Replies

1. 
   Buster2000 | Jul 17, 2007 09:54pm | #1

   I looked into this not too long ago.  The consensus I got was spraying in the basement is just a bad idea.  The problem being that many of the solvents and chemicals are heavier than air and will settle towards the floor.

   Even with a good fan setup (like you seem to have) the health risk is huge.  Chances are the heavy chemicals will settle to the floor, and the fresh air will just pass over top from one window to the other with very little mixing.

2. 
   Woodman41 | Jul 18, 2007 02:31am | #2

   While no one's preference, with careful planning this should be doable. Creating a negative pressure zone is obviously the first order of business, next on my list would be sealing as much of the area as possible, and/or building a knock-down spray booth (simply 2x frames with plastic sheeting... clamp the panels in place and you have a spray booth!) that you can minimize the area you need to evacuate the air from.

   I would also point out that a spray booth is just good practice regardless of how large your shop is. One potential issue I see with your setup is that strong negative pressure is going to create air streams that carry contaminants that will land on your finish. The spray booth not only minimizes overspray in adjacent areas but also protects the area you are spraying in.

   One show stopper you should look for is flame sources (e.g. water heater) in the vicinity, this is usually why basement spray setups don't work out. At any rate, even though there is still a risk, I'd stick to working with water-based finishes, which while still volatile are a heck of a lot less so than solvent based material (and easier to clean up).

1. 
   Nathan Barnard | Jul 18, 2007 06:22am | #3

   Well, I decided to spray my first project: a couple raised panel doors and some crown trim that I had made up for my kitchen. I thoroughly blew off the area (ceiling, walls, etc.), let it clear and covered the tools/bench. I unfortunately don't have a mask yet, but mixed up the lacquer (decided to do 8:1:1 - boy those mixing cups are great!). Found it quite decent to work in the shop with all the fresh air pouring in. Still plan on getting a mask eventually. My wife didn't even notice the odor much.I primarily make kitchens and am considering finishing the doors myself. Based on my experience tonight, I think I may stick with post cat lacquer. Seems easier to clean the guns, etc. I did learn that I should filter the finish though. Nathan

1. 
   nikkiwood | Jul 18, 2007 08:28am | #4

   I think it is foolhardy to spray any solvent based finish in your basement.Aside from the obvious potential dangers (water heaters, boilers, etc.), the overspray (and there will be overspray) will collect on light fixtures and the like. And it doesn't take much accumulation before an errant spark could touch off fire. If you don't believe me, call your home insurance carrier and ask their opinion.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   Buster2000 | Jul 19, 2007 10:09pm | #10

   Spraying in the basement is an accident waiting to happen.

   This thread is proof that we shouldn't believe everything we hear on the internet and that some advice really isn't worth the time it took to write it down.

   Woodworkers always surprise me with the lack of concern for the health and wellbeing of themselves and that of their family.

   Take care and be safe.

2. 
   observer | Jul 18, 2007 08:32am | #5

   Get a mask sooner than later unless you don't mind the idea of pulling a little wheeled cylinder of oxygen around with you wherever you go.

   Edited 7/18/2007 1:33 am by observer

3. 
   Quickstep | Jul 18, 2007 02:22pm | #6

   I can't begin to imagine how you can even stay in the room without a mask. A friend of mine recently underwent years of chemotherapy for cancer that was believed to be from exposure to lacquer. No one should have to go through this. Willing exposure to cancer causing elements when it can be avoided is tempting fate. I will buy you a mask and send it to you if necessary!

   I have sprayed some water based (white) finishes in my basement. I turn off the furnace/AC and anything else that could be an ignition source. Also, if you have good enough exhaust for painting, it will suck exhaust air from the furnace right down the chimney. I also noticed that even though I don't seem to have much overspray, the finish seems to get on everything. In my basement that doesn't matter, but it might in others.

   One last thing. GET A MASK - and not just one of those cheapo paper jobs.

