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finishing in a screened tent?

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finishing in a screened tent?

#1

finishing in a screened tent?

billfrommich

>I do not have a finishing room and do most of my finishing ouside (usually in my unattached garage)in the warmer months. I also do not have a compressor, and usually use oil based varnish applied with a brush. Unfortunately as might be expected, the finish quality often suffers due to insects, dust, and other debris landing on the surface. I know people sometimes construct a temporary finishing room using plastic sheeting, but I'm wondering if anyone has tried using a tent as a finishing room. Large cabin tents (that you can stand up in) with sewn in floors and insect proof screening are available relatively inexpensively ($50 - $150). It seems these might keep debris (and direct sunlight) off the work while also providing some "flow through" ventilation. Has anyone tried this approach or care to offer an opinion on its viability?

Re: finishing in a screened tent?

#2

Re: finishing in a screened tent?

Kelly Anderson

>That sounds like a great idea that I never would have thought of. It would probably make a good spray booth too. I think I might have to be on the look out for a good deal on a tent.

Re: finishing in a screened tent?

#3

I think it's a fine idea...

Hoa Dinh in Alameda

>the only problem is that I have to get a sprayer first.

But it's not very far. I just got off the phone with a person selling a brand new Wagner 2600 for $300. I think I'm gonna buy it.

Please report back if you decide to try the tent idea.

-- Hoa

Re: finishing in a screened tent?

#4

Every so often...

Brian in Sandusky, OH

>...I read a tip in a magazine, or a thread online, and I just smack myself...Why didn't I think of that?

It's not a perfect solution, and I can't think of a single downside, but for a budget finisher who does not own a booth setup, they could very feasibly spray a finish outside in good weather (or inside in bad weather) and probably not worry at all about the most common intruders to a finish.

The best solutions are always the simplest. You've got a good one there. If I were you, I'd submit that idea to a bunch of magazines and see if maybe you can win some of their prizes for best tip.

Re: finishing in a screened tent?

#5

safety issues?

billfrommich

>When I first posted this topic I was just interested in determining whether people thought or knew if a screened tent would adequately keep insects, dust, and other airborne debris from settling on finishes. However, I now think that there are probably safety issues (such as the potential of asphyxiation and/or fire, etc.) that have to be considered as well, particularly if someone were to use spray equipment, but maybe even with manually applied finishes. I'm not knowledgeable in this area and wouldn't want people to do something that might prove to be dangerous.

Re: finishing in a screened tent?

#6

Re: safety issues?

Brian in Sandusky, OH

>the only thing that I can think of is if you spray enough finish that the finish collects in the screen enough to clog it up. Then the screen would basically turn into a tarp...

But I don't really think that would happen, at least until you do MANY MANY hours of spraying.

If it lets air in and out, but remains a barrier for lint and dust, then there's no danger that I can think of.

Re: finishing in a screened tent?

#7

Re: finishing in a screened tent?

Howard G

>I have done this with spraying lacquer and it worked very well. If you are brushing varnish, the only issue would be that as you open the door of the tent, watch for bugs or other junk. Can't see any safety issues, it's a screend tent and air is flowing.

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