spray booth questions

[empinut]

Had a couple of questions regarding safety of a spray booth and use in an apartment complex.

I am utilizing an apartment as a weekday home away from home for business, 3 weeks out of each month.

During the weekdays that I am there I will now have loads of time after work to actually build...yes I WILL now be able to finish all of those vw projects i started!

The apartment came with a neat little 8ft wide by 4ft deep open closet for placement of a washer and dryer (that I will not be needing). This "closet" also has a small electric water heater that is sitting on a large shelf on the right side.

This open area looks like an excellent spot to place a spray booth (harbor freight?).

My questions (pardon my ignorance).....

Is it safe to use a spray booth in an apartment? Near an electric H2o heater?

It is on the 6th floor....would there be problems with using the apartment lint escape for the exhaust from the spray booth?

I would be using only tamiya spray lacquers, so would this cause a fire hazard?

The only outlet in the closet is the large utility hook up and the 220 plug(?), no regular wall socket (110?). Can I use this 220 outlet or do I need to use an extension cord?

thanks for your help!

Bill Murrieta

[Modelbuilder1313]

You'd only be able to use the 220w outlet if your spray booth came with one. 220's are maily used for Electric and Gas Dryers. Also I wouldnt really paint on top of a electric Water Heater.

[Andy Wyatt]

My main concern is using the existing dryer duct for your exhaust. Depending on how long it is and where it ducts to may affect how well the spray booth actually works. Also, if the dryer duct is plastic the lacquer paint fumes will eventually eat it away so keep an eye on that. I don't know of any 220 volt spray booths so you'll need an extension cord. As far as operating near your water heater you should be fine since it is electric and there is no pilot flame or burner.

[crispy]

I like your idea of having the booth in the closet, as it will be out of sight when not in use. However I really wouldn't recommend an extension cord as it can be a fire hazard for you as well as the motor on the booth itself.

Is it possible to mount the booth on a "t.v. tray" style piece that can be put away when finished? This way you could park the booth near a window and 110 outlet and make a custom wood piece for the window with a dryer outlet. All could be made for easy removal.

Although you'll be safe with an electric water heater, I wouldn't want to risk it.

Chris

[Enzoenvy1]

I have wondered this a long while also as I live in an apartment and need to paint as well. So far, this summer I have done it all outside and not had an issue. My balcony has a closet with a power outlet on it so that helps if you need to airbrush. I still need a compressor. As for winter what I do is use a corner of my spare and place newspaper all along the three edges of the corner. Then I spray into that. After the model is removed and covered I open the window and close the door to dissipate fumes. Seems to work great. I too want a booth as they are easy and controlled but in an apartment we are really limited.

[empinut]

Thanks to those who gave input.

If I knew where the lint escape actually went, I would probably do it, but since I am on the 6th floor and there is retail on the 1st floor, I think I will pass and err to caution.

The windows in the apt are both the size that I could not set up a makeshift release point for the overspray from the booth.

I am home on the weekends, so I will paint at home in my garage and transport the painted parts to be assembled.

There is also the possibility of painting at the apt in our very large and empty parking garage, but the dust may be an issue.

Either way, I've now got building time on my hands and I will make do.

thanks

Bill Murrieta