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Automotive Spray Booth Filters Guide

Collision repair | PBE | spray booth filtration

Automotive Spray Booth Filters: The Complete Guide to Types, Sizing, EPA 6H Compliance & Part Numbers

A detailed deep dive on spray booth filter types, sizing, performance, part-number decoding, EPA 6H and California compliance, and buying strategy for collision repair paint operations.

Research checked: June 25, 2026 Focus: California refinish shops Scope: exhaust, floor, intake, ceiling, AMU, afterfilter
Quick Answer

Spray Booth Filters In Brief

Automotive spray booth filters are staged consumables, not generic HVAC filters: intake and ceiling filters clean and diffuse incoming air to protect the finish, while exhaust/floor "paint arrestor" filters capture wet overspray to protect the fan, stack, and the property line. Under U.S. EPA Area Source Rule 6H (40 CFR Part 63 Subpart HHHHHH), affected auto refinish booths must use exhaust filter technology demonstrated to capture at least 98% of paint overspray, with efficiency shown per ANSI/ASHRAE 52.2 or EPA Method 319. The correct filter depends on booth airflow type (crossdraft, semi-downdraft, side-downdraft, or full downdraft), the filter's stage (intake, ceiling diffusion, exhaust arrestor, AMU prefilter, or carbon afterfilter), and the actual measured frame opening — nominal size printed on the box can differ from the real opening. Filters are best compared by holding capacity, capture efficiency, and loaded pressure drop rather than by case price.

Key facts: EPA 6H requires ≥98% overspray capture for affected auto refinish booth exhaust. 20"×20" is the most common nominal pad/panel size, but always confirm the actual frame opening. A complete booth uses up to six filter stages: intake, ceiling diffusion, exhaust/floor arrestor, AMU prefilter, and optional carbon afterfilter. Standard booth filters capture particulate overspray but do not remove VOCs or solvent odor. Browse all spray booth filters at AutoFxMart.
Executive View

What Matters Most In Booth Filters

Paint booth filters are not commodity HVAC filters. In a collision repair booth they control finish defects, paint arresting compliance, fan static pressure, booth balance, energy cost, cleanup labor, and the shop's visible emissions risk.

>=98% Federal EPA 6H overspray capture threshold for affected auto refinish booth exhaust filtration.
~12,000+ California car body shop businesses (roughly 12,000-13,000 with about 46,000 employees, IBISWorld, latest available) — a large installed refinish base driving recurring filter demand.
20"×20" Most common nominal booth filter size — always confirm the actual measured frame opening before ordering, because nominal and measured sizes differ.
2x-8x Typical swing in real monthly filter spend between low-production and high-production booths.
Collision-shop rule of thumb: cheap filters can be expensive when they raise dirt nibs, reduce capture, overload fans, or shorten booth life. Compare filters by installed cost per spray hour, not just case price.

Best booth-filter pairing by shop type

Shop profile Recommended filter posture
Budget crossdraft, low volume EPA 6H-compliant 15g or 22g fiberglass exhaust pads, basic tackified intake panels, strict pressure monitoring.
Insurance DRP collision shop Premium exhaust media or paint pockets, improved intake panels, monthly data log, stocked replacement cases.
High-production downdraft Premium ceiling media, AMU prefilters, high-capacity floor rolls, weekly or pressure-based floor changes.
OEM-certified / luxury refinishing Premium or OEM ceiling filters, documented filter changes, magnehelic records, controlled inventory and disposal trail.
Representative paint booth filter media samples: fiberglass exhaust arrestor, tacky intake panel, ceiling diffusion media, and accordion-style filter.

Generated training visual: representative exhaust, intake, ceiling diffusion, and accordion-style filter media. Use actual OEM part numbers for procurement.

Market Deep Dive

The Booth Filter Market

The market is fragmented. Collision shops buy through OEM booth parts departments, local PBE jobbers, regional filter service companies, national online distributors, direct manufacturers/converters, and marketplace sellers. Price transparency is uneven, and published online pricing usually excludes freight, sales tax, disposal, and service labor.

Media makers Fiberglass, polyester, synthetic ceiling media, paper baffle, pocket, cube, bag, and carbon media manufacturers.
Converters Cut pads, rolls, blankets, linked panels, single-frame panels, cubes, bags, and booth-specific kits.
Distributors OEM booth dealers, PBE jobbers, online filter sellers, and service-route operators.
Collision shops Single-location independents, MSO chains, dealership body shops, fleets, school programs, and specialty refinishers.
Regulators EPA 6H, local air districts, fire authority, Cal/OSHA, hazardous waste agencies, and insurer/OEM program audits.

Market size signals

Public market reference Reported value Why numbers vary
Verified Market Research paint booth filter market $436.8 million in 2023, projected $549.7 million by 2031, 3.4% CAGR. Appears focused on filter products; lower than broader booth/ventilation studies.
WiseGuy Reports paint booth filter market $1,596.9 million in 2024, $1,664 million in 2025, projected $2.5 billion by 2035, 4.2% CAGR. Broader segmentation includes filter types, airflow directions, regions, and industrial end uses.
OpenPR / Verified Market Report release $1.1 billion in 2024, projected $1.9 billion by 2033, 7.5% CAGR. Likely uses a different definition of paint booth filters and geographic coverage.
Future Market Insights paint booth market $0.7 billion in 2025, projected $1.1 billion by 2035, 5.4% CAGR. Equipment market, not filter replacement market; useful because booth installs create recurring filter demand.
Interpretation: public market reports define the category differently. For a collision repair investor or distributor, the actionable market is recurring consumables plus local service, not only the sale of filter media.

California demand drivers

Large shop base

IBISWorld figures show roughly 12,000-13,000 California car body shop businesses and about 46,000 employees (latest available). Not every facility has a full booth, but the installed refinish base is large.

Regulatory pressure

California shops must manage EPA 6H, local air district rules, VOC limits, fire code expectations, and workplace ventilation. Documentation makes filters more than a purchasing item.

Environment

Coastal humidity, inland dust, heat, wildfire smoke, and dense urban neighbors create more pressure to maintain clean intake air and visible exhaust control.

Labor cost

California labor rates make filter change labor and rework prevention important. A higher-capacity filter can be cheaper if it reduces change frequency or booth cleanup.

Market segmentation by product type

Segment Buy frequency Price sensitivity Typical buyer concern
Fiberglass exhaust pads and rolls High Very high EPA 6H documentation, pad cost, holding capacity, fan loading.
Premium exhaust media, wave, pocket, baffle, cube Medium-high Medium Run-off reduction, loaded pressure drop, cleanup labor, longer life.
Intake panels and links Medium Medium Dirt defects, self-supporting fit, tackifier quality, correct airflow direction.
Ceiling diffusion media Low-medium Low-medium Finish quality, clean-air uniformity, OEM match, frame seal.
AMU prefilters and bag filters Medium Medium Protecting ceiling media, burner/air-handler cleanliness, dust loading.
Carbon or VOC afterfilters Project-specific Low Odor complaints, permit conditions, carbon service life, fire and disposal considerations.
Booth Types

Booth Airflow Families And Typical Dimensions

The booth type determines where filters go, how often they load, and how much filter area the shop must buy. Dimensions below are practical collision-shop ranges; always verify against the booth plate, drawings, and air district permit.

