How Much Filter Should I Install in My Spray Booth? Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to setting up your spray booth for optimal performance, filtration matters more than you might think. A common question we receive at
Bespoke Filters is:
"How do I know how much pleated filter media to fit into my spray booth?"
The answer is a little more technical than just cutting a filter to size. Getting this right can dramatically improve your booth’s filtration efficiency, airflow balance, and overall air quality - especially if you’re dealing with high volumes of overspray, fine paint particles, or unusually dry materials.
Recommended Fold Count:
For all of our pleated filters, including the
Procart B,
Procart H,
Procart I, and
Procart M2, we recommend a minimum of
26 folds per metre of booth width. This ensures that your filter media has enough surface area to properly capture particles and maintain airflow without clogging too quickly.
For example, if your spray booth is 2 metres wide, you’ll need at least: 2 metres × 26 folds = 52 folds, plus a few extra folds at each end to secure the filter within the frame.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to stop at 26 folds per metre.
When Should You Use More Than 26fpm?
While 26 folds is our minimum recommendation, you can (and often should) increase this fold density in certain situations to improve your spray booth's performance.
Consider increasing fold count if:
- You have a very high airflow system
- You’re spraying fine or dry paint particles
- You want to improve overall filtration efficiency
- You’ve noticed paint build-up happening too quickly
- You need to maintain compliance with air quality or safety regulations
Increasing to 28 or even 30 folds per metre can significantly raise the number of filtration points per square metre, meaning cleaner air, less overspray escaping, and longer filter lifespan before replacement is needed.
Why Fold Density Affects Filtration Efficiency
Think of your pleated filter like a net. The more pleats (or folds), the more surface area is exposed to the air flowing through it. More surface area means more filtration “holes” or pathways for overspray and dust to be captured, which leads to:
- Lower pressure drop
- Better air distribution
- Higher filtration quality
- Longer filter life
So if you’re struggling with booth cleanliness or airflow issues, increasing your fold count is a simple yet effective solution.
Which Bespoke Filters Products Follow the Fold Rule?
The 26 folds per metre guideline applies to all our pleated concertina filter products, including:
- Procart B – Great all-round performance for general-purpose spray booths
- Procart H – Designed for high-efficiency filtration with longer life
- Procart I – Ideal for industrial applications and heavy paint use
- Procart M2 – Our premium option with dual-layer media for maximum capture
Each of these filters is designed to fit standard booth frames, but if you have a unique setup, we can help you with custom sizing or fitment advice.
Need Help Measuring or Installing Your Filters?
Not sure how many folds you’ve got? Need help calculating the correct amount of filter media for your booth dimensions? No problem. At
Bespoke Filters, we’ve helped thousands of businesses optimise their spray booth performance with the right filtration setup.
- Help you measure your booth correctly
- Calculate the ideal number of folds for your application,
- Offer advice on airflow and filter lifespan
- Provide technical support and product recommendations