New Paint Room Build

[steveracer]

I got kicked out of the basement with my spray booth last year.  I moved it to my outside separate garage and sprayed a few items but it wasn't clean and warm environment.

So I am taking on building a separate little space about 8' x 5' inside the garage, for my spray painting activities.  I lose car parking space, but still think that I can wedge two small cars (Miata and 323GTX) inside for the winter.

A few criteria for my room:

• Dry 
• Heated
• Insulated
• Clean
• MicroMark spray booth vented outside
• Electric separate from main garage via wall switch
• Easy build that can be removed pretty easily
• Concrete floor covered with soft removable padding for comfort and replacement when stained with paint

Pretty much got the basics covered and just got the electrical sorted last night with help from a buddy knowledgeable in the subject.  I had to tear out the drywall in parts to route the wiring, next step is to patch it back up and mud it in.  Still have a bit to go with more drywall and door installation.  Here are a few pics of my new workspace.

If you guys have any suggestions or tips of what might be cool features to have in my model paint cave, please have at it!  Right now I have no plans for anything other than the booth.  Notice I have the old built in shelves that motor oil and other real car parts were on.  Hope I don't get fish eyes from any residuals....

Here is the building - the fumes will exit the window there on the right next to the doors...

 

Here is the rough construction - never did this stuff before, pretty simple.  I did not tie this into the wall or the large beam spanning the garage, it was an "interference fit" then screwed together.  It is very stable and sturdy.

 

Here is reference of scale in the garage.  I will still use the garage as a shop for real cars and my bikes...

 

Then my buddy came over, we discussed the electrical needs, did some work and told me to run the wiring so he can come back and hook it up.  I could have easily run the wiring OUTSIDE the walls, but that would look terrible, so I cut the drywall out, drilled holes and ran the wiring for a switched outlet on the top for a flourescent or LED fixture hanging from the ceiling.  He came over with this nice paint bucket of tools which was real nicely stocked....I like tools.  Oddly we were both VW trained mechanics at the apprentice centers in Illinois and Michigan respectively, and share many of the same stories and memories.  How we have similar interests is really strange...

Then He came back a few days later and hooked up the wires and Viola!  A switched circuit up at the top where I screwed a temporary LED bulb in so I can work in the room and finish it off!  We celebrated with a few beers last night and some great stories....

 

Here is where I am today, and want to finish this off before Christmas so I can paint some models....but think I want to be at the bench today working on my hobby and maybe later get out in the garage to do what I dislike most, that is drywall work....

[1930fordpickup]

You might want to put something on the floor so you feet are off of the cold cement.  Maybe an area rug with some carpet padding under it. Just double stick tap it to the cement. 

I just reread your post again. You already have this idea. LOL 

Edited December 19, 2021 by 1930fordpickup

[Keavdog]

Great project.  I dig the old 80's cassette rack - lol.  Should be a nice area to paint.

[Xingu]

Nice room.

I would have to be careful about spending to much time out there. My wife would decide that I also need to build my models in there and would reclaim my hobby space as her hobby space.

[steveracer]

9 minutes ago, Xingu said:

Nice room.

I would have to be careful about spending to much time out there. My wife would decide that I also need to build my models in there and would reclaim my hobby space as her hobby space.

Are we married to the same woman? 

[paul alflen]

Steve , don't forget to add a Fire extinguisher to the place, and a place for oily rags or paint thinner rags(safety can) . Cheap insurance for all that great work you have done!

[steveracer]

Great inputs Paul!  Will do.  
 

We got a bit further to the point I mocked up the paint booth operation and blew on some flat black for my VW Beetle parts.  I wanted to test the air extraction system. Glad I did because I had an obstruction with the vent flap on the outside so I discarded it. I added a very lightweight flap in the 4” pipe by the window and that will keep cold air out (kinda) when not in use.  
 

I noticed one of the two fans starting to slow down and then even run BACKWARDS after 20 seconds or so. But now it works great. I sprayed the black, left the building and went back in a minute or so later and the smell was very negligible!  I am adding an air intake vent above the door so that when fully completed I will get good airflow through the room.  
 

I plan to paint a few models first and then finish the drywall and paint the inside.   Here are a few details so far….

 

the insulated exit through the lifted window and the white air flap  

 

The booth setup in the room. 

And the exterior with one final drywall piece yet to be installed.  I can attest that the insulation works very well!

Going to shorten the duct leading out the window. 

Edited December 30, 2021 by steveracer