Booth type Typical collision-shop dimensions Airflow path Filter implications Best fit
Crossdraft / crossflow Approx. 14-16 ft W x 24-31 ft L x 9-11 ft H. Air enters front doors or front plenum and exits rear wall. Front intake panels plus rear exhaust pads. Lowest filter cost but more contamination exposure across the vehicle. Budget shops, restoration, lower production, retrofit spaces.
Semi-downdraft Often 14 ft W x 24-31 ft L x 9-12 ft H. Supply from front ceiling section; exhaust at rear lower wall. Ceiling/intake section plus rear exhaust bank. Cleaner than crossdraft without a pit. Mid-budget collision, shops without pit excavation.
Side-downdraft Similar car booth length, often wider outer footprint because of side plenums. Air enters through ceiling and exits low side plenums. Large ceiling filter area plus side exhaust banks. Good finish quality without a floor pit. High-quality refinish where pit work is difficult.
Full downdraft Car booth commonly 14-16 ft W x 27-31 ft L x 9-12 ft H; van booth near 12 ft internal height. Air enters through full ceiling and exits through floor pit or raised basement. Premium ceiling filters, AMU prefilters, floor/pit media. Highest filter surface area and airflow demand. High-production collision, OEM-certified work, luxury finishes.
Prep station Usually open-face or curtain-style bay; size varies widely. Air pulled away from work zone through exhaust filter bank. Frequent exhaust filter loading from primer/sanding operations. Not a substitute for a full refinish booth unless permitted for the use. Primer, small parts, denibbing, throughput support.
Truck / fleet booth Often 16-20+ ft W x 35-60+ ft L x 14-16+ ft H. Crossdraft, side-draft, or downdraft variants. Large filter square footage; freight and storage become material parts of cost. RV, fleet, medium-duty, heavy-duty, commercial bodies.
Dimension trap: filter orders should be based on actual frame openings and filter BOM, not just booth model. A "20 x 46" panel can be linked, single-frame, solid frame, or custom edge style.
Airflow And Filter Positions

Where Each Filter Works

A booth has a supply side and an exhaust side. Intake and ceiling filters protect the finish. Exhaust and floor filters protect the fan, stack, property line, and compliance file. AMU filters protect the air-handler and extend ceiling filter life.

Downdraft paint booth filter map showing supply, intake, ceiling, floor, exhaust, fan, stack, and optional afterfilter locations.

Crossdraft flow

Air moves horizontally across the vehicle. Intake filters are often in the front doors. Exhaust pads sit in the rear wall. Filter loading can affect face velocity and paint cloud travel.

Downdraft flow

Air moves from the ceiling to floor grates. Ceiling filters need uniform diffusion; floor media must catch overspray while maintaining enough downward velocity.

Side-downdraft flow

Air enters from the ceiling and exits through low side plenums. Side exhaust filter balance matters because uneven loading can pull overspray toward one side.

Filter Taxonomy

Filter Types Compared

The same booth may use six filter categories. The most common mistake is treating all rectangular booth filters as interchangeable. They are not.

Filter category Primary purpose Common media Key performance metrics Common failure mode
Exhaust / paint arrestor Capture wet overspray before it reaches fan, stack, roof, neighbors, or atmosphere. Shop all booth exhaust paint arrestor filters. 15g/22g fiberglass (PA15, PA22), polyester, depth-loading paint pockets, expanded paper, accordion baffle, styrofoam baffle, tri-layer. EPA 6H efficiency, paint holding capacity, initial resistance, loaded pressure drop, run-off control. Using non-compliant media, clogged pads, bypass gaps, paint run-off, reduced booth velocity.
Floor / pit Same capture role as exhaust, located horizontally under floor grates in downdraft booths. High-capacity fiberglass rolls, premium depth-loading media, cut blankets. Holding capacity, airflow resistance at booth velocity, compressibility, ease of change under grates. Heavy loading near spray path, plugged pit zones, overspray recirculation, fan strain.
Intake panel Clean incoming air before it reaches the vehicle. Browse tacky blanket intake filters. Tackified polyester, layered synthetic panels, self-supporting framed panels, linked panels (e.g. AFC 5K, CT, 300-Series). Rated efficiency varies by media (often expressed as MERV or arrestance, or a vendor micron rating); tackifier quality, resistance, seal and frame fit. Confirm the rating on the product data sheet. Dirt nibs, panel collapse, wrong airflow direction, poor edge seal.
Ceiling diffusion Final supply-air filtration and even diffusion across downdraft or semi-downdraft ceiling. See intake and ceiling booth filters. Premium synthetic diffusion media such as Swiss Flow 600G ceiling diffusion media and L560, plus custom blankets. Uniform velocity, particle efficiency (MERV 9 for Swiss Flow 600G / L560), temperature resistance (to 250°F), UL classification, diffusion uniformity. Finish contamination, turbulence stripes, sagging blankets, wrong size or orientation.
AMU prefilter Remove coarse dust before air reaches burner/air handler and final ceiling media. Polyester pads, pleated panels, linked panels, bag filters. MERV rating, dust holding capacity, initial resistance, heat compatibility. Short ceiling filter life, dirty burner/duct, low booth pressure, dirty air streaks.
Carbon / afterfilter Odor or VOC adsorption when required by permit, neighbor complaints, or special process. Activated carbon panels, carbon beds, carbon cartridges, sorbent media. Carbon weight, contact time, breakthrough monitoring, static pressure, fire safety. Expecting normal exhaust filters to remove VOCs; EPA notes most booth filters do not remove solvent vapors.

Media types and practical trade-offs

Fiberglass paint arrestor

Lowest entry cost and widely available. The 15-gram standard grade (PA15) is rated 99.37% capture with about 2.8 lb holding in a 20×20 pad; the 22-gram super-duty (PA22) is rated 99.50% with about 4.7 lb. Good for many refinish operations; lower-capacity media needs more frequent changes.

Polyester / synthetic exhaust

High-efficiency polyester exhaust media (PE/PP/PR/PRH grades) tests from roughly 99.79% to 99.94% capture, in 1/2", 1", and 2" thicknesses to tune capacity vs. restriction. Verify whether a given panel is intended for intake or exhaust.

Depth-loading / waterborne

Smart-media fiberglass and tri-layer "King" media (two fiberglass layers plus a final polyester layer, ~99.59% capture) depth-load rather than face-load, handling wetter waterborne overspray and reducing run-off. Higher pad cost can be offset by less cleanup and longer life.

Paint Pockets / pocket / bag

Paint Pockets premium arrestors use a diamond-pocket design rated 99.83% capture with about 6.9 lb holding in a 20×20 pad (Green grade ~99.43%, 6.4 lb). High surface area suits high-solids, wet overspray, heavy-use, aerospace, or powder applications.

Accordion / paper baffle

Self-supporting accordion baffle media (e.g. AF331, recycled paper) and 3200-series expanded paper provide strong paint separation for booths designed around them. Fit and frame design are critical; the poly-backed expanded-paper option is EPA 6H compliant.

Premium ceiling media

Not an overspray arrestor. Swiss Flow 600G (1", MERV 9, ~99.8-99.9% at 5.5-10 microns) and L560 (0.75", MERV 9) deliver finish quality and airflow uniformity. They should be protected by upstream AMU prefilters.

Sizes And Fit

Common Booth Filter Sizes

Sizes are usually nominal. A shop should build a booth-specific filter schedule with exact frame count, nominal size, actual size, media type, airflow direction, source, cost, and change interval.

