Spray tanning is a messy process, one that needs a booth for protection.
Whenever you’re applying a fine mist or spray, some of the spray will miss the surface or deflect into the air – this excess spray is called overspray.
Overspray is definitely prevalent in spray tanning, and if left unprotected, it can settle on places you really don’t want it – white-colored upholstery for example will quickly take on a brown hue.
This is where spray tan booths can provide a simple yet effective solution to the overspray problem.
Spray tan booths block overspray from the application process of applying spray tan to a person’s skin. The excess mist from the spray tan gun is contained within the booth and prevented from getting on walls, floors, or furniture in the surrounding room.
This article gives an overview of how spray tan booths work and some other useful information you’ll need if you’re looking into getting a spray tan booth.
What is a Spray Tan Booth?
Spray tanning involves spraying a fine mist of skin-coloring solution onto someone’s skin. During this process, some excess spray does not make it onto the person’s skin and flies into the air.
A spray tanning booth catches the excess spray and prevents it from settling on the surrounding environment.
Protecting from overspray is very important in any kind of spray application like airbrushing or spray painting. Even a little bit can float around in the air and stain the surrounding area.
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Spray tan booths are specifically made to fit a human body standing up. In spray tanning applications, the subject needs enough space to stand, rotate and put their arms up in the air to get full coverage.
Different Kinds of Spray Tan Booths
Spray tan booths serve the function of protecting against overspray, but they come in several styles and functions:
- Popup Tanning Tents
- Overspray Reduction Panels
- Fully Ventilated Booths
- Automatic Spray Tan Booths
Popup Tanning Tents
The popup tanning tent style of tanning booth is great for portable or home tanning solutions.
These tanning booths are kind of like camping tents except built for the dimensions of a standing human body.
You can set them up and take them down anywhere as they set down into compact little packages – easy to carry.
Overspray Reduction Panels
The panel style of spray tan booth saves space by providing a simple backdrop to protect against overspray.
These panels could be pop-up tent style or a solid piece of material.
Fully-Ventilated Booth
The fully-ventilated style of spray tan booth has fans installed to remove overspray from the spray area.
This type of spray tan booth is commonly used in professional settings because it is more expensive and takes up more space. However, it can still be purchased for home use and is a very effective option for applying spray tans with superior overspray reduction.
Automatic Spray Tan Booth
Some spray tan booths have automatic spray nozzles built-in. These spray tan booths are quick and efficient and so are used most commonly in professional settings.
This speed and ease of application comes at the expense of even coverage. Because the nozzles have a preset spray pattern, they can’t touch up uneven areas on the skin in the same way that a spray tan technician can.
Here’s an example of an automatic spray tan booth:
Best Spray Tan Booth Features
If you’re shopping around for a spray tan booth or just want to pick a salon with top-quality equipment, here are some of the best features to have:
- Lights – Preinstalled lights will make it that much easier to see what you’re doing. If the spray tan doesn’t look good under indoor lighting, it certainly won’t look good in the sun.
- Fans – The overspray reduction fans really do make a difference in the amount of overspray that can get where you don’t want it.
- Portability – The big bulky professional grade booth is not always the way to go. A good pop-up spray tan booth can give you flexibility in where and how you spray tan.
- Cleanliness – Some tents are made with cheap material that soaks up tanning spray and risks moulding. High quality and waterproof materials are easy to clean and will last much longer.
How to Setup a Spray Tan Booth At Home
Setting up a spray tanning tent at home is actually very easy.
Here’s a quick method of how to do it:
STEP 1: Take Tent out of Zip up Bag
Most pop-up spray tan tents come in a bag. Un-zip it and take the tent out. Make sure not to lose the bag – you’ll need it to store the booth when you’re done!
STEP 2: Extend and Open the Tent
The tent should unfold and “pop up” automatically. Perform the pop-up in an open area so you don’t bump or break anything. Pull the inside corners out so the tent is in a 3-dimensional shape and free standing.
STEP 3: Plug in Lights and Overspray Fans
If your pop-up tent has built-in overspray fans or lighting, plug it in now and make sure it works. The overspray fan needs some space behind it to blow out clean dry air so make sure your tent is not positioned directly beside a wall.
STEP 4: Setup Spray Tan Equipment
Now is the time to plug in your spray tan machine into the wall for electrical power. use the hose to connect the sprayer and the machine.
Now you’re ready to get your spray tan on!
In conclusion, spray tan booths are simple yet a very important part of the spray tanning process.
Without some sort of overspray protection, you’re pretty much asking for spray tan solution to coat every surface in the room.
Whether you get a pop-up booth, a panel style, or a fully ventilated booth, make sure it provides adequate protection against pesky overspray.
Features like lights, fans, material quality, and portability are all important to consider. At the end of the day, the right equipment for the job is almost always worth it because it will make things go that much smoother.
