would it be advisibale to simply use a crdbord box as a spray booth?
No it would not be advisable. Cardboard wont last, and a box without a exhaust fan and filters will not give you any protection against the oils and solvents in the paint. It really is toxic. Ive seen old painters who have inhaled paint fumes all their lives (my grandfather) who wasnt all there after exposure to the oil base paint. If you want to build your own I would suggest checking the store bought ones and learn the safety features offered on them. These small inexpensive(400.00 hah!) wont offer 100% protection, but should be enough to protect most braincells. Paint booths can be simple (exhaust fan to filter or complex as a wall of water the comtaminated air is pulled through. Nice…but very very expensive. Please take the time to research safety features and spend a little more. After all your brain cells are worth it. Hope I`ve enlightend you a bit, we need clear heads in our hobby. Good Luck, Gerald
Joe,
Gerald is correct. I would also recommend a respirator which are available from industrial safety suppliers (not just the cheap disposable paper type ones) as well as the booth. For the cost outlay you are not only protecting your brain cells but also decreasing the chance of lung, throat and other cancers. When I was younger I ignored the safety aspects but now the thoughts of having boxcar red and other colours in my tissue after blowing my nose horrifies me. The pigments, fumes, etc. would have been going through my nose/mouth done my throat, airways and clogging up my lungs. How much do you value your future, more than $400?
Darren
Darren is right about the other dangers of the toxins in our modeling paint. A good respirator will protect your organs, but are uncomfortable and not effective if a tight seal is not attained. If you wear glasses and don`t have a tight fit, your glasses will fog up. This means you have to have a tight>fit. If you can stand the discomfort and heat behind the mask 98.6+ degrees, I sure would wear one. Stay safe. Gerald Darren, My grandfather used a lot of whiskey to cut the oils and pigments in his lungs. But thats another problem…
Idrink beer, if that means anything! But seriously, thanks for the advice. I allready was using a resperatior, but it was one of those cheap paper ones. Now I have a good reason to invest in a good one. I also use latex gloves. The problem is, I’ve just moved into a small apartment. I didn’t think a cardboard box was ok, but I decided to see what other people say. Thanx!
There are less expensive spray booths available. I ran into a company at the MRIA show a few years ago that was in the craft section. The model railroad shop that I was working for at the time stocked them. You might look into finding them at your local craft shop or contact Michigan Model Train Center at 734-426-1651 or online at mmtc@mindspring.com. Be patient if you use e-mail as they don’t check it all the time. As I remember it the booths start at just over $150 and there are various models and sophistications available.