Welcome back to Spray Smart, TruFlow’s FAQ series built around the real questions businesses are asking.
Regular maintenance is one of the most important factors in keeping a spray booth running safely and efficiently. Whether you run a busy repair centre, a manufacturing plant or a small refinishing workshop, the way your booth is maintained directly affects finish quality, energy efficiency, safety and uptime.
That’s why, in this next instalment of Spray Smart, we’re answering the question:
How often should a spray booth be serviced or maintained?
Why Regular Servicing Matters
A spray booth is a controlled environment designed for consistent, high-quality finishes and safe operation. When maintenance is delayed, performance drops quickly. Issues such as overspray build-up, clogged filters, reduced airflow and worn components can lead to poor finish quality, increased running costs, safety risks and even forced shutdowns.
Regular servicing also ensures your booth remains compliant with Australian standards and certification requirements. Keeping documentation up-to-date and maintaining proper records is essential for audits and inspections.
Most importantly, maintenance prevents unexpected breakdowns: the kind that halt production, and cost time and money.
Recommended Maintenance Schedule
- Inspect the condition of intake and exhaust filters
- Clean floors and remove overspray from surfaces
- Check doors, seals, handles and safety latches
- Confirm lights and switches are working
- Listen for unusual noises from fans or motors
- Observe airflow balance (eg. doors shouldn’t slam shut)
Basic housekeeping reduces the risk of contamination and helps detect early signs of trouble.
- Replacing intake and exhaust filters
- Checking fan belts, bearings, motors and lubrication points
- Inspecting ductwork for overspray restrictions
- Verifying correct airflow and pressure balance
- Cleaning plenums and internal surfaces
- Confirming burner or heating system performance (if applicable)
- Ensuring control panels and electrical components are functioning correctly
High-volume shops may require more frequent filter changes, especially where overspray load is heavy.
- Detailed airflow and pressure testing
- Electrical system checks
- Full burner and heating system inspection
- Thorough cleaning of internal surfaces, plenums and ducting
- Replacement of worn components
- Calibration of sensors and safety controls
- Review of compliance documentation and service history
- More frequent filter changes
- Additional duct and plenum cleaning
- Mid-year airflow performance checks
- Increased attention to mechanical components under constant load
Signs Your Booth Needs Servicing Sooner
- Visible dust or overspray in finishes
- Lingering paint fumes or strong odours
- Slower drying or inconsistent temperature control
- Rising energy costs
- Unusual vibration or noise from the fan system
- Doors slamming or difficulty maintaining pressure balance
- Evidence of overspray accumulation in ductwork or plenums
Maintenance and Compliance Go Hand in Hand
- Airflow performance meets necessary standards
- Filtration systems operate effectively
- Electrical and gas components remain safe
- Hazardous-area requirements are maintained
- Documentation is complete and up to date
Staying ahead of audits reduces the risk of non-compliance and operational interruptions.
Why a Professional Maintenance Program Matters
- Consistent performance and cleaner finishes
- Longer equipment life
- Reduced downtime from preventable issues
- Improved energy efficiency
- Confidence during audits and certifications
Routine maintenance isn’t just upkeep it’s a long-term investment in productivity, safety and compliance.
Summary
- Daily/weekly operator checks
- Monthly to quarterly routine servicing
- Annual full-service inspection
- More frequent maintenance for high-use or high-load booths
