Eliminating Static Charge in a Wooden Spray Booth

[Miatatom]

I spray the models prior to painting with an alcohol/water mixture that I read about here on the forum. Does anyone have any suggestions for eliminating static charge in a wooden spray booth?

[SfanGoch]

There is no static charge to eliminate. Wood doesn't create static electricity because it isn't a conductor of electricity.

[Miatatom]

Balloons can't conduct electricity either but they can hold a static charge.

[SfanGoch]

You asked a question, I provided the answer/explanation. Basic high school physics. Wood doesn't carry a static charge because it doesn't conduct electricity. If you were using a metal booth, the simple solution would be to attach a ground strap from the booth to another metallic object. Grounding is the process of removing the excess charge on an object by means of the transfer of electrons between it and another object of substantial size. When a charged object is grounded, the excess charge is balanced by the transfer of electrons between the charged object and a ground. In order to develop a static charge, there must be a free movement of electrons through the material. That state doesn't exist in wood; therefore, there is no static charge to eliminate. That's why it's used as an insulator. If you don't believe me, Google it. 

Edited November 6, 2015 by SfanGoch

[Miatatom]

I took your advice and did Google it.

From dictionary.com:

noun, Electricity

1. a stationary electric charge built up on an insulating material.

 

the electric charge at rest on the surface of an insulated body (which establishes an adjacent electrostatic field)

I agree, wood can not carry a static charge. I think the key words in the definitions are "on the surface of an insulating material". My booth does have a plexiglass window which could hold a charge. The model car body can also carry a charge. That's why many here on the forum spray them with a mixture of alcohol and water to try to eliminate it. Someone called it an old pinstripers trick.

 

PS Not trying to be snippy with the balloon comment, just giving another example.

Edited November 6, 2015 by Miatatom

[SfanGoch]

You asked about eliminating static charge in a wooden spray booth, correct? I replied that a wooden spray booth wouldn't have that problem for the reasons stated, correct? You never indicated in your posts that there were plexiglass windows on the booth, correct? Therefore, you received an answer based on the information you provided. You want to eliminate a static charge from the plexiglass and car body? Simple. Lightly wipe them with a fabric softener sheet. Works the same as an anti-static cloth. No need to spray any liquid on either.

Edited November 6, 2015 by SfanGoch

[10thumbs]

Tom, it's good that you douse the object in the alcohol solution prior to painting.  This solution neutralizes the surface caused from mechanical manipulation, which incurs for instance after sanding the surface. 

You don't even need to spray the solution, this may even be counterproductive.  But if it works for you this is just fine.  You can also paint the alcohol/water solution with a big soft brush, then air dry (compressed air for instance).  The trick is to get lots of alcohol/dist. water on the surface.  Even submerging the unit will do fine.  Models are small, and the solution is cheap.

I don't see a specific need for treating a wooden spray box unless the object gets particles even after the solution has been applied.  A positively charged surface will attract unwanted particles to paint even into a box.  Similar to the magnetic action when a magnet is placed near a steel object, they will meet.  The crud flies in curves too. So why not just go and spray the place with the same stuff?  It won't hurt.

I tried before this treatment;  painting things while laying on my back!  The dang hard-as-steel particles still adhered to the roof, even though the sucker was upside down!  Don't want it!  Don't need it!

I don't know if things non-conducting can attract unwanted stuff.  This is not important right now.  Safe is important.  At any rate, the box will be freed of dust if you give it a shower too.  The solution is cheap, and foolproof.

Good luck.

Michael