerosol spray. This protects users of the 3D workshop from the inhaling aerosol vapours. Inhaling vapours is potentially hazardous and should always be avoided.

It is important to keep the spray booth as clean as possible. The white walls of the booth reflect light, which helps you see the object you are painting. You should never spray on the walls or floor of the booth. Use scrap paper or card to test your paint or other aerosols.

Next Page: How do I book the spray booth?
Return to: Spray booth menu

How do I book the spray booth?

All students must book a workbench to be in 3D workshop. Booking a workbench for a 3 hour slot gives you a space to work and access to all necessary tools, sundries and equipment with technical supervision and guidance.

We will only be accepting booked appointments. No walk ins will be accepted.

You can book a workbench via the Online Resource Booking (ORB).

You must complete an online Health and Safety induction before booking a workbench.

The spray booth is a green piece of equipment. This means students can use the equipment once they have had one on one training. The spray booth should only be used when the 3D workshop is open.

Next Page: What materials can I use in the spray booth?
Return to: Spray booth menu

What materials can I use in the spray booth?

Ensure you use a paint on the approved spray paints list.

You can spray paint on to:

• Most plastics
• Wood
• Metal
• Paper and Card - this will make the card and paper wet and prone to curling when drying.
• Foam - You cannot spray directly onto foam as the solvent in the spray paint will melt the foam. To spray foam models you must first coat the foam with 2 to 3 coats of watered down PVA glue to create a barrier between the foam and the paint.

Before using the spray booth make sure that the object you are spraying is clean, dry and free of dust.

If you are painting something very shiny you need to sand it lightly before painting. This creates scratches in the surface that the paint can grip onto.

Next Page: How does the spray booth work?
Return to: Spray booth menu

How does the spray booth work?

The spray booth extracts air from the room and moves it through specialist filters. These filters remove aerosol particles and fumes. The filtered air is then removed through a series of tubes and released outside.

The spray booth has a sensor and should automatically turn on when you enter the room. If, while using the booth, the room suddenly goes quiet it has turned off. Move your arm until the sensor sees you and the booth turns on again.

Next Page: How do I use the spray booth?
Return to: Spray booth menu

How do I use the spray booth?

To use the spray booth

1. Ensure you are wearing correct PPE as listed below. A technician can give you this.

2. Ensure the extraction gates are open.

   • The first gate is outside of the plastic room.
   • The second gate is in the plastics room above the fume cabinet.

3. Place your object onto a board before spraying. This allows you to move the object after painting without marking it. It is often useful to raise the object up on a block of wood. This stops a lip of paint forming where the object meets the board.

4. Shake the spray can for 2 minutes to fully mix the contents.

5. When you are spraying it is important to keep moving the spray can and slowly build up layers. If you spray too much paint onto your object it will not dry.

6. Keep the can 20cm from the object you are spraying

7. Periodically shake the can to ensure the contents stay mixed.

8. When you are finished move your object underneath the booth and allow to dry. Do not remove from booth while the object is still wet becuase the fumes will still be present.

9. If you finish a can of spray dispose of it in the yellow bin in the booth

10. If you have leftover paint it can be stored in the flame cabinet in the bench area. Speak to a technician about this.

11. Dispose of your nitrile gloves in the black bins available.

12. Always leave the spray booth clean and tidy

Different brands of aerosol have different drying times. Read the back of the spray can to determine the length of time needed to dry. Generally after 1 hour the object will be touch dry. After 24 hours the object will be fully hardened.

Next Page: What personal protective equipment (PPE) do I need to use the spray booth?
Return to: Spray booth menu

What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) do I need to wear to use the spray booth?

You must wear nitrile gloves, and goggles when using the spray booth. Tie back any long hair and tuck in loose clothing.

Aprons are available to cover clothing. They hang on hooks outside the Plastics Room that the spray booth is situated within.

Return to: Painting and finishing menu