Businesses that primarily specialize in paint jobs for big vehicles such as trucks or RVs tend to have unique needs and preferences when it comes to choosing the suitable paint booth for them. First of all, the big size and weight of the automobiles being processed necessitate everything to be oversized and even heavy-duty. Also, due to the big footprint of this category of vehicles, the workflow is essential in terms of turning cycle times. As such, there is never one size fits all solution when you are shopping for a spray booth for trucks or RVs. At the same time, all paint job projects come with their own unique demands. This means you will need to pick a flexible solution which can be customized in a hassle-free manner. Here then are some tips on how to choose a heavy-duty spray paint booth that will stand the test of time.
Airflow will be essential in choosing the best truck and RV paint booth for you
Generally speaking, the most common airflow configurations for paint booths are crossflow, semi-downdraft, side downdraft, and pitted downdraft. It is important to note that each of these comes complete with a set of pros and cons. To begin with, in the crossflow airflow for trucks configuration, the air is drawn across the vehicle from either the front to the back or the back to the front. As this given pattern needs less airflow, it is very popular among paint shops which process trucks and RVs.
Yet another plus for a spray booth that integrates the crossflow airflow is it is usually much more compact than other alternatives. This is simply because such booths don’t need external ducts on both their sides. This can be a lifesaver if your facility is short of space, but you still wish to get the most of your unit. The crossflow spray paint booth may be the right option if you are on a budget and don’t require high-quality finishes for your trucks.
On the other hand, the semi-downdraft configuration for trucks delivers the advantages of the pitted downdraft booths, less the exorbitant expense of constructing pits. In this airflow configuration, the air is drawn diagonally from the top to bottom and relayed across the vehicle. This creates an airflow pattern that is even, which minimizes the effects of overspray. Additionally, the semi-downdraft paint booth is well noted for its unmatched versatility. If necessary, it may be modified for unique paint job operations. This makes it infinitely easier to flip from a non-heated booth to a heated AMU. These models are also known to optimize efficiency and save space since they are less bulkier than other varieties.
On the flip side, the side downdraft spray booth for trucks delivers an airflow that is both clean and even, less the costs of installing pits. When compared with the pitted downdraft types, they don’t require plenty of downtime to install too. However, side downdraft booths usually need more space than all other options because they necessitate a lot of ductwork. Lastly, the pitted downdraft spray paint booth ranks high among the most well-rounded varieties of these products. They are well suited to minimize overspray, improve productivity and deliver even airflows with each paint job. In turn, this guarantees consistency in paint job quality and much shorter drying times. The only fly in the ointment is this kind of paint booth airflow configuration necessitates extensive concrete work for its pits.
Take the time to determine the right exhaust fan configuration for your truck paint booth
The exhaust fan you choose for your spray booth for trucks or RVs will be essential when it comes to the unit’s performance. Your eventual selection will determine the stability and consistency of your booth’s airflow. It will as well influence the life of the filters, the longevity of the motors and bearings, and even the unit’s maintenance cycle. So, it is always prudent to pick an exhaust fan configuration which seamlessly meets all these requirements. Typically, tube axial fans are the standard solution for spray paint booths for truck applications.
Choose your truck paint booth’s lighting very carefully
Your paint shop operators will definitely require sufficient lighting to ensure quality paint jobs all the time. Essentially, horizontally positioned lighting fixtures do away with shadow illuminations since they permit the light to reach the vehicle regardless of any obstruction your operators create. Also, always settle for ETL or ETL-C listed lighting fixtures that feature energy-efficient LED lamps.
Take into account your shop’s layout
Before you settle for any paint booth, space planning is always important. The actual layout of your facility will directly influence your workflow and productivity. So, it is wise to work with your chosen supplier to ensure the equipment for your spray booth is positioned in the most productive layout. With a truck or RV spray booth, you’ll have to ensure you opt for the right traffic flow through the unit. This is because size and maneuverability are always key factors to consider.
Zpar International is a leading manufacturer of high-quality truck and RV spray paint booths which are offered in a variety of airflow configurations including pitted downdraft, semi downdraft, side downdraft, and cross-flow. Give us a call today at 866-519-7269 and we’ll find you the heavy duty paint booth that suits your needs!