Exhaust Fan For Painting

Honestly, a plain old window fan will work. The amount of fumes from an airbrush will not create an explosion...at least it hasn't for me.

 

This is one I'm looking at https://www.ebay.com/itm/324024762532

 

I didn't want to put a huge hole in my wall, so I got a sealed 6" duct fan. It runs at 250CFM and is quiet. Ran about $150. The only thing I had to do after installing is add an intake above my hood from the attic because is was sucking all my AC/Heat out. I don't worry about it when using an airbrush. Glossing, stripping, and molding were my concerns and it sucks all the "death fumes" out.

 

That looks like a great deal on an exhaust fan. Most explosion proof ones sell for way more!

 

I know!! I like the shutter system on it too.

 

I used a bathroom "fart fan", when I built my spray booth. I build model airplanes, more than anything else. It does the job for small doses of paint...which is typical for the small airplanes I build. I painted a smallmouth repro in it yesterday...that "fart fan" isn't quite enough...for whatever that's worth!

 

If you live in an area where swamp coolers are used, they make great spray booths! Just mount them so they blow out the window or wall. You can even close in the sides and leave the back open to you spray area. Used ones come pretty cheap.

 

I decided long ago NOT to install a big exhaust fan/booth in my shop. I was most concerned about the hole in the wall for the exhaust pipe. I turn on a big floor model air purifier on paint days AND use a full face respirator AND step outside (weather permitting) to apply rattle can gloss. Yes I'm bush league and frugal (AKA cheap), but I also use water base paints and am healthy for my...AHEM!.... advanced age.

 

My fiancé bought me an air filtration system that works great for me. I roll it over next to where Im painting and it removes the lacquer fumes and most any other chemicals like bondo. Nice thing it doesn't pull the heat out of the shop in the winter. I can look at brand when Im in shop Monday if your interested?

 

When I first started, I put a kitchen exhaust (hood type) fan in the basement window where I worked. Found it for free, fit the window perfectly.

 

As per my earlier post...it is not.
Maybe enough, if all you were going to be doing was small panfish...and only using an airbrush. They're barely enough for just little "spits" with a rattlecan.

I am definitely regretting my decision on not spending a little more and getting something that moves more air.

 

The flammable vapors thing is to 100% totally cover their butts. The amount of vapor build up would have to be insane for it to ignite. Can it happen? Sure! But you also could get hit by lighting the next time you walk outside on a rainy day.

 

The one thing that many seem to miss with exhaust fans is, A filter system. I am using a 180 CFM fan, but also added a filter between fan and paint spraying area. This way I can remove the paint remove spray that would be floating in the air. I Dad did HVAC, Filtering the air will same on the fan motors.

 

25 years ago I switched to water based paints... from vandykes to polytranspar ( both have settling issues) to now wildlife colors.....no fumes to worry about....clear gloss with polyurethane