Fine Finishing Starts Here: Picking the Right Spray Booth for Small Parts
- Andrew Salas
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Description
When it comes to painting small parts, the right booth setup can make all the difference in finish quality, productivity, and overall efficiency. California Pulse offers multiple booth configurations designed specifically for small-part finishing, with the two most popular options being Open-Face Spray Booths and Bench Spray Booths. While both deliver clean airflow, filtration, and code-compliant performance, each excels in different applications.
Below, we break down the differences between the two, the benefits of each, and tips for getting the most out of your California Pulse small-parts painting system.
Open-Face Booths: Ideal for Larger Small Parts & Flexible Workflows
Best for:
Small to medium-sized components
High throughput operations
Facilities needing more workspace or variable part sizes
Finishing operators who want full standing room and maneuverability
Key Advantages:
More room to work: Supports larger “small” parts such as panels, brackets, frame pieces, cabinetry components, and machine guards.
Flexible setup: Easy to integrate with carts, racks, or hanging systems.
High airflow consistency: California Pulse engineering helps maintain uniform capture velocity for clean finishes.
How They Work: California Pulse open-face booths use a powerful, balanced airflow system that pulls overspray through a full-height filter wall, ensuring visibility and consistent coating performance. The open front allows easy operator access and smooth part flow.
Choose an open-face booth if: You handle varied part sizes or want a setup that accommodates growth, volume increases, or mobile fixtures.
Bench Booths: Ideal for Precision Work and Small Components
Best for:
Truly small parts (hardware, brackets, knobs, electronics enclosures, assemblies)
Detail work requiring close operator part access
Workflows where operators prefer seated or ergonomic working positions
Key Advantages:
Ergonomic operation: Reduces fatigue during detailed or high-volume small part work.
Compact footprint: Fits perfectly into smaller shops or production cells.
Overspray control directly at the tabletop: Helps maintain clean parts and consistent finish quality for intricate components.
How They Work: California Pulse bench booths include a built-in raised work surface with a compact capture system that pulls overspray downward and away from the operator. These systems are ideal for precision or repetitive finishing tasks.
Choose a bench booth if: You paint very small components, require operator precision, or need a small but high-performing finishing station.
What Would Work Best for Me?
Go with an Open-Face Booth when:
Part size varies
You need standing access and flexible movement
You run larger batches or need rack-based workflows
Go with a Bench Booth when:
Your components are small and detailed
You need ergonomic, close-up finishing
Floor space is limited
Most manufacturers finishing a mix of small and tiny components benefit from using both systems in different stages or product lines.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your California Pulse Small-Parts Finishing System
1. Use Proper Filter Media
California Pulse booths are designed around high-efficiency filtration. Using the correct filters—and replacing them on schedule—keeps airflow stable and finish quality high.
2. Optimize Airflow with Good Part Positioning
Avoid placing parts too close to filters or blocking airflow paths. Good spacing ensures cleaner pulls, reduces overspray bounce-back, and leads to more uniform coating.
3. Keep the Booth Clean
A clean booth doesn’t just look professional—California Pulse airflow systems perform best when the work area is free of debris, dust, and spent overspray.
4. Match Your Equipment to Your Coating Type
Both bench and open-face booths can be used for liquid coatings, primers, and touch-ups. For higher-build coatings or sensitive finishes, consider additional accessories like adjustable part stands or turntables.
5. Train Operators on Proper Technique
California Pulse systems offer great airflow, but proper gun setup, pressure control, and movement techniques maximize transfer efficiency and coating quality.
6. Take Advantage of Modular Accessories
California Pulse small-parts booths work seamlessly with:
Part racks
Hanging systems
Turntables
Adjustable lighting
Additional filtration options
These add-ons help you stay flexible and cost-effective as production needs evolve.
Why Choose California Pulse
When you invest in a small-parts painting system from California Pulse, you’re getting more than a booth, you’re getting reliable engineering, consistent airflow performance, and equipment built to last in real production environments.
Our open-face and bench booths are designed for clean finishes, easy integration, and long-term efficiency, no matter the size or complexity of your project, or your parts.
If you’re ready to improve finish quality, boost productivity, and upgrade your small-parts painting process, California Pulse is here to help you choose the right system for your operation.
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