When using a paint booth, it is essential to correctly color match your paints to avoid repainting and the expenses that come with it. One of the simplest factors that can improve color matching is proper illumination. Inconsistent lighting can produce shadows, obscuring details from view. Lighting for paint booths should evenly illuminate the space, allowing you to clearly see the texture and shade of the paint.
LEDs are gaining popularity as a light source for paint booths. Though they are more expensive initially than fluorescent lights, LEDs offer higher efficiency, less maintenance, and lower operating costs. Additionally, LED lights do not need to be replaced as frequently as fluorescents that lose color and brightness as time goes on. LEDs can last up to 50,000 hours, compared to a fluorescent tube that only lasts up to 30,000 hours.
For safety purposes, paint booth lighting must adhere to national electric code regulations for electrical devices. Paint booths are considered hazardous environments and may contain volatile chemicals. Paint booths with flammable substances require class 1 division 1 rated light fixtures, meaning they are functionally explosion proof.
All Paint Applications
The first step to properly lighting a paint booth is choosing the type of fixture that is most appropriate for your application. Some light fixtures are more suitable for certain types of paint booths and hazardous locations than others.
Division 1 fixtures are especially useful for lighting concrete paint booths, or other locations that cannot accommodate recessed lights. Paint mixing rooms and powder booths that do not expose the electrical housing to the interior of the booth only require class 1 division 2 lights to meet safety restrictions.
Division 2 lights are sealed to prevent volatile substances from contacting the ignition source. However, they are only recommended for pre-manufactured paint booths in which only the light bulb and cover are exposed to the flammable substances within the booth.
High Quality Service
Whether you are new to paint booth lighting or hoping to upgrade an existing booth, finding the right light source can be difficult when there are so many factors to consider. It is important to select a light fixture that both meets safety requirements and provides suitable illumination to ensure you get a consistent coat of paint without expending time and resources on rework.
Arcus Light specializes in high quality lighting with industrial applications. They offer a variety of explosion proof lighting for paint booths and other hazardous environments. Their LED products are efficient, versatile, and easy to install, making them a great option for someone unfamiliar with lighting paint booths.
If you are seeking long lasting, cost efficient, and safe lighting for a paint booth, spray booth, or powder booth, Arcus Light can help you find the best fixture for your specific requirements.
