Welcome back to Spray Smart, TruFlow’s FAQ series built around the real questions businesses are asking.
If you’re in the automotive industry, you already know how critical the right spray booth is for achieving a quality finish and staying compliant with Australian safety and environmental regulations.
But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why, in this next instalment of Spray Smart, we’re answering another key question:
What type of spray booths exist for the automotive industry?
In this article, we take a detailed look at the spray booth options used across the automotive sector from budget-conscious solutions to high-performance, compliance-ready systems.
Downdraft Spray Booths
Premium finish quality and full compliance. Downdraft booths are considered the gold standard for automotive refinishing, offering clean vertical airflow from the ceiling to a grated floor or pit. They produce the cleanest finishes and remove contaminants efficiently.
Applications:
- High-end refinishing of luxury or performance vehicles
- OEM manufacturing facilities
- Collision repair centres requiring showroom-quality results
Features:
- Full downdraft airflow (min. 0.25 m/s per AS/NZS 4114:2020)
- Ceiling intake and pit or floor-level exhaust filtration
- Insulated double-skinned panel construction for temperature control
- Gas or electric heating systems (typically 60–80°C)
- Bright, shadow-free LED or fluorescent lighting
- Advanced digital control systems for airflow and bake cycles
Advantages:
- Produces flawless, inclusion-free finishes
- Provides superior fume and VOC extraction for operator safety
- Meets or exceeds all Australian safety and environmental standards
Considerations:
- Higher initial cost and complex installation due to pit/floor requirements
- Increased maintenance from filter changes and pit cleaning
- Requires ample workshop space and access to gas and three-phase power
Example Models:
- TruFlow Elite MK1 and MK2
Summary:
Downdraft booths are the professional’s choice for best-in-class results. Ideal for high-throughput operations focused on premium refinishing and compliance.
Semi-Downdraft Spray Booths
Balanced design for performance and practicality. Semi-downdraft booths use a diagonal airflow pattern; air enters through the ceiling at the front and exits through rear exhaust filters. They provide better finish quality than crossdraft booths without the infrastructure demands of downdraft models.
Applications:
- Mid-sized repair shops with moderate production volumes
- Fleet service and general collision repair
- Businesses requiring reliable results on a tighter budget
Features:
- Diagonal airflow (~0.5 m/s)
- Ceiling intake and rear wall exhaust filtration
- Ground-level exhaust system (no pit required)
- Heating systems optional (gas or electric)
- Clean, consistent lighting across work zone
Advantages:
- Strong finish quality for the cost
- Simpler, faster installation than full downdraft booths
- Works well in smaller or medium-sized workshops
Considerations:
- Slightly reduced overspray control vs downdraft booths
- More frequent exhaust filter changes in high-volume environments
- Not suitable for ultra-high finish standards
Example Models:
- TruFlow Elite STG1 to STG4, Kane Series
Summary:
A cost-effective choice for shops needing professional-quality finishes without the full infrastructure investment.
Crossdraft Spray Booths
Simple and economical. Crossdraft booths draw air horizontally across the workspace, entering at the front and exhausting at the rear. This basic airflow design makes them easy to install and budget-friendly.
Applications:
- Small workshops and regional repairers
- Budget-focused facilities
- Touch-ups, resprays and light refinishing
Features:
- Horizontal airflow (~0.5 m/s or higher)
- Basic intake and rear exhaust filtration (single or dual stage)
- Optional single- or double-skinned panel construction
- No integrated heating
- Standard wall- or roof-mounted lighting
Advantages:
- Lowest cost option for full vehicle painting
- Minimal installation time and cost
- Fits into tight or unconventional spaces
- Available in self-installation kits
Considerations:
- Prone to contamination from overspray and dust
- Limited finish quality for demanding jobs
- Basic ventilation may not meet all regulatory requirements
Example Models:
- TruFlow DB Kit Budget Crossdraft Booth
Summary:
Best suited for low-volume or budget operations where finish quality and throughput are not critical
Side-Draft Spray Booths
Downdraft performance without the pit. Side-draft booths (or side-downdraft) direct air from ceiling intake filters downward and out through sidewall exhaust filters. This airflow approach allows for high-quality results without the need for floor pits.