Position Common sizes Formats Procurement warning
Rear-wall exhaust 20 x 20, 20 x 25, 24 x 24, 26 x 48. Cut pads, pads in case quantity, self-supporting panels, rolls cut to length. Check pad thickness and grid support. Some booths require linked panels or frame-retained media.
Downdraft floor / pit 20 x 100 ft, 20 x 200 ft, 30 x 200 ft, 36 x 200 ft, 41 x 200 ft, 48 x 200 ft, 60 x 200 ft, 80 x 200 ft. Bulk rolls and cut blankets. Measure pit width and grate sections. Order enough overlap to prevent bypass but not enough to restrict airflow.
Crossdraft intake 16 x 20, 16 x 25, 20 x 20, 20 x 25, 20 x 46, 20 x 48, 20 x 50, 20 x 72, 24 x 24, 25 x 72. Tacky panels, framed panels, linked panels, single-frame panels. Linked vs single-frame is not interchangeable. Confirm tackifier side and airflow arrow.
Ceiling diffusion 24 x 125, 26 x 144, 33 x 45.5, 36 x 108, 36 x 144, 37 x 45, 38 x 102, 40 x 120, 42 x 168. Blankets, panels, custom cut pads, rolls. Ceiling frames often need exact lengths, clips, pockets, or gaskets. Poor fit causes dust bypass.
AMU / prefilter 20 x 72, 25 x 72, 21.5 x 25.5 x 21 bag, 22.5 x 24.5 x 21 bag, 22 x 26 x 15 bag. Panel links, bag filters, pleated filters, tacky polyester rolls. Heat, burner location, and filter class matter. Do not install a flammable or low-temperature media where the equipment requires otherwise.
Build a booth filter schedule: one line per filter bank with count, size, media type, vendor part number, efficiency documentation, clean pressure reading, change pressure reading, and reorder minimum. For the field workflow, follow the measurement steps below.

How to measure a filter bank for ordering

Build an accurate booth filter schedule by measuring each filter bank correctly. Work bank by bank so single-frame, linked, and roll media are never confused.

  1. Identify the stage. For each filter bank, identify the stage: intake, ceiling diffusion, exhaust/arrestor, floor/pit, or AMU prefilter.
  2. Measure the actual opening. Measure the actual frame opening of one cell, width by height, with a tape, not the printed nominal size.
  3. Count the cells. Count the number of cells (frames) in that bank to get total quantity per change.
  4. Record the format. Record the media format (cut pad, framed panel, linked panel, blanket, or roll) plus airflow direction; note the tackified side or airflow arrow on intake panels.
  5. Measure floor/pit media. For downdraft floor/pit media, measure pit width and grate-section length, and plan enough overlap to prevent bypass without restricting airflow.
  6. Build the schedule line. Build one schedule line per bank: stage, count, nominal size, actual size, media type, efficiency documentation, clean pressure reading, change pressure reading, and reorder minimum.
Filter Catalog & Part Numbers

Filter Series And How To Read Part Numbers

This is the working product reference behind the booth filter line: the actual catalog pages that show every filter series, the media used at each stage, and the sizes available. Use it to identify what a shop currently runs, match it to the right replacement, and decode the part number printed on an old filter frame or box label.

How to read a filter part number

Most booth-filter part numbers follow one simple pattern: a series code that names the product, followed by size digits that encode the dimensions, and often a case pack. Read the series code first to know the filter type, then read the digits as the size.

Example part # Series / product Decoded size Case pack
3TP 2020 300-Series intake panel (3TP) 20" × 20" 20 / case
SF 81144 Swiss Flow ceiling diffusion (SF) 81" × 144" 4 / case
B6P 23B478 Bag filter, 6-pocket (B6P) 23.25" × 47" × 8" 4 / case
PA15 2020 15-gram fiberglass arrestor (PA15) 20" × 20" 50 / case
PASF28 489 PASF28 fiberglass arrestor 48" × 90' roll roll
The dimension trap: the size digits are the nominal size printed on the box. A pad sold as 20"×20" can measure slightly smaller. Always confirm the actual measured frame opening before ordering so the media seals with no bypass gaps around the edges.
Convention note: this decoder reflects AFC / Viskon-Aire-style catalog conventions (series code + size digits + case pack). Other manufacturers use different numbering schemes, so read each brand's own catalog rather than assuming this pattern is universal.
Find your exact replacementType the code stamped on your old filter or box (e.g. PA15-2020, SF-81144), or just describe it (e.g. 15 gram fiberglass 20x20). We decode the stage, media, and size and match it to a stocked filter.

Filter series reference

A refined cross-section of the AFC booth filter line, organized by stage so you can match what a shop currently runs to the right replacement. Efficiency and holding-capacity figures are the manufacturer's published data-sheet ratings; arrestor efficiencies are stated for a standard 20"×20" pad. Always verify the actual frame opening and the EPA 6H efficiency sheet before ordering.

Series Stage Media Typical sizes / formats Efficiency / capacity Application
Swiss Flow 600G (SF) Ceiling diffusion 1" ultra-premium 600G synthetic fiber, tackified Bulk rolls, cut blankets, panels (e.g. 81"×144") MERV 9; ~99.8% at 5.5-7µm, 99.9% at 7-10µm; to 250°F; exceeds UL900/DIN53438/EN779 Final supply-air diffusion in downdraft/semi-downdraft booths; most critical finishes.
L560 Ceiling diffusion 0.75" synthetic fiber, full-depth tackified adhesive Bulk rolls, cut blankets, ceiling cuts MERV 9; ~99.6% at 5.5-7µm, 99.9% at 7-10µm; low 0.22 w.g. initial resistance; to 250°F High-efficiency, low-resistance ceiling diffusion for an ideal painting environment.
5K / 5000 (5KR1) Intake Pure-white self-sealing R1 media, scrim-backed Panels, cut sizes (e.g. 20×20, 20×25) 97% for particles >5µm at 100 fpm Premium intake for downdraft booths needing low static pressure, and crossdraft for ultimate protection.
Custom Tacky (CT) Intake Blue tackified polyester, steel-framed, AEGIS antimicrobial Panels, pads, blankets MERV 8 at 373 fpm Industry-favorite long-life crossdraft intake filter.
300 Series (3T / 3TP) Intake Green tackified polyester, steel-framed Panels, pads, blankets (e.g. 3TP2020) MERV 7 at 373 fpm Basic-grade crossdraft intake where cost is the main consideration.
Paint Pockets Exhaust / floor 1.5" white multi-layer polyester, diamond-pocket 20×20 pad and standard exhaust sizes 99.83% capture; ~6.9 lb holding; EPA 6H compliant Best-performing single-stage arrestor for liquid and powder overspray.
Paint Pockets Green Exhaust / floor 1" white & green multi-layer polyester, diamond-pocket 20×20 pad and standard exhaust sizes 99.43% capture; ~6.4 lb holding; EPA 6H compliant More affordable alternative to standard Paint Pockets.
King Series Exhaust / floor 3.5" tri-layer: 2 fiberglass + final polyester (progressive density) 20×20 pad and standard exhaust sizes 99.59% capture; ~4 lb holding; EPA 6H compliant Premium long-lasting arrestor for all paint types including waterborne.
PASF28 Exhaust / floor 28-gram fiberglass, airflow-maximizing fiber blend Rolls (e.g. 48"×90'), per price list 99.59% capture; ~7.2 lb holding; EPA 6H compliant Superior paint-holding fiberglass arrestor with low airflow resistance.
PA15 (GA/PA) Exhaust / floor 2" 15-gram green water-resistant fiberglass 20×20 (PA152020), pads and rolls 99.37% capture; ~2.8 lb holding; EPA 6H compliant AFC's most popular and most economical arrestor for most booths.
PA22 Exhaust / floor 2" 22-gram yellow water-resistant fiberglass 20×20 and rolls 99.50% capture; ~4.7 lb holding; EPA 6H compliant Super-duty fiberglass arrestor for higher paint volumes.
Smart Media Exhaust / floor Depth-loading fiberglass (not face-loading) Standard exhaust pad / roll sizes EPA 6H class (no published numeric rating) Engineered to depth-load, especially suited to wetter waterborne coatings.
AF331 Exhaust / floor Accordion baffle, durable recycled paper Standard accordion frame sizes Baffle-type separation (no published numeric rating) Accordion baffle arrestor; grids available to convert accordion booths to fiberglass.
3200 / EPHE Exhaust / floor Expanded kraft paper, with or without polyester backing Standard exhaust roll / pad sizes Poly-backed EPHE variant is EPA 6H compliant High paint trapping in a low-cost arrestor; EPHE adds final-stage efficiency.
SA Styrobaffle Exhaust / floor 2" 3-ply self-supporting styrofoam baffle (dissolves in waste thinner) 20×20 pad and standard sizes ~6.45 lb holding; low static pressure Self-supporting three-stage styrofoam arrestor for baffle-type booths.
PE / PP / PR / PRH Exhaust / afterfilter High-efficiency polyester; 1/2" (PRH), 1", 2" thicknesses Pads and rolls, standard sizes ~99.79%-99.94% efficient (tested) High-efficiency exhaust/afterfilter media; tune capacity vs. restriction by thickness.
PF Series AMU prefilter Two layers of polyester with internal frame; link-type available Standard panel / link sizes Prefilter grade AMU prefilter panel for downdraft and semi-downdraft booths.
P Series AMU prefilter Polyester pad/blanket, tackified blue exit side, AEGIS antimicrobial Pads and blanket rolls MERV 8 Prefilter pad or blanket where roll/cut prefilter media is required.
Pocket / Bag (B6P) Afterfilter Extended-surface reinforced polyester, bag/cube/pocket; optional steel header e.g. 23.25×47×8 6-pocket (B6P23B478); custom sizes Build-to-spec (various efficiencies) Extended-surface bag/pocket afterfilters for high dust-holding capacity.

