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PVC Strip Curtains for Vehicle Spray Booths: Selection Guide
Vehicle body shops and industrial spray facilities have specific requirements for materials used around the spraying area. PVC strip curtains at spray booth entrances must resist solvents, paints and lacquers while maintaining flexibility for vehicle access.
The Spray Booth Environment: Challenges
- Paint overspray: atomised paint particles settle on all surfaces
- Solvent vapours: cellulose, 2K and water-based paints release solvents during application
- Cleaning agents: isocyanate cleaners, panel wipe, solvent-based surface preparation products
- Physical impact: vehicles regularly contact strip curtains entering and exiting
Chemical Resistance of PVC in Spray Environments
- Good resistance: water-based paints, mineral oils, dilute acids and alkalis, alcohols
- Moderate resistance: cellulose thinners, acetone (short-term)
- Limited resistance: concentrated ketones, chlorinated solvents — prolonged exposure causes swelling
For spray booth applications, chemical-resistant grade PVC provides enhanced resistance to paint solvents. Browse our chemical-resistant PVC strip curtains.
Overspray Containment
Strip curtains contain overspray within the designated spray area, preventing paint particles from contaminating adjacent vehicles, creating fire risks in workshop areas, or drifting into worker breathing zones. Combine with welding curtain screens for solid separation panels where needed.
Ventilation Considerations
DSEAR 2002 requires spray booths to maintain flammable vapour concentrations below the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL). For forced-air ventilated spray booths (majority of professional installations), strip curtains at access points present no significant ventilation issue.
Fire Safety & Cleaning
Clean PVC is flame-retardant. However, paint-contaminated strips accumulate combustible deposits. Best practice:
- Remove overspray build-up with appropriate solvent or cleaning wipes
- Inspect regularly for significant paint accumulation
- Replace heavily paint-contaminated strips — dried paint deposits increase flammability
- Include in DSEAR risk assessment documentation
Specification Summary
- Material: Chemical-resistant PVC
- Thickness: 2–3mm (vehicle access doorways)
- Width: 200–300mm
- Rail system: Hook-on for easy strip removal and cleaning