New Spray Booth

Earlier when I was discussing how to fix an inkAID transfer print, a question came up about ‘fogging’ a layer of matte varnish on top of my prints. Then another question about the spray booth I use to fog the matte varnish.

So recently, courtesy of Ashley Furniture, I obtained a ‘new’ portable spray booth that is a bit larger (23″Hx26″Wx25″D) than what I had been using. Okay, my “spray booths” are used corrugated boxes that I set out on the side of my garage (you need lots of ventilation), delicately balanced on top of a trash bind. For my ‘new’ spray booth, which had been used to deliver some new patio chairs, it’s what is called in the distribution trade a double-wall corrugated box, which also means it’s a lot more robust that the traditional single wall corrugated box. So pushing the top flaps in to the box and setting it on its side; Bingo! A portable spray booth.

The fogging process is to spray directly into the box opening, not at the print, and create a dense aerosol spray that looks similar to a fog inside the box, that allows the spray to settle evenly on top of my artwork. If completed correctly, you will probably need to stand back immediately after spraying while some of the spray cloud drifts out of the spray booth. Which is also why this process is best completed outside with ample ventilation. It can take a minute of so to clear. Then check the artwork to see if the desired effect has occurred. I am finding that it’s necessary to repeat the fogging a second time.

It’s low-tech, very cheap and best of all, it works. win-win-win. (also supports recycling for another great environmental win!) Another win for me is that my new larger spray booth can easily handle almost all of my monotype prints.

Above is a multi-media monotype, Pink Thistle, that I am sealing with matte varnish the pigment ink transfer onto the acrylic layer. Also the matte coating will reduce the residual gloss left by the pigment ink transfer process.

Cheers,

Doug

Btw, due to the residual varnish inside the box on the walls, etc., it’s a box that is NOT recommended for pets or kids to play in.