Series data extracted from the Air Filtration Co. (AFC) catalog data sheets. No pricing is reproduced. The full searchable catalog (with photos) is maintained separately as a PDF.

Filter media types at a glance

The main paint-arrestor and supply-media families and what each is built for. Photographed tiles are live AutoFxMart products — click any tile to shop that media.

15-gram fiberglass paint arrestor pad 15-gram fiberglass (GA/PA)The most economical exhaust paint arrestor — the popular all-round fiberglass media.Shop this media → 22-gram fiberglass paint arrestor pad 22-gram fiberglass (PA22)Heavier fiberglass for higher efficiency and holding capacity than 15-gram.Shop this media → Smart Media fiberglassDepth-loading fiberglass tuned for “wetter” waterborne overspray.Find at AutoFxMart → Paint PocketsHigh-capacity pocketed media — ~99.8% efficiency and 3–5× the service life of standard pads.Find at AutoFxMart → Paint Pockets GreenSame pocketed performance at a more economical price point.Find at AutoFxMart → Polyester exhaust paint arrestor panel PE / PP / PR / PRH polyesterProgressive-density polyester exhaust media — available in ½″, ¾″ and 2″ thicknesses.Shop this media → AF331 accordionAccordion baffle-style arrestor built from durable recycled paper.Find at AutoFxMart → 3200 expanded paperHigh-efficiency poly-backed expanded-paper arrestor.Find at AutoFxMart →
Brands & Manufacturers

Paint Booth Filter & Refinish Manufacturers

The booth filter and refinish category is served by a focused set of manufacturers. Below is who makes what, with a link to the matching AutoFxMart collection or product search. Use it to identify a brand on an existing filter, a gun washer, a tape, or an abrasive, and find the right replacement.

Manufacturer What they make Find it at AutoFxMart
AFC (Air Filtration Co.) Automotive and industrial spray booth filtration: paint arrestors, intake filters, ceiling diffusion media, prefilters, and pocket/bag filters. Booth Filters collection · AFC booth filters
BECCA Gun washers, solvent recyclers, and gun-cleaning products. Search BECCA gun washers
EMM / Colad / Finexa / Voltera Paint suits, gloves, mixing cups, spray-out cards, pump sprayers, and UV spot putties. Search mixing cups & supplies
Infratech Infrared curing systems. Search infrared curing
Klean-Strip Paint remover, Bulldog adhesion promoter, Prep-All, solvents, and related products. Klean-Strip solvents and adhesion promoter
MBN / Garmat Garmat spray booths and accessories (automotive and industrial). Miscellaneous spray booth supplies
Sagola Spray guns, airbrushes, and industrial spray equipment. Sagola spray guns
Steiner Industries Shop and welding curtains. Search welding/shop curtains
Sunmight Premium film-backed abrasives and sandpaper. Sunmight abrasives
Vibac Masking and fine-line tapes. Search Vibac masking tape
Wizards Professional detailing and finishing products. Dust control & finishing
Zero-Rust Rust and corrosion control coating. Search Zero-Rust coating
Booth Filters At AutoFxMart

Booth Filters And Supplies At AutoFxMart

AutoFxMart stocks paint arrestor rolls, intake panels, linked panels, and ceiling blankets in its Booth Filters collection (around 102 products), plus booth coatings, Dirt Trap protection material, dust control products, spray gun holders, and miscellaneous spray booth supplies. Shop all spray booth filters, then use the collection links below to find exact sizes, specifications, and documentation.

Booth Filters 102 live products found in the Booth Filters collection, ranging from small grids to large rolls and ceiling blankets.
Booth Protection Booth coatings, Dirt Trap, wall film, light film, floor mats, and dust-control products support cleaner booths.
Accessories Spray gun holders, hose hangers, test panel holders, hooks, and booth organization products increase basket size.
Portal Ready Product handles, category links, images, and documentation can feed saved booth profiles and future booth tools.

Live AutoFxMart category map

AutoFxMart collection Products found How reps should use it Link
Booth Filters 102 Primary source for Viskon-Aire paint arrestor media rolls, intake panels, linked panels, ceiling blankets, and filter hardware. Open collection
Booth Coatings 9 Use for white wash, peelable coating, washable coating, clear coating, particle-control floor coating, and booth wall coat. Open collection
Dirt Trap 5 Use for 3M Dirt Trap protection material, clear film, RBL overspray netting, starter kits, and small hooks/magnets. Open collection
Dust Control 1 Use as a quick add-on for booth dust complaints and floor-particle control conversations. Open collection
Miscellaneous Spray Booth Supplies 20 Use for snap-in grids, wall film, glass film, booth mats, absorbents, holding-grid tips, pump sprayers, and installation add-ons. Open collection
Spray Gun Holders 18 Use for painter organization: gun holders, magnetic mounts, hose/gun hangers, test panel holders, hooks, and holder systems. Open collection
Spray Booth Filters 1 Use for Air Filtration Co tacky blanket intake filter reference and alternate intake quote paths. Open collection

