Paint Filtration: Guide to Paint Booth Filters

Choosing the correct filter for your paint booth can be a difficult task. There are multiple options for each application and your choice will directly impact the quality of the finish and the costs associated with general maintenance. This guide should help provide more insight and offer solutions for all your paint filtration needs.

I’ve broken down the filter requirements into their direct applications to make things easier:

  • Air Make Up Unit Filters

  • Intake filters

  • Exhaust Filters.

Intake air typically has two stages of filtration, first stage being the Air Make Up Unit, and second stage being the Intake Filters usually found on the doors and/or ceiling inside the booth. Exhaust air is typically one stage.

Air Make Up Unit Filters:

Air make up units are typically the first stage of filtration for your booth. The filters in this unit are acting as the first line of defense. These filters are essential and play an important role in prolonging the life of the more expensive filters down the line.

The options for these filters are:

1) Media Pad Filters:

  • Least expensive per unit (economical)

  • Least efficient filter in terms of capturing particles

2) Permanent Aluminum Washable Filters:

  • More expensive per unit but saves costs down the line due to longevity

  • Not the best filter in terms of capturing particles but can be washed and re-used

3) Pleated Filters:

  • Great economical option with efficient filtration rating

  • Most common filter for this application

  • Available in high temperature withstanding fiberglass media

4) Pocket Bag Filters:

  • More expensive option for this application but is required in certain units

  • High dust holding capacity and efficiency

5) Extended Surface Cube Filters:

  • More expensive option for this application but is required in certain units

  • High dust holding capacity and efficiency

Intake Filters:

Intake filters are essential for cleaning the air entering the booth. Small amounts of dust and particles the size of 10 microns can contaminate the spraying process cause issues and defects.

Each type of paint booth uses different filters. Cross draft booths typically require green and white two layered takified media panels and are commonly found in the front door of the booth. These filters are typically installed without the need of clips or additional hardware. Down draft booths typically require high efficiency diffusion media pads or panels commonly found on the ceiling of the booth. The panels are also installed without the need of additional hardware but the pads due require clips or reinforcement.

The options for these filters are:

1) Green & White Two layer Takified Panels:

  • Standard in cross draft booths and should be able to install easily without any additional hardware

  • 100% synthetic material with tack layer to trap dirt particles

  • Low resistance to air flow which results in minimal energy costs

  • Will not absorb moisture or humidity

2) DustGuard Heavy Duty Panels:

  • Adhesive prevents dust particle migration and increases dust holding capacity

  • Non-toxic and non-allergenic media

  • MERV 8 rated media (Upgrade from Green & White Layer takified panels)

3) High Efficiency Diffusion Media:

  • Designed to achieve the highest level of performance possible

  • Standard in down draft booths should be able to install easily without any additional hardware

  • No fiber shedding or silicone

  • Will not absorb moisture or humidity

Exhaust Filters:

Exhaust filters are located near the end of the booth, by to the exhaust fan. These filters trap over spray paint particles like solid and liquids aerosols. This filter is essential for protecting the workers inside the booth, outside the booth, and the environment from being exposed to highly toxic over spray particles. If that’s not enough than another purpose would be protecting your paint booth fans and stack from from the build up of over spray contaminants.

Unlike the dual stage intake filters, most paint booths use single stage filtration for their exhaust air. The type of exhaust filter used in cross-draft and down-draft booths are the same but, they are found in different locations and configurations.

The options for these filters are:

1) ANDREAE Accordion Filters:

  • Comes in standard sizes, 36" X 30', 39" X 32', 20”x 20”, 20” x 25”

  • Can be cut to size using scissors or blade

  • V shape wall prevents over spray and bounce back migration

  • Lasts 3 x 5 times longer than poly, fiberglass or mesh media

2) Fiberglass Paint Arrestor Media:

  • Comes in standard sizes and can be cut to size, if needed

  • Temperature resistance up to 180°C

  • Progressively denser media

3) Paint Pockets Synthetic Paint Arrestor:

  • High efficiency over spray filter

  • High paint holding capacity

4) Mesh Paper Paint Arrestor:

  • Standard efficiency

  • High efficiency with synthetic backing

5) Extended Surface Cube Filters:

  • High dust holding capacity and efficiency

  • Required in certain booths and applications

Filter Maintenance

Finally, filter and spray booth maintenance is essential for overall consistency and quality of your paint finish. It’s important to establish a regular maintenance and/or filter changing schedules. All filters have a life span. Clogged or dirty filters might restrict proper airflow which causes dust and other particles to recirculate and effect your finish.

Regular changes on standard filters should be:

  • Air Intake Filters should be replaced every 3-4 months. They will effect your booths performance if left unchanged for too long.

  • Air Exhaust Filters should be replaced 3-4 weeks to protect workers and equipment

Paint filtration can be difficult already but don’t make it harder on yourself by neglecting regular routine maintenance.

Written by: Danny Premanathan

Jeff Rosen