Lighting for spray booths – how to choose the right fixtures

When choosing lighting for a spray booth or paint hall, there are many factors to consider. The environment is often demanding—from both a safety and a work environment perspective—which places high demands on the fixtures. With the right lighting solution, you achieve not only a safer workplace but also a superior final result.

Types of spray booths

Chemical-resistant lighting for paint halls

Strong chemicals and solvents are used in spray booths. Therefore, fixtures must be chemical-resistant to withstand the environment without being damaged by corrosion. This extends their lifespan while increasing operational reliability.

ATEX lighting – safety in explosive environments

Vapors from paint and solvents can create explosive atmospheres. It is therefore essential to use ATEX-certified fixtures—a prerequisite for safe operation in hazardous zones.

IP rating that withstands tough conditions

Paint halls are often dusty and humid environments. Therefore, the lighting should have a high IP rating—for example, IP65 or higher—to prevent the ingress of dust and water.

Uniform light distribution without glare

Efficient and safe work requires uniform and glare-free lighting. The right fixtures with adapted light distribution create good visibility throughout the spray booth, reduce eye fatigue, and contribute to a better result.

Technical requirements for fixtures

Silicone-free
Minimum IP54
Safety glass
Easy maintenance and cleaning

Recessed mounting in walls or corners is the ideal and recommended option.

Surface mounting is suitable for fixtures with beveled edges.

Dimming requirements

All spray booth fixtures are available with electronic dimming ballasts (DALI).

Requirements for higher ambient temperatures

The ambient temperature (Ta) is typically higher in the area where painting occurs.

Vertical

Provides perfect shadow reduction and improves detail perception on vertical surfaces and edges.
Enables better identification of imperfections on the painted surface thanks to specific lighting of selected areas.
Vertical placement of fixtures can be particularly suitable for lighting long or tall objects in the booth.

Mounting options

Horizontal

Effectively eliminates shadows from the sides of objects, making it easier to apply paint to difficult areas.
Provides intense lighting of the side surfaces of objects, which is crucial for achieving a high-quality spray finish.
Ideal for booths where precise control of paint application is important, such as downdraft booths.
Improves visual control and the quality of the final finish.

Ceiling mounting:

The uniform distribution of light across the entire work surface provides good visibility without significant shadows.
Makes it possible to illuminate large areas.
The fixtures are protected against direct damage during work.

Corner mounting:

Provides directional lighting for areas that may fall into shadow if only ceiling or side lighting is used.
Allows for focusing light on specific parts of the work surface, increasing detail visibility.

Get more out of your investment with lighting design from Malux

When replacing or installing new lighting in a paint shop, it can be difficult to know exactly how the light will be distributed. That is why we at Malux offer professional lighting design.

Our lighting designers plan the light distribution based on your business’s needs and conditions—ensuring you get the right light in the right place.

Benefits of lighting design:

Better work environment: We ensure that the correct amount of light is directed where it is needed—in an energy-efficient manner.
Increased productivity: Uniform lighting reduces the risk of shadows and glare, resulting in safer and more efficient workflows.
Smart investment: Well-planned lighting design reduces energy costs and facilitates future maintenance.