Making Your Own Painting Studio—Building Construction Tips
Posted on: 27 March 2018
If you're serious about becoming a commissioned painter for tabletop wargaming, then you'll want a top-class studio to work in. Whilst some people will be comfortable working in their home, this may not always be a feasible option if you have a family and children, or quite simply a lack of space. Some individuals recruit construction teams, employing their building services to create top-quality outdoor buildings or extensions that will accommodate the painting of model figures. Whilst it might seem straightforward, painting at a professional level is as much affected by the environment as it is the painter. This guide will give you a few key considerations to think about whilst you are designing your dream studio.
Airbrushes and Fumigation
Airbrushing is big business in the modelling world because of the smooth finishes and effects that can be achieved so easily. However, this doesn't come without some mild risk. Buildup of fumes is common when using paints and cleaners, so it's necessary to have a system in place to remove them. When building your studio, it's important to have access to windows that are able to slide up, in order to open. This will make it much easier to set up an airbrush booth with a fan and extractor attached. This looks like a vacuum hose, but flatter, and slots under an open window frame. Alternatively, you could have the extraction pipe built into to the wall, which would work well if you want a permanent setup.
Humidity
Humidity can also cause problems and ruin the effect of sprays and varnishes. An extractor fan would work well for removing excess moisture along with a portable dehumidifier. This will mean that you'll need plenty of plugs wired in, access to electrical sockets and good insulation in both walls, floor and ceiling to reduce moisture buildup in the first place. Good insulation will be paramount for your structure. If you plan on storing models in there, you need to be able to ensure that there won't be any damp.
Natural Light
Finally, no studio is complete without natural light. Whilst you can get dedicated lights for painting, natural light is better when it comes to painting detailed models, as it removes the shadows. Design your studio to have as much light as possible, but try to install some blinds as well so you can manipulate the concentration of it. A skylight would also work well and would provide excellent light exposure.
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