Is an Inflatable Paint Booth as Good as It Sounds?

Without a doubt one of the biggest obstacles to painting a car at home is having a clean, safe place to do it. Even if you have a decent garage, it may not be ideal for painting a full vehicle. In recent years a wave of inexpensive inflatable paint booths have hit the market. They still range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, still far cheaper than a professional booth. If you’re a busy hobbyist with several projects to paint, you can make a case for the spend pretty quickly.

But don’t let the attainable price be the only factor when considering the purchase of a quality inflatable paint booth. Beyond size and price, there are several important things an automotive hobbyist should consider, including safety. Before you jump in, here are a few concerns we’ve come across in using a couple different types of these booths in the last year.

Ventilation and Filtration Airflow

Look for booths with built-in ventilation systems that ensure proper airflow. This helps to control overspray, remove fumes, and maintain a clean working environment. High-quality filters are essential to prevent contaminants from entering the booth and to ensure that fumes are properly exhausted. Check the type and availability of replacement filters.

Durability and Material Quality

The booth should be made from durable, tear-resistant materials that can withstand repeated use and exposure to paint and solvents. Ensure that the zippers are heavy-duty and durable, as they’re often a weak point in inflatable structures.

Ease of Setup and Portability

A quality booth made from durable materials will not be as light as a camping tent. If you plan to move the booth between locations, check its packed size and weight for easy transport and storage. Consider how long it takes to inflate and deflate the booth. Quicker setups are more convenient, especially if the booth will be used frequently.

Lighting

If you’ve ever stepped into a modern paint booth, you know they’re bright and well-lit. An inflatable booth should provide sufficient natural light with transparent panels to maximize visibility. If the booth doesn’t come with built-in lights, ensure there’s a way to securely mount or position external lighting.

Power Requirements

Power supply may be a real factor depending on where you’ll set up your booth. Ensure your home’s electrical setup can handle the load. We run our current booth’s two high-flow inflators on two separate circuits because for the high load each one draws. The last thing you want is to do is reset a circuit breaker to prevent your booth from falling onto the paint you just sprayed.

Safety Features

The safest booths are made of fire-retardant materials and have an easily accessible emergency exit. All the booth’s electrical components (lighting, ventilation fans) should be certified safe for use in the presence of flammable materials. Ensure that the booth can be properly grounded to prevent static buildup, another potential fire hazard in a paint environment.

We’re big fans of our American-made inflatable paint booth (no pun intended) from Mobile Environmental Solutions. It’s been a handy addition to our workshop and might make sense for you if you can justify the cost. Take these factors into account, however, before making the purchase. Choose one that meets your needs and provides a safe, effective environment for painting your car at home.