Hello everyone, I'm planning to open a wood finishing shop where I will work on larger pieces like countertops, which could be as long as 8 feet.

 

I understand that I will need a dedicated booth for applying lacquer.

 

However, my knowledge is limited beyond this point.

 

Could any of you provide guidance on the estimated budget required to start this venture and the specific requirements I should consider?

 

Thanks in advance!

It would be helpful to know what you already have and your experience with finishing

Check with your insurance co., local regulations, and OSHA on requirements.  If you are spraying you need proper exhausts.  Fireproof storage units.  Compressor and spray guns.  It would be easier if you get into water-based finishing.

If you are going commercial you might check around for a used auto paint booth.  I occasionally see them at auction, but I've never followed them to see what money they brought. 

Depending upon your location you might even find a closed up auto body shop you could lease to test the market and such.

And a good heavy duty lazy susan.  I think our buddy @Gunny built one a couple years ago.

And lastly, welcome aboard - glad to have you here.

 

Edited June 1, 20232 yr by Cal

On 6/1/2023 at 7:33 AM, Cal said:

If you are going commercial you might check around for a used auto paint booth.  I occasionally see them at auction, but I've never followed them to see what money they brought. 

Depending upon your location you might even find a closed up auto body shop you could lease to test the market and such.

And a good heavy duty lazy susan.  I think our buddy @Gunny built one a couple years ago.

And lastly, welcome aboard - glad to have you here.

 

Yes, I have a large lazy susan, based roughly on an article by Michael Dresner   It's made from a sheet of 3/4" plywood, cut to make two 4' squares. Then I got two sizes of black iron pipe where one fits into the other.  Flanges attach to the center of the two sheets, one top and one base.  I got two diffeent lengths of the outer pipe so I can have two different heights to accomodate the height of the work piece.  It also comes apart and stores easily off to the side if you need to.  I left my top square to maximize the space, but if you want you can cut to round or octagonal.  

 

 

I also build a couple of racks with a frame of 1x4 and put some 1/2" hardware cloth on it that makes spraying and drying easier.

Edited June 3, 20232 yr by kmealy