In a majority of woodworking shops, proper lighting in the work environment is often overlooked. Correct lighting at the optimum intensity will significantly improve color consistency, provide a higher quality finish, and improve “first time through productivity.” Correct lighting is the number one factor in reducing finishing costs along with improving the energy efficiency of the facility.

 

General purpose finishing room lighting:

 

General purpose lighting throughout the finishing room should be specified with fluorescent fixtures with a minimum output of 80 ft. candle that is 3 ft. off the floor. The lighting must be specified to a color correction with a minimum of 85 CRI. An ideal tube output temperature should be around 6,800 Kelvin. We highly recommend using a T5 fixture – these fixtures may be higher priced than standard fluorescent, however they are up to 20 times more energy efficient than other types of lighting. The heat generated from these types of fixtures is very low and has a very long bulb life cycle. These high output fixtures can be hung at ceiling height where they are out of the way and they can cast a uniform level light to the area below. The ROI (return on investment) on these advanced technology fixtures can be as short as a year and a half.

 

Any type of non-explosion-proof fixtures must not be located within 5 ft. or less from the face and front of a spray booth. Check with your local building enforcement regulations regarding the code restrictions for your area.

 

Spray Booth Lighting:

 

The same type of T5 lighting system can be used in the factory approved spray booth lighting fixture. A minimum of 100- to 125-ft. candles at 3 ft. off the floor is required to provide adequate light within the booth areas.

Inspection and Sanding Preparation Room Lighting:

 

High intensity halogen lighting must be used to cast a parallel beam of light across the inspection surface. Any indentations or protrusions from the surface of the substrate will cause a shadow to be cast wherever these defects occur. Halogen lighting in either 120 high voltage or 12 volt low voltage are normally used to provide the intense source of light that is best suited for this type of inspection process. Typically, the bulb configuration consists of a row of lights 12 in. on center between each bulb. This linear light fixture should be positioned at a slight angle of 2 to 5 degrees downward across the work surface and 2 to 5 in. above the surface of the part. Be sure to use fixtures that have smooth or even texture bulb lenses to avoid throwing a shadow on the surface to be inspected that may be mistaken for a defect.

 

In hazardous areas, always use the low voltage 212 volt lighting. Low voltage will also have less heat output than the high voltage to provide greater worker comfort in summer temperatures.

 

 

Why is proper lighting so essential in the finishing department?

 

If you can see the defect, you will be able to repair or prevent a problem before starting the finishing process. Over 75 percent of finishing rework is a result of being unable to see or identify a defect before the process begins. The cost of defect removal goes up exponentially after the product becomes coated. Correcting color becomes costly or impossible after sealers and topcoats are applied. Proper lighting provides the most important tool you can provide for your finisher. With the correct lighting, you may be able to reduce finishing costs by up to 25 percent of total finishing expenditures while providing a better quality product to your customer.

Check with your energy supplier to ask about rebate and incentive programs. Many offer manufacturers who switch to energy efficient lighting a savings on energy costs; they may even cover a percentage of the capital investment upgrade. Now is the time to start saving money while enjoying the benefits of a higher quality finish, increased throughput, and increased worker comfort.