Representative AutoFxMart products to reference

Product group AutoFxMart product Where it fits in the booth sale Product link
Exhaust / floor roll Viskon-Aire 60 in x 100 ft x 2.5 in 107X Paint Arrestor Roll - 017-225 Downdraft floor/pit media or large exhaust roll where 60 in media is required. Open product
Exhaust / floor roll Viskon-Aire 48 in x 100 ft x 2.5 in 107X Paint Arrestor Roll - 017-244 Common wider roll option for floor or exhaust banks; compare pit width and roll layout. Open product
High-capacity arrestor roll Viskon-Aire 40.5 in x 300 ft x 2.5 in XHD Paint Arrestor Roll - 025-341 Higher-volume booths that need longer roll inventory and stronger holding capacity. Open product
Ceiling / blanket media Viskon-Aire 45 in x 125 in T-700/G Pad / Blanket - 700-594 Ceiling or blanket-style replacement where exact frame sizing is verified. Open product
AMU / linked panel Viskon-Aire 25 in x 72 in Series 154 Linked Panel, internal wire / 3 ply - 154-063 Air make-up or intake linked panel opportunity; verify count and linked vs single frame. Open collection
Intake / ceiling blanket Air Filtration Co two-pack 4 ft x 9 ft tacky blanket intake filter - P48108-2 Intake blanket reference for shops with blanket-style supply filters. Open product
Wall coating Like90 White Wash 10051 Washable Booth Coating, 1 gal, 535 sq ft/gal Clean-booth reset, bright booth wall maintenance, and recurring coating conversation. Open product
Peelable coating Like90 White Out 10032 Peelable Booth Coating, 1 gal, 150 sq ft/gal Peelable wall protection for shops with overspray buildup or customer-facing booth standards. Open product
Clear washable coating Like90 10018 Clear Washable Booth Coating, 1 gal, 267 sq ft/gal Clear protection where the shop does not want white booth coating. Open product
Floor particle control Like90 10008 Particle Control Floor Coating, 1 gal, 100 sq ft/gal Dust-control add-on for dirty floors, prep traffic, and finish contamination complaints. Open product
Dirt Trap wall/floor material 3M 36852 Dirt Trap Protection Material, 300 ft x 28 in, white Premium surface protection and dust capture for walls, floors, prep areas, and booth reset bundles. Open product
Clear protection film 3M 36856 Dirt Trap Protection Material, 100 ft x 18 in, transparent Light lens, window, and clear surface protection where visibility matters. Open product
Overspray netting RBL 760-WS Drip Trap and Overspray Netting Starter Kit, 160 ft x 72 in Wall/booth protection starter kit for overspray capture and cleanup reduction. Open product
Self-adhering wall film RBL 442 Self-Adhering Wall Protective Film, 200 ft x 48 in, white White wall protection alternative for clean-booth and shop-tour presentation. Open product
Clear wall film RBL 438 Self-Adhering Wall Protective Film, 100 ft x 36 in, clear Clear wall, panel, light, and window protection where the shop wants removable film. Open product
Paint booth floor mat New Pig MAT32350GY Paint Booth Mat with adhesive backing, 32 in x 150 ft, gray Floor dust capture, clean-booth reset, and high-end paint work add-on. Open product
Dust control spray 3M 6837 Dust Control Spray, 1 gal bottle, white liquid Quick dust-control sale for floors and booth-area contamination control. Open product
Hose and gun hanger Karajen 42002 Hose and Gun Hanger, magnetic mount Painter organization add-on: holds hose, guns, tape, and keeps tools off the booth floor. Open product
Spray gun holder Milton Tool By Milton Magnetic Spray Gun Holder - 900 Low-friction add-on when a painter lacks a clean place to park the gun. Open product
Test panel holder Karajen 92002 Test Panel Holder, magnetic mount Spray-out card, test panel, and color-check workflow add-on for refinish departments. Open product

How to reference AutoFxMart products in a booth quote

Rep quoting rule

  • Start with the measured booth profile, then match each filter bank to an AutoFxMart product or collection.
  • Use the product link in the quote so the customer sees real photos, details, documents, and current availability.
  • Quote final pricing from the live product page or internal system, not from this static knowledge base.
  • When exact fit is uncertain, quote the collection link plus a rep measurement task instead of forcing a risky SKU.
  • Use AutoFxMart add-ons to complete the booth program: coating, Dirt Trap, mat, dust control, gun holders, and filter hardware.

Portal implementation rule

  • Store AutoFxMart product handles for each recommended line item.
  • Sync price, image, stock, vendor, variants, and product URL from the live catalog before showing a final quote.
  • Show budget estimates first, then convert to exact SKUs after dimensions are verified.
  • Flag custom or odd sizes for rep review instead of forcing a cart checkout.
  • Let customers save a booth profile so future orders show "Booth 1 floor roll" instead of only a part number.

AutoFxMart bundle ideas

Bundle AutoFxMart products to reference Best customer Rep close
Downdraft filter starter kit Viskon-Aire floor/exhaust roll, intake or linked panels, ceiling blanket if measured, snap-in grids if needed. Shop with a downdraft booth and uncertain filter inventory. "This creates one measured kit for the booth instead of piecing filters together every month."
Clean booth reset Like90 White Wash or White Out, 3M Dirt Trap, RBL wall film, New Pig booth mat, 3M dust control spray. Shop with dirty walls, floor dust, customer tours, OEM/DRP audits, or painter dirt complaints. "We will clean up what the customer sees and what the painter breathes through the finish."
Painter organization kit Karajen hose/gun hanger, magnetic spray gun holder, test panel holder, hooks, magnetic panels. Painter with guns, tape, hoses, and spray-out cards scattered around booth or mix room. "Every gun and hose gets a clean parking spot, away from the floor and overspray."
Booth documentation kit Measured AutoFxMart SKU list, product links, SDS/docs from product pages, filter schedule, pressure log template. California shop that needs better inspection readiness and order consistency. "If an inspector, manager, or painter asks, the product and maintenance trail is already documented."
Catalog warning: this section is a product-reference snapshot from AutoFxMart.com checked June 25, 2026. Product availability, prices, discounts, documents, and shipping rules can change. Reps should always re-open the product page or internal catalog before sending a final quote.
Operating Economics

How To Compare Real Filter Cost

The cheapest case price is rarely the true cost. A filter with higher holding capacity may reduce labor, disposal, fan loading, floor cleanup, and rework. A premium ceiling filter may pay for itself by reducing dirt defects on high-value jobs.

Total monthly filter cost = media cost + freight + tax + labor + disposal + downtime + rework risk + energy penalty from static pressure

Purchase cost

Case price, roll price, special cut fees, freight dimensional weight, emergency shipping, and tax.

Installed cost

Time to shut booth down, remove grates, change media, clean plenums, dispose filters, and document work.

Quality cost

Dust nibs, overspray hangback, visible emissions, booth pressure imbalance, fan wear, and redo/buff time.

California Compliance

California Rules That Affect Filter Buying

California compliance is layered: federal EPA 6H, local air district rules, Cal/OSHA ventilation requirements, fire authority expectations, and waste handling. Filters are only one part of compliance, but the filter documentation can make or break a shop's booth file.

Federal EPA 6H

  • Affected auto refinish spray booths must use exhaust filter technology demonstrated to achieve at least 98% capture of paint overspray, with efficiency shown per ANSI/ASHRAE 52.2 (or EPA Method 319). Shops may rely on published filter-vendor efficiency data and are not required to run the test themselves.
  • 6H also requires HVLP, electrostatic, airless, air-assisted-airless, or EPA-approved equivalent spray guns, enclosed gun cleaning, and painter training valid for no more than 5 years.
  • 6H controls particulate/HAP overspray, not VOCs — VOC limits come from district rules such as SCAQMD Rule 1151.
  • Keep documentation from the filter manufacturer or supplier. A receipt without the efficiency sheet is weaker during an audit.
  • Do not assume any generic blue or green pad is 6H compliant unless the product data sheet states the capture rating.

South Coast AQMD Rule 1151

  • Applies to automotive coating use in South Coast AQMD, including auto body collision repair shops.
  • Current amended version is dated November 1, 2024.
  • Controls VOC limits, coating categories, transfer-efficient application methods, records, and phase-in dates.

Local district permitting

  • Sac Metro states each paint spray booth will be permitted individually for qualifying automotive refinishing operations.
  • San Diego APCD publishes painting operation compliance resources, NESHAP 6H forms, spray booth filters resources, VOC standards, and recordkeeping forms.
  • Other districts, including Bay Area, San Joaquin Valley, Ventura, Monterey Bay, and smaller APCDs, can have their own forms, fees, and permit conditions.

Cal/OSHA ventilation

  • Spray coating operations should be in properly designed, constructed, and ventilated booths or rooms whenever practicable.
  • Mechanical ventilation must operate during spraying and long enough afterward to exhaust flammable vapors.
  • Air exhausted from spray operations must not be recirculated.
  • Table V-6 (Title 8 §5153) gives minimum maintained velocities into spray booths by operation type and booth size: roughly 100 fpm for a large/walk-in booth up to 125 fpm for a small booth with conventional air-operated guns, and lower (about 60-75 fpm) for electrostatic/automatic-airless. (Federal OSHA 29 CFR 1910.94/1910.107 set a comparable 100 fpm average open-face minimum.)

Waste filters

  • Used filters can become hazardous waste depending on paint chemistry and contamination.
  • California shops should document characterization, container management, labels, hauler, and manifests where required.
  • Do not let spent filters sit open inside the booth, next to a heat source, or where dried paint dust can migrate.

