Spray booths play a crucial role in automotive refinishing, aerospace coatings, industrial painting, and furniture finishing. These enclosed environments ensure controlled airflow, dust-free surfaces, and enhanced safety when applying coatings.
But what are spray booths actually made of? The materials used in spray booth construction impact durability, performance, and compliance with safety regulations. From high-grade steel panels to filtration and ventilation systems, every component is designed to improve efficiency, longevity, and workplace safety.
Key Materials Used in Spray Booth Construction
1. Heavy-Duty Galvanized Steel Panels
The structure of a spray booth is primarily made from galvanized steel, a material known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and durability.
✔ Why It’s Used:
- Provides a strong, rigid frame that withstands industrial use.
- Resists rust and corrosion, essential for booths exposed to moisture and chemicals.
- Ensures fire resistance, meeting NFPA 33 safety standards.
✔ Advantages:
✅ Long-lasting material for years of reliable operation.
✅ Low maintenance compared to untreated steel or aluminum.
✅ Strong protection against dents, warping, and environmental exposure.
2. Insulated Panels for Temperature Control
Temperature stability is critical in a spray booth, especially for paint curing and powder coating applications. That’s why many spray booths incorporate insulated panels in their construction.
✔ Why It’s Used:
- Regulates temperature, improving paint adhesion and drying times.
- Reduces energy costs, minimizing heat loss during curing processes.
- Helps maintain consistent airflow, ensuring an even finish.
✔ Advantages:
✅ More efficient energy use in heated booths.
✅ Ensures stable working conditions year-round.
✅ Improves paint quality and curing efficiency.
3. Explosion-Proof Lighting & Electrical Components
Since paints, solvents, and coatings used in spray booths can be flammable, explosion-proof lighting and electrical systems are essential for safety and compliance.
✔ Why It’s Used:
- Prevents electrical sparks from igniting flammable vapors.
- Provides bright, shadow-free lighting for precise refinishing.
- Meets OSHA and NFPA regulations for hazardous workspaces.
✔ Advantages:
✅ Reduces fire risks in enclosed spaces.
✅ Enhances visibility, improving application accuracy.
✅ Ensures compliance with industry safety regulations.
For more details on spray booth safety regulations, visit OSHA’s Spray Finishing Guidelines.
4. High-Efficiency Filtration Systems
To maintain clean air quality and overspray control, spray booths are equipped with filtration systems that capture contaminants before air is released.
✔ Why It’s Used:
- Removes paint particles, fumes, and dust from the air.
- Keeps the workspace compliant with EPA air quality standards.
- Protects workers from toxic fumes and airborne chemicals.
✔ Types of Filters:
✅ Pre-Filters – Capture large particles before they enter the main filtration system.
✅ Exhaust Filters – Trap fine particulates before releasing air outside.
✅ Activated Carbon Filters – Absorb chemical fumes for better air quality.
5. Heavy-Duty Exhaust & Ventilation Systems
A spray booth’s ventilation system is critical for maintaining airflow, removing hazardous fumes, and controlling overspray buildup.
✔ Why It’s Used:
- Ensures clean airflow, preventing paint contamination.
- Removes flammable fumes, reducing fire hazards.
- Meets OSHA and NFPA ventilation standards.
✔ Ventilation Types:
✅ Downdraft Systems – Directs air from the ceiling down through the floor, providing optimal airflow for high-quality finishes.
✅ Side Downdraft Systems – Pulls air from the ceiling and exits through side walls, offering an affordable alternative to full downdraft booths.
✅ Cross Flow Systems – Moves air horizontally, a budget-friendly option for auto body shops.
6. Powder-Coated & Painted Finishes
The exterior and interior surfaces of a spray booth are often finished with powder coating or high-grade paint to improve durability.
✔ Why It’s Used:
- Protects against scratches, corrosion, and chemical exposure.
- Creates a smooth, easy-to-clean surface for booth maintenance.
- Enhances professional appearance and branding.
✔ Advantages:
✅ Extends booth lifespan by protecting metal surfaces.
✅ Easier to maintain with wipe-down surfaces.
✅ Reduces contamination, keeping paint jobs clean and precise.

A high-quality spray booth is built from materials that ensure durability, efficiency, and safety. Galvanized steel panels, insulated walls, explosion-proof lighting, and advanced filtration systems all contribute to a long-lasting, high-performing spray booth.
When choosing a spray booth, it’s essential to consider the materials used and how they affect performance, maintenance, and compliance. Investing in quality materials ensures a booth that provides superior finishes, worker protection, and long-term reliability.
For custom spray booth solutions built with top-tier materials, check out Platinum Finishing Systems. Our booths are designed for auto refinishing, aerospace coatings, and industrial applications with durability and safety in mind.
Want to learn more? Visit: PFS Spray Booths for high-quality, precision-engineered spray booths.


