As more shops switch to waterborne basecoats, a common question comes up: do waterborne paints need different booth filters than solvent? The intake side is largely the same, but the exhaust and waste-handling side is where it matters. If you're running a wood or furniture finishing line through this transition, see our woodworking and furniture booth filters guide too.
Intake / Ceiling Filters: The Same for Both
Your ceiling intake filter cleans incoming air before it reaches the spray zone — that job doesn't change with paint chemistry. F5 tackified polyester ceiling blankets are the right choice whether you spray waterborne or solvent. Shop intake/ceiling filters.
Exhaust Filters: Where Waterborne Differs
Waterborne overspray stays wetter and tackier longer than solvent overspray, which can load exhaust media faster. Practical tips:
- Watch your manometer more closely and expect to change exhaust filters a bit more often during heavy waterborne production.
- Use a high-capacity, high-efficiency exhaust media — polyester pads or accordion/Andreae-style filters hold more overspray than basic fiberglass.
- Either way, keep a published ≥98% arrestance rating for EPA NESHAP 6H. See our compliance guide. Shop exhaust filters.
Don't Forget the Wastewater
Waterborne gun cleaning produces wastewater that has to be managed. Products like BECCA FLOCCER and H2O DRY separate or solidify paint solids so the water can be filtered, reused, or disposed of properly — a step solvent shops don't deal with. Keep your spray gun cleaning equipment in good shape too, since waterborne guns need more frequent attention.
Not Sure What Your Booth Needs?
Use Find My Filter or send us a photo of your booth and a technician will spec the right intake and exhaust filters for the paint you run.
Stock exhaust media built for wetter, tackier overspray
Waterborne production calls for exhaust filters that hold more before they load out. Orders placed before 2pm MST ship the same day.
Shop polyester filter pads →
High-capacity Andreae media →
Not sure of your size? Find my filter →