VOC reality check

  • EPA's booth filter fact sheet notes that most filters do not remove solvent vapors or VOCs from exhaust.
  • Particulate capture and VOC control are different problems. Carbon adsorption, reformulation, waterborne systems, or control equipment may be needed when VOC or odor is the issue.
California file standard: keep the filter product data sheet, EPA 6H efficiency proof, purchase invoices, booth pressure logs, filter change log, waste disposal records, and any district permit condition together.
Maintenance Playbook

Filter Change Strategy

A fixed calendar is a starting point, not a control system. The best shops use differential pressure readings, visual inspection, production volume, and finish quality trends to set filter changes.

Pressure-based method

  1. Install or verify magnehelic/manometer readings across filter banks where the booth design supports it.
  2. Record clean-filter pressure after a complete change.
  3. Record weekly, then daily in high-production periods.
  4. Change when readings reach the booth or filter manufacturer's final resistance target.
  5. Reset the baseline after each full change and look for abnormal trends.

Practical change frequency bands

Filter position Low-volume guide Production-shop guide Primary trigger
Rear-wall exhaust pads Monthly or as needed. Weekly to monthly. Pressure rise, visible loading, overspray hangback, exhaust imbalance.
Downdraft floor media Monthly or by section. Weekly to biweekly in heavy use. Loaded spray lanes, reduced downward pull, dirty floor turbulence.
Crossdraft intake panels Monthly to quarterly. Monthly or by pressure/defect trend. Dirt nibs, visible dust, intake pressure drop.
Ceiling diffusion media At least twice per year is a common EPA fact-sheet recommendation, but follow OEM data. Quarterly to semiannual depending on AMU filtration and dust load. Defect trend, sagging, staining, pressure, OEM schedule.
AMU prefilters Monthly or seasonal. Every 2-6 weeks in dusty or wildfire-smoke conditions. Protecting ceiling media, air volume drop, dirty burner/plenum.

Inspection checklist

Before spraying

  • Booth pressure looks normal.
  • Filters are seated, not sagging or torn.
  • No visible bypass gaps around frames.
  • Floor grates and exhaust bank are not overloaded.

During production

  • Overspray clears consistently.
  • No cloud hangback at rocker panels or rear quarters.
  • No sudden increase in dust nibs.
  • Fan noise and airflow feel consistent.

After changeout

  • Record date, filter part number, quantity, and person.
  • Record clean pressure reading.
  • Bag or container spent filters correctly.
  • Photograph unusual loading patterns for troubleshooting.
Booth Add-On Products

Floor Carpet, Wall Protection, Film And Peelable Booth Coatings

Filters are only one part of booth cleanliness. Floor coverings, wall films, clear light protection, booth dust control products, Dirt Trap protection material, and peelable and washable booth coatings help shops reduce dirt, brighten the booth, protect expensive panels, and reset the booth between jobs.

Cleaner floor Adhesive mats and booth carpet products trap dirt, primer dust, overspray, and foot traffic debris before it becomes airborne.
Cleaner walls Wall protection material and peelable coatings keep overspray from building on booth panels and make cleanup faster.
Better visibility White floor and wall protection reflects light, helps painters see coverage, and improves the shop tour impression.
More repeat revenue These are planned-consumption products: floor rolls, wall film, booth coating, light film, dust spray, tape, and applicators.

Product families and where they fit

Product family Primary job Where used Sales trigger Watch-outs
Adhesive booth floor mat / booth carpet Trap dirt, overspray, and sanding dust; reduce kick-up from bare concrete or coated floors. Booth floor, mixing-room floor, prep areas, walk paths, sometimes cut for benches or tables if product allows. Dirt nibs, dusty floor, painter complaints, customer-facing booth tour, new booth startup, production growth. Use booth-rated or manufacturer-approved products; control seams and trip edges; verify fire/static claims; do not block floor grates or airflow paths.
Nonwoven wall and floor protection material Protect panels and trap airborne contaminants while brightening the booth. Booth walls, lower wall impact zones, floors, prep decks, mix rooms, equipment surfaces. Overspray build-up on walls, repeated scraping, dull booth interior, dust control program. Apply to clean, dry surfaces; install rows so overspray cannot collect behind seams; replace before material gets crusty or loose.
Clear wall, light, and window film Protect lights, glass, viewing windows, controls, and smooth panels without blocking visibility. Light lenses, windows, control panels, smooth wall panels, door glass, inspection windows. Cloudy lights, scraping light fixtures, dirty viewing windows, poor painter visibility. Do not cover heat-sensitive fixtures unless product is rated; confirm the film can be removed without residue.
Peelable white booth coating Create a bright protective film that peels off when loaded with overspray. Booth walls, ceilings, panels, and sometimes floors when the product is approved for floor use. Older booth looks dark, overspray is baked onto walls, shop wants a clean customer-facing booth. Coverage depends on film thickness; underbuilding makes removal harder; check bake temperature, surface prep, and SDS.
Clear or water-removable booth coating Protect walls, lights, fittings, and windows while preserving the existing booth color or transparency. Lights, windows, fittings, walls, and panels depending on manufacturer instructions. Customer wants easy cleanup without changing booth appearance. Some clear coatings remove with water, some strip as film; sell the correct removal method and tools.
Dust-control spray / tack products Hold dust on floors and surfaces between deeper booth cleanings. Booth floors, prep areas, sometimes non-critical walls or equipment zones depending on product label. Short-term dust complaints, high-detail refinish work, shop is not ready for full floor material. Do not create slip hazards; avoid contaminating the vehicle, painter hose, or freshly cleaned panels.

Carpet and floor covering: how to sell it

Best use cases

  • High-end collision and restoration work where small dirt defects are expensive.
  • Booths with concrete dust, overspray flakes, or dirty walk paths around the painter.
  • Mix rooms and prep areas where workers track dust into the booth.
  • Shops that want a cleaner-looking booth for DRP, insurance, OEM certification, or customer tours.
  • Seasonal push before high-volume months or before wildfire-smoke season in California.

Rep caution points

  • Actual household-style carpet can create static, hold contamination, and require frequent vacuuming. Lead with booth-rated adhesive mat or nonwoven material first.
  • Floor coverings do not replace booth cleaning. They need vacuuming, inspection, and scheduled replacement.
  • Darker floor coverings can reduce light reflection; white or light gray materials usually sell better to painters.
  • Do not cover pit grates, floor filters, grounding points, drains, door tracks, or safety labels.
  • Document the install date so replacement becomes a planned reorder, not a complaint call.
Floor coverage math: a 32 in x 150 ft roll covers about 400 sq ft. A 14 ft x 27 ft booth floor is about 378 sq ft before trimming, overlap, door approaches, or mix-room strips.

Peelable coatings vs films vs floor mats

Option Why shops buy it Strength Trade-off Rep close
Adhesive floor mat / carpet-style covering Fast visual cleanup and dust capture on the floor. Easy to understand, strong painter appeal, repeatable roll sale. Needs proper floor prep, seam control, and replacement when loaded. "This keeps the floor from becoming the booth's dust source."
Nonwoven wall material Protect walls while trapping overspray and particles. Bright white appearance, quick peel-and-replace, no drying time. Roll installation labor and adhesive compatibility matter. "You can refresh the booth without scraping baked overspray."
Clear protective film Protect lights, windows, and panels without hiding visibility. Excellent for light lenses and inspection windows. Less visual improvement than white products; must be replaced before heavy buildup. "Protect the light output before the painter starts fighting shadows."
White peelable coating Brighten the booth and create a peel-off overspray layer. Good for full refreshes, walls, ceilings, and panels. Requires spray or roll application, drying time, and correct film thickness. "This turns a dirty booth wall into a removable maintenance layer."
Clear water-removable coating Protect surfaces where the shop wants easy wash-off removal. Good for fittings, windows, and clear surfaces. Removal method differs by brand; water exposure during washing must be planned. "Use clear coating where protection matters but appearance cannot change."