Applications:
- Custom repair shops and mid-to-high volume refinishing
- Workshops with concrete slab floors or space constraints
- Collision repair centres without pit access
Features:
- Vertical-to-horizontal airflow
- Ceiling intake with side exhaust filtration
- Double-skinned insulated walls
- Gas or electric curing systems
- High-lumen, shadow-free lighting
Advantages:
- Excellent finish quality without major floor works
- Strong overspray removal and air cleanliness
- Supports full compliance with AS/NZS 4114:2020
Considerations:
- Slightly less effective airflow pattern than downdraft
- Higher initial investment than crossdraft/semi-downdraft booths
- Requires wide wall space for exhaust panels
Example Models:
- TruFlow Side-Draft Booths
Summary:
Ideal for automotive shops wanting near-downdraft performance with simpler installation.
Open-Face Spray Booths
Compact and flexible for part refinishing. Open-face booths are partially enclosed spray areas with rear or side exhaust systems. They are designed for spot repairs and smaller component painting.
Applications:
- Parts refinishing (mirrors, bumpers, panels)
- Touch-up work or primer stages
- Secondary booths in high-volume operations
Features:
- Horizontal or diagonal airflow
- Basic rear/side exhaust filtration
- Lightweight modular design
- No heating system
- Adequate task lighting
Advantages:
- Easy to assemble and reposition
- Great for low-throughput workspaces
- Very low cost and minimal infrastructure
Considerations:
- High contamination risk for full resprays
- Doesn’t provide a controlled environment for fine finishes
- Not suitable for compliance-heavy jobs
Example Models:
- TruFlow Kit Form Open-Face Booth
Summary:
Best for secondary use or light part jobs where environmental control isn’t critical.
Combination (Prep & Paint) Booths
Efficiency-focused, all-in-one systems. Combination booths combine prep areas (for sanding and priming) with painting and curing functions in one enclosed space. This setup maximises productivity by eliminating vehicle movement between stages.
Applications:
- High-volume repair centres and OEM lines
- Space-constrained operations
- Integrated workflows requiring efficiency
Features:
- Adjustable airflow (downdraft/semi-downdraft)
- Multi-zone filtration (prep and paint)
- Integrated IR curing lamps and prep stations
- Heated paint curing zones
- Bright lighting across all work zones
Advantages:
- Speeds up throughput by reducing vehicle transfers
- Saves floor space with all-in-one design
- Provides professional-grade finish with proper setup
Considerations:
- More expensive due to integration
- Complex to operate and maintain
- Best suited to experienced spray booth operators
Example Models:
- TruFlow IR Prep Combination Booth, Prep-Paint Combination Booth
Summary:
A great solution for high-output shops focused on workflow efficiency.
Portable or Retractable Spray Booths
Mobile solutions for temporary setups. Portable booths are flexible, temporary structures that can be packed down or relocated. They’re useful for field repairs or temporary setups while permanent booths are installed.
Applications:
- Mobile detailing and on-site repairs
- Fleet maintenance in remote locations
- Temporary respray stations or hail repair
Features:
- Airflow types: Crossdraft, semi-downdraft or full downdraft (model dependent)
- Portable exhaust units with basic or full filtration
- Flame-retardant, collapsible construction
- Optional LED lighting and heating
Advantages:
- Fully mobile and easy to store
- Useful for non-traditional spaces or remote work
- Lower upfront costs for short-term use
Considerations:
- May not meet long-term compliance standards
- Overspray and fume management varies by model
- High-end options can be costly
Example Models:
- TruFlow Spray Cube Systems
Summary:
An adaptable solution for niche and mobile operations requiring flexibility.
Choosing the right spray booth for your business
When selecting a spray booth, consider:
- Production volume: High-throughput shops need downdraft or combo booths
- Finish quality: Downdraft and side-draft deliver the best results
- Space constraints: Choose semi-downdraft or crossdraft for limited floorplans
- Compliance needs: Ensure your booth meets AS/NZS 4114:2020 and EPA regulations
- Budget: Weigh upfront cost vs long-term performance and maintenance
- Application type: Match the booth to your typical vehicle size, paint types and throughput
Need help deciding?
TruFlow engineers and manufactures booths for all automotive applications. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current setup or start from scratch, we can design a solution tailored to your needs and budget.
Speak to our team today to find the right booth for your workshop.