1. 
   Nathan Barnard | Jul 18, 2007 02:56pm | #7

   I will have a mask the next time I spray. Probably pick up a Devilbliss for $60-$70 from Carquest. I've been in a garage when someone was spraying without any exhaust - simply overwhelming to even take one breath in there, not to mention the cloud of fumes. I don't have any open flames, and covered everything. Compressor is in another room.  Next order of business is to construct a drying rack and lazy susan spraying table.

   I can't get how fast the finish dries. I put two coats on, back to back, let it sit for an hour and sand, then put a third coat on. In total about three hours from start to finish!

   P.S. With the exhaust fan the atomized finish seems to get sucked right out the window. Also, very little lingering fumes remain in the room. Zero around the intake window where I mix finish, spray, and clean up. Still, I don't like to breath any of that stuff so a mask is in order.

   Edited 7/18/2007 8:01 am ET by Nathan Barnard

4. 
   Hastings | Jul 20, 2007 01:43am | #12

   Nathan:You probably like BASE jumping too. However, there's living dangerously and living dangerously.Why not spray outside? I bought one of those canopies that you see for outside stalls at farmers markets. Walmart have a 10' x 10 for $79. Goes up and down in 30 seconds. I built a frame to hold the work out of 2x4's.I an using S-W catalyzed lacquer which dries quickly enough that I haven't had problems with bugs, dust etc.Regards,Hastings

1. 
   Nathan Barnard | Jul 23, 2007 04:59am | #16

   Hi Hastings,Well, so spraying toxic chemicals in living places might not a great idea. Point taken. I guess I could do large jobs outside. I need to build some racks for spraying 30+ doors/drawer fronts - maybe this could be something that can collapse and be moved, any suggestions?So far as family goes if I was to spray indoors I would probably send them away for the day. A couple real concerns were raised in this thread, primarily what to do with heavy chemicals that would might linger. Secondly, flammable dried finish. For this I tried burning several pieces of dried finish flakes that were removed from a piece of plastic. Turns out the dried stuff burns much like sheets of paper do, no faster and certainly not explosive. To me, this is a non-issue.Anyway, I would only need to spray kitchen doors three or four times a year. Not sure what I will do in the winter, but will cross that road when I get there. Cheers,
   Nathan

3. 
   colebearanimals | Jul 19, 2007 12:10am | #8

   Nathan,

          Probably not a good idea. Unless you have a hurricane going through your basement your house is going to smell like lacquer. Water based materials should be o k though.

                                                  Paul

   
   

   ---

   Edited 7/18/2007 5:13 pm ET by colebearanimals

4. 
   xmike | Jul 19, 2007 02:48am | #9

   Nathan,
   You obviously don't want to hear negative input to your idea, so none here.
   One thing recommended for spraying in a small shop is to build a 1ft by 2 ft rectangular air shaft from your window squirrel cage fan to the shop floor, and draw your output air from the bottom of that shaft and out the window. That will help clear the heavier chemicals from the floor area, and possibly help to protect the other persons in your house.
   Mike D

5. 
   CharlieStanford | Jul 19, 2007 10:10pm | #11

   Don't do it.

   Please read this disclaimer which is an integral part of my post:  Do not copy, print, or use my posts without my express written consent. My posts are not based on fact. My posts are merely my written opinions, fiction, or satire none of which are based on fact unless I expressly state in writing that a statement is a fact by use of the word "fact." No one was intended to be harmed in the making of this post.

6. 
   beachfarm | Jul 20, 2007 01:58am | #13

   Spraying catalyzed lacquer in your basement is a recipe for one of two disasters: short term disaster (hazard) or long term disaster (health). Take your pick.

   Was it Hastings that mentioned: Spray outside? For taking that advice - your family thanks you, your neighbors thank you and your insurance company thanks you.

   Regards.

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Jul 20, 2007 07:47pm | #14

   Might not be a bad way to advertise too.

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

    

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

2. 
   joinerswork | Jul 20, 2007 08:17pm | #15

   beach,

   Well, maybe not the neighbors...

   Ray