Installation and maintenance basics

Before install

  • Clean and dry the surface; scrape loose overspray that would prevent adhesion.
  • Verify product compatibility with galvanized, painted, stainless, glass, lights, and floor surfaces.
  • Confirm the product is appropriate for bake temperature and booth use.
  • Do not cover filters, grates, pressure ports, sensors, lights that need heat dissipation, door latches, or fire protection components.

During install

  • Use straight runs and controlled overlap; tape floor seams if the product recommends it.
  • On walls, install lower rows first and overlap upper rows like roofing so overspray cannot collect behind edges.
  • For peelable coatings, build the film to the manufacturer thickness so it removes in sheets.
  • Record install date, product, batch or lot, and expected replacement date.

When to replace

  • Floor mat bond weakens, edges lift, or heavy overspray creates debris.
  • Carpet or nonwoven material no longer vacuums clean or starts shedding particles.
  • Light film reduces illumination or viewing windows become cloudy.
  • Peelable coating is fully loaded, dark, difficult to clean, or near the planned service interval.

Sales bundles reps can quote

Bundle Includes Best target Rep angle
Booth floor control kit Adhesive booth floor mat or carpet-style covering, seam tape, safety knife, roller or applicator, replacement calendar. Dust complaints, dirty floors, high-end paint work, shop tours. "Clean the surface that painters walk on all day."
Wall refresh kit White wall protection material or white peelable coating, surface prep checklist, install supplies, removal plan. Older booths, overspray-caked walls, dim-looking interiors. "Make the booth brighter without a full repaint."
Light and window protection kit Clear film, squeegee, trim tools, install log, replacement date sticker. Booths with cloudy lenses, scraped windows, poor visibility. "Protect light output and stop scraping fixtures."
California clean-booth kit Filters, floor covering, wall protection, peelable coating option, SDS packet, maintenance log, waste-handling reminder. California collision shops with inspections, insurance audits, OEM certifications, DRP visits. "The booth should look clean, run clean, and have records ready."
Quarterly booth reset Floor mat replacement, intake/exhaust filter check, light film change, wall protection inspection, pressure log review. High-production shops and MSOs. "Put booth cleanliness on the same schedule as production."
California and safety reminder: spent booth protection loaded with paint or solvent residue may need special waste handling depending on the coating system, local fire authority, and air district expectations. Reps should provide SDS and product data sheets, but the shop must follow its local permit, waste, fire, and safety requirements.
Paint Booth Accessories

Gun Holders, Hose Hangers, Stands, Gauges, Seals And Booth Hardware

Accessories round out a clean, productive booth: spray gun holders and hangers keep tools off the floor, while snap-in grids, booth mats, gauges, and install add-ons live in miscellaneous spray booth supplies. Watch for clutter, damaged guns, hose drag, poor pressure tracking, hard-to-lift grates, dirty lights, leaking doors, and parts being sprayed on the wrong stand.

Organize the painter Gun holders, hose hangers, shelves, tape hooks, and cup holders keep tools off the floor and away from overspray damage.
Speed changeouts Grate lifters, pressure gauges, replacement tubing, and filter-retainer hardware make maintenance easier to schedule and prove.
Protect the booth Door seals, lens protection, wall guards, and approved lighting parts help preserve booth pressure and visibility.
Sell the process Parts stands, panel holders, carts, and hangers help shops spray panels in a cleaner, more repeatable position.

Accessory families reps should know

Accessory family Common products Shop problem it solves Where to look during a booth walk Sales cue
Spray gun holders and magnetic hangers Single gun hangers, 2-gun hose hangers, 4-gun hangers, magnetic shelves, pump bottle holders, cup holders. Guns sitting on floors, carts, booth benches, masking paper, or vehicle surfaces. Inside booth wall, mix room wall, prep deck, tool box side, painter's rolling cart. "Your gun should have a clean parking spot between coats."
Hose management Magnetic hose hooks, hose-and-gun hangers, wall hooks, hose reels where appropriate, whip hose supports. Hoses dragging through dust, rubbing fresh panels, pulling guns off carts, or becoming a trip hazard. Booth floor corners, painter entry door, mix room exit, prep bay walk paths. "If the hose drags dirt across the floor, the booth has to fight that contamination."
Parts stands and hangers Bumper stands, panel stands, mirror hangers, test panel holders, wheel stands, rotating turntables, small parts racks. Parts sprayed flat, unstable bumpers, hard-to-reach edges, panels falling or being touched after paint. Prep area, booth corner, bumper storage, painter's improvised stands. "The part should sit like it sits on the vehicle, not wherever it fits."
Booth pressure and airflow accessories Inclined manometers, Magnehelic gauges, Photohelic gauges, gauge oil, tubing, static pressure ports, pressure labels. Filter changes based on guesswork instead of pressure trend. Control panel, booth side wall, exhaust plenum, AMU filter rack. "Let's mark clean and dirty pressure so filter changes become measurable."
Filter service hardware Grate lifting tools, grate lifter trolleys, filter clips, retaining rods, frame gaskets, media knives, roll dispensers. Slow or unsafe floor filter changes, damaged grates, bypass gaps, torn media, missing retainers. Downdraft pit, exhaust filter bank, filter storage rack, maintenance cart. "The easier the changeout is, the more likely the shop follows the schedule."
Door seals and booth sealing Door sweep strips, foam tape, bulb seals, access-door gaskets, light fixture foam tape, panel seal kits. Unfiltered air leaks, pressure loss, dirt entry, rattling doors, overspray escaping into the shop. Personnel doors, vehicle doors, access panels, light frames, lower door sweeps. "A leaking door can defeat a premium filter."
Lighting and visibility accessories Clear lens film, replacement lenses, approved LED fixtures, explosion-proof light carts, inspection lights where rated. Dim booth, cloudy lenses, painter missing coverage, unsafe non-rated lights brought into spray areas. Light lenses, viewing windows, painter complaints, final inspection area. "Better visibility reduces rework before the car leaves the booth."
Cleaning and install tools Scrapers, squeegees, rollers, seam tape, dust mops, safe vac tools, booth wipes, adhesive remover, install knives. Wall film and floor mats installed poorly, old overspray not removed, dust pushed around instead of captured. Booth protection install area, filter storage, maintenance closet. "Sell the tool that makes the product work correctly."

How reps should inspect for accessory opportunities

Look for clutter

Spray guns on the floor, cups on the booth ledge, hoses wrapped around stands, and tape rolls sitting on dirty carts are immediate holder and shelf opportunities.

Look for workarounds

If the painter uses wire, masking tape, cardboard, buckets, or an old bumper stand to hold parts, quote proper hangers and stands.

Look for leaks

Door gaps, dirty streaks near seals, pressure complaints, and dust trails around access panels point to seal kits and gasket products.

Look for slow maintenance

If floor filters are skipped because grates are hard to lift, the shop may need a grate lifter before it needs another lecture about filter schedule.

Look for dim light

Cloudy lenses, dark booth corners, or painters bringing non-rated lights into the booth create a lens film, lens replacement, or rated lighting conversation.

Look for no pressure record

If there is no gauge, no clean mark, or nobody knows the dirty reading, quote a manometer or gauge setup with the filter program.

