About
Fume hoods are safety enclosures used in art studios to protect artists from harmful fumes while working with materials like epoxy and paint. They feature a ventilation system that draws in air to capture and expel hazardous vapors, ensuring a safe working environment. In an art studio setting, fume hoods are essential for tasks such as mixing chemicals, applying coatings, and working with solvents. By containing and ventilating fumes, they help artists create their masterpieces without compromising their health
See below to find out where you should paint
Where Should I PaintSafety
Only use Water Based paints in the fume hood. If the paint is solvent based, as is normally the case for spray paint, use it in the spray booth. Some examples of water based paint are
- Latex paints: Common for interior and exterior walls.
- Acrylic paints: Used for arts, crafts, and some industrial applications.
- Water-based varnishes and polyurethanes: Clear finishes for wood.
- Water-based epoxies: Increasingly common for floor coatings.
- Certain Adhesives: Many common household glues are water based.
- Water-based Spray paint: Used for arts, crafts, and general uses
- Always ask an adult for help when using paint, especially spray paint.
- Read the instructions on the paint can or bottle.
- Wear a mask, gloves and/or smock if needed.
- Paint in a place with lots of fresh air or in a fume hood or spray booth.
- Clean up spills right away.
- Never spray paint towards anyone, including yourself.
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Project Tutorials
The fume hood is a ventilation system used to remove potentially harmful odors from paints, adhesives, and other fumes. The fume hood should be used when working with water based paints, strong-smelling adhesives, or while soldering.
Before You Start
Setup Checklist:
Turn on BOTH of the fans and ensure airflow
Clear out anything left behind
Keep only what you need inside
Place your project near the back under the vent
Check your label — it must say “water-based” or “low-VOC”
If the paint or glue says “oil-based,” “solvent,” or smells super strong — stop and ask for help.
While You Work
Paint or spray directly under the vent
- Use short, light sprays (no fogging the hood)
- Keep your head and body outside the hood
- Avoid blocking the front edge — that's where the airflow is strongest
- Wear gloves or a mask if needed
When You’re Done
Clean-Up Steps:
Wipe spills with a damp paper towel
Let the fan run 10–20 seconds more
Remove all materials and trash
Close any paint containers or glue bottles
Leave the hood ready for the next person
Example Demonstration
This is a stencil I cut out on the cricut. I want to paint this design onto a piece of cardboard. First, I tape my stencil down.
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Before I use the fume hood, I turn on both ventilation fans.
Next, I take my design and begin painting in the hood.
When I’m done, I leave my design in the back to let the flowing air dry my project much faster than it would dry outside of the hood.
Now its dry! I can peel off my stencil to see my final design.
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