Hi, All
I've had second thoughts on this thread and this idea.
The problem is that my rig is only safe because I am basically outside spraying into a sheltered area. Even though I am wearing a full-spec respirator, it is clear that the fume build up in the shed itself is dangerous. As such, this whole idea - with ventilation but no fume extraction is actually a really bad idea that, in other circumstances could be downright dangerous!
Although there is a very interesting project currently on the drawing board, I've put in a couple of weeks in the diary to sort out a few issues that have been wanting for some time. One of those has been 'what am I going to do about spraying?'
I've turned down a number of build requests because they have been specifically solid colour finishes and - even where I agree to a paint finish - I always stress that the way I have to do that will never match a decent professional spray job. Even with natural finishes, there are times when a 'buffable' nitro clear would be just what the project needs, rather than my preferred wipe-on varnish approach (which can produce very good results, but absolutely can't be buffed to the final shine).
So, having done some prep work in the autumn with a significant tidy up of the shed, I have set about rigging up a space so that I can hang a body or full bass or electric at a convenient height for spraying, and be able to spray when there is a breeze - or during my test today quite a strong wind - outside.
The rig?
- Four cheap shower curtains
- A simple timber hanger capable of hanging the body of a bolt-on (bolted onto the end of the hanger), or the full instrument of neck-through (hung from the headstock on a U-shaped large hook halfway up the hanger length)
Basically, in the doorway to the shed, with the door fully open, I simply hung three of the shower curtains to protect the shed contents, and the fourth curtain on the floor to minimise the amount that I would be painting the floor.
Then, with a disposable overall on, safety glasses and a suitable respirator I set about an old mahogany body I had hanging around (and now literally hanging around ):
There are two large ceiling hooks at 90 degrees to each other so that I can hang the body face on or edge on. For this trial, though, I left it in this position and realised that I could just about get decent access all the way round.
This had a can of white primer and a can of metallic blue. I didn't bother with any prep or sanding down of the primer, but it bodes quite well, considering:
I also won't bother doing any more prep before the clear coats - I'm really just checking the practicality. I'll do some clearcoats tomorrow but so far my conclusions are:
- This won't solve the 'spray nitro in dry conditions' issue, but it will allow me to spray in even medium windy conditions. As I say, the door was wide open and it was quite a windy day.
- The curtain stopped pretty much all of the paint mist from colouring the contents of the shed
- Ventilation is VERY adequate
- With a bit of practice - and maybe a step-stool handy - it seems to provide 360 degree access with a reasonable access. The whole guitar body here is pretty well coated - front, back, sides, horn inner surfaces and tail. Using the ceiling hooks to reverse the body and hang it edge on both ways, would allow very good access.
- The hanger is man enough to prevent the body swinging away from the spray force
So step 1 is a tick in the box
Next will be spraycan clear coat and then next is trying with compressor and airbrush / spraygun
Comments
I'm impressed!
Clever stuff.
Edit: read the updates, maybe not that clever then.
The advantage in my rig is that I am basically standing outside, spraying into this area but which itself has no extraction. I'm still wearing a full spray-spec respirator - and this is essential whatever...even spraying fully outside.
Do not consider for one moment spraying in an enclosed or even semi-enclosed space without proper fume extraction!
It probably serves a valuable purpose in highlighting the dangers of doing what you originally thought would be a good idea. Now, if *you* thought it would be a good idea, I'm guessing that there'll be others who have a similar idea, but perhaps don't go on to realise the downsides.
Your disclaimer and strikethru of the original text should be enough of a warning to anyone thinking of adopting the approach, so I'd say that it's more useful to keep the thread here - as a warning - than to remove it, and remove the warning?
In my youth I was overcome by fumes spraying a bike frame and spent two nights in hospital as a result - and I'd spare anyone that headache when I woke up!!! I was lucky that my mum heard the bang when I collapsed on the garage floor knocking loads of stuff over... fumes kill. It's not big or clever.