Accessory bundles reps can quote

Bundle Includes Best target Close
Painter organization kit Magnetic hose/gun hanger, single gun holder, magnetic shelf, tape hook, pump bottle holder. Painter has tools scattered around the booth or mix room. "Let's give every tool a clean place to live."
Downdraft service kit Grate lifting tool, floor media, media knife, gloves, pressure log, floor-change calendar. Downdraft shops that delay pit filter service because grates are heavy. "Make the filter change easy enough that it actually gets done."
Pressure tracking kit Manometer or Magnehelic gauge, tubing, gauge oil if needed, clean/dirty labels, log sheet. Any shop changing filters by feel, smell, or painter complaint. "Now you can prove when the filter is loaded instead of guessing."
Booth sealing kit Door sweep, access-door gasket, foam tape, light fixture seal, inspection checklist. Older booths with dirt leaks, pressure instability, or worn doors. "Stop paying for premium filtration while dirty air sneaks around the door."
Loose-parts painting kit Bumper stand, mirror hanger, test panel holder, small parts rack, rotating stand if needed. Shops painting bumpers, mirrors, fuel doors, moldings, and panels daily. "Better part position means better coverage and less handling after paint."
Visibility kit Clear light/window film, replacement lenses, lens cleaning supplies, rated lighting assessment. Booths with cloudy lenses or painters complaining about poor visibility. "If the painter cannot see it, the customer will."

Rep questions that uncover accessories

Painter questions

  • Where do you put your gun between coats?
  • Does your hose ever drag across fresh panels or dirty floor areas?
  • Do you have a clean place for tape, cups, pump bottles, and test panels?
  • What parts are hardest to hold or position in the booth?
  • Do you fight visibility in any booth corners or on metallic colors?

Manager questions

  • Who changes the floor filters, and how long does it take?
  • Do you have a pressure gauge and a written dirty-filter set point?
  • Do booth doors seal well enough to hold pressure?
  • How often do lights or windows need scraping?
  • Do you want accessories added to the same recurring booth order as filters?
Safety rule for reps: do not recommend generic shelves, lights, electrical devices, fans, heaters, or plastic accessories inside a spray area unless the product is intended for booth use and the shop confirms code, fire, grounding, solvent, and classification requirements.
Buying Strategy

How To Buy Booth Filters Like A Specialist

A good booth filter program gives the painter clean air, gives the manager predictable spend, and gives the compliance file proof. The purchasing department should not buy only by nominal size.

Specification minimums

  • Booth make, model, serial, and airflow type.
  • Filter bank location: intake, ceiling, exhaust, floor, AMU, afterfilter.
  • Nominal and actual dimensions, thickness, frame style, linked/single, gasket needs.
  • Efficiency data, especially EPA 6H overspray capture for exhaust/floor filters.
  • Initial resistance and recommended final resistance.
  • Paint holding capacity for exhaust/floor media.
  • UL 900 or required fire classification where applicable.
  • Temperature resistance for booth bake cycle and AMU location.

Vendor questions

  • Can you supply the EPA 6H efficiency documentation with each exhaust filter line?
  • Is this an OEM-equivalent or an alternate? What changes in pressure drop?
  • Is it linked, single frame, or cut media?
  • What is the case cube, freight class, and lead time to California?
  • Can you build a booth-specific filter kit?
  • Can you support scheduled delivery or on-site service?
  • Do you provide waste handling guidance or disposal documentation?

Channel strategy

Channel Strength Risk Best use
Booth OEM / authorized dealer Correct fit, OEM documentation, warranty alignment. Higher price, slower for generic sizes. Ceiling media, specialty booth kits, new booth setup, warranty-sensitive shops.
Local PBE jobber Fast service, local delivery, understands paint system and shop volume. Price may be higher; product range varies. Routine replenishment, troubleshooting, bundled paint/filter supply.
Online filter distributor Transparent pricing, broad catalog, case purchases. Freight surprises, wrong linked/frame style, limited local troubleshooting. Standard pads, rolls, common intake panels, price benchmarking.
Filter service company Labor included, scheduled changes, less downtime planning. Need to audit media quality and documentation. High-production shops, MSOs, shops with limited maintenance staff.
Marketplace sellers Occasional low price and quick shipment. Documentation, age, substitution, storage damage, weak fit verification. Emergency commodity backup only after documentation is verified.
Inventory rule: stock at least one full exhaust/floor change, one intake change, and the next scheduled AMU/ceiling service kit. For California shops, add a wildfire-smoke reserve for prefilters when possible.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Spray Booth Filters

Direct, citable answers to the questions body shops and painters ask most about paint booth filters.

What filters does a paint booth need?

A paint booth needs filters staged by job: intake panels and ceiling diffusion media on the supply side to protect finish quality, exhaust or floor paint arrestors on the discharge side to capture overspray (EPA 6H requires at least 98% capture), and on downdraft booths an AMU prefilter to protect the air make-up unit and ceiling media. Add a carbon afterfilter only when a permit or odor complaint requires VOC control.

What is an EPA 6H compliant exhaust filter?

An EPA 6H compliant exhaust filter is one demonstrated to capture at least 98% of paint overspray under 40 CFR Part 63 Subpart HHHHHH. Efficiency must be shown using a procedure consistent with ANSI/ASHRAE 52.2 (or EPA Method 319); shops may rely on published filter-vendor efficiency data. Keep the manufacturer's efficiency documentation, not just a receipt, and do not assume a generic colored pad qualifies.

How often should spray booth filters be changed?

Change by differential pressure and condition, not just a calendar. As a guide, exhaust/arrestor pads run weekly-to-monthly in production shops, downdraft floor media weekly-to-biweekly under heavy use, intake panels monthly-to-quarterly, AMU prefilters every 2-6 weeks, and ceiling diffusion media quarterly-to-semiannual. EPA's booth filter fact sheet recommends changing ceiling filters at least twice a year and intake filters about monthly. Always change when a magnehelic gauge reaches the maker's final resistance target.

What is the difference between crossdraft and downdraft booth filters?

Crossdraft booths move air horizontally across the vehicle, so they use front intake panels and rear-wall exhaust arrestor pads. Downdraft booths move air from the full ceiling down through a floor pit, so they use premium ceiling diffusion media, AMU prefilters, and floor/pit arrestor media. Downdraft delivers a cleaner finish and higher airflow, but uses more filter surface area than a crossdraft booth.

What is the most common paint booth filter size?

20 inch by 20 inch is the most common nominal paint booth filter size for exhaust pads and intake panels, but nominal size is not the same as actual size. The dimension printed on the box can measure slightly smaller than the media, so always measure the actual frame opening before ordering so the filter seals with no bypass gaps around the edges.

How do I read a paint booth filter part number?

Most booth-filter part numbers follow series code + size digits + case pack. Read the series code first to identify the filter type, then read the digits as the dimensions. For example, PA15 2020 = a 15-gram fiberglass arrestor in 20x20, 50 per case; SF 81144 = Swiss Flow ceiling diffusion 81x144, 4 per case; B6P 23B478 = a 6-pocket bag filter 23.25x47x8; PASF28 489 = a PASF28 fiberglass arrestor in a 48 inch by 90 foot roll. The digits are nominal, so confirm the actual frame opening.

Do paint booth filters remove VOCs or odor?

No. EPA's booth filter fact sheet notes that most spray booth filters capture particulate overspray but do not remove solvent vapors or VOCs from the exhaust. Particulate capture and VOC control are different problems. When odor or VOC is the issue you need activated-carbon afterfilters, coating reformulation, waterborne systems, or dedicated control equipment, often tied to a permit condition.

What is the difference between intake and exhaust booth filters?

Intake filters clean incoming air before it reaches the vehicle and protect finish quality, while exhaust filters (paint arrestors) sit on the discharge side and capture wet overspray before it reaches the fan, stack, roof, and neighbors. They are not interchangeable: intake and ceiling media protect the paint job, while exhaust and floor media protect the equipment and the compliance file. Exhaust media is rated by EPA 6H capture; intake media by MERV or arrestance.

Sources

Source Links Used In This Knowledge Base

Public market-size figures and regulatory references were checked on June 25, 2026. Market-research values are third-party estimates that vary by definition and are presented as directional. No product pricing is published on this page.

Printed from the AutoFxMart spray booth filter knowledge base. Verify current product details on the live collection pages before purchasing.