How Often Should You Change Spray Booth Filters?

At Ultrimax, customers often ask our Total Paint Shop Support Team how frequently they should change their spray booth filters. But the answer isn't simple. Different types of booths require different types of filter, each with a specific lifespan. So, the first question to ask yourself is whether you are using the right filters for your booth. But before we get into the ins and outs of the range of filters on the market, let's take a look at why it's necessary to change filters in line with best practice.

View our help guide on the types of Spray booth filter and when to change them here:

VIEW Spray Booth Filter Film

Why is good filtration important?

The integrity of a spray booth filter system is crucial to:

Ensure a high-quality paint finish
Comply with health and safety regulations and protect your employees and the environment from harmful vapours and gases
Maximise the lifespan of your spray booth

If your spray booth isn't properly sealed, and there is poor airflow, contaminants will enter the booth, clog the system and compromise the standard of your paint finish. Ineffective extract filters allow chemicals to pass from the booth into the workshop, exposing your employees to hazardous air pollution.

The different types of spray booth filter

Intake/inlet filters

A spray booth inlet filter removes dust and particles at the points of entry to prevent debris from contaminating your paint finish.

Spray Booth Inlet Filter

Extract filters

As the name suggests, an extract filter removes overspray and solvent vapour so that the air exiting your booth is filtered and clean. The number and location of exhaust filters will depend on the type of spray booth that you have.

See Ultrimax Spray Booth Extract Filters

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Cardboard concertina filters

This is a great all-rounder, with a concertina design that performs two functions. It folds tightly for easy storage and has a large surface area for optimal filtration. Concertina filters have a high paint holding capacity and last up to five times longer than fibreglass or polyester filters. To get the most from your filter, make sure it extends to around 4 cm between each peak. We recommend trying the Andreae filter or Ultrimax Spray Booth Filter range.

Card Concertina Spray Booth Filter

Ceiling inlet filters

If your spray booth uses a down-draft system, with the airflow from ceiling to floor, you need a ceiling inlet filter. These filters need changing less frequently than filters designed for a cross-draft booth.

Fibreglass roll

A fibreglass spray booth filter roll is another good all-round option that provides highly effective extract filtration. It's economical and easy to fit, clean and change.

Layered paper filter

With a minimum of 6 layers of filter media, a layered paper filter allows for the fine filtration of all types of paint and lacquer.

How do you know which filters to use?

Your choice of filter will depend on the type of booth that you have and its airflow system.

Dry filter spray booths

For cross-draft airflow systems, use a pleated inflow filter and a cardboard concertina extract filter. For down-draft booths, a ceiling inlet filter and concertina extract filter will work best. If you work with 2-pack paints, you will also need secondary media extract filters as an extra health and safety measure to mitigate the harmful vapours.

Dry Filter Spray Booths

Water wash spray booths

This type of booth has a unique filtration system. Instead of using standard filters, the water traps paint particles. Denaturants in the water cause the particles to sink or float, making the waste easy to remove. This system is more cost-effective if you are using large volumes of paint every day.

What does this mean for your filter changing schedule?

When you know which filter to use with your booth, you can then follow the manufacturer's recommended changing guidelines, but it's not enough to rely on these. The life of any filter will vary depending on factors that are specific to your paint shop. For example, your filters will have a shorter than average lifespan if you regularly use high volumes of paint. The key is to build regular checks into your day-to-day operations. Are contaminants finding their way into your paint? Is paint lingering in the booth? Keep an eye on the gauges that monitor the booth for changes in airflow.

How can we help?

As well as stocking spray booths and a full range of filters, our Total Paint Shop Support Team can help you with:

Choosing the right booth - to meet your production needs and budget
Installation and full set up - filters, paints and consumables
Maintenance - including which filters to use and when to change them to ensure high-performance
Automated ordering service - replace manual ordering with a recurring order based on when you need to need to change your filters.

Buy Spray Booth Filters Singles or Bundle Deals From our Store:

Singles Spray Booth Filters

For more information, call our Total Paint Shop Support Team on 01302 856666 or email sales@ultrimaxcoatings.co.uk.