Looking for some pictures and/or descriptions of methods to try to prevent water stains on wall and ceiling when turning wet wood.  Because I entertain potential customers considering custom furniture and decorative veneering, the workshop has to remain neat and attractive.  I've considered a shower curtain, but couldn't figure a way to hang it that won't look tacky.  So once again to the experts I come hat in hand.

Your situation is unique so your solution will have to be. One thing that comes to mind would be stands/racks with plastic or curtains attached that can be moved when not needed. These would work for the sides but you would also need to have a tarp that hooks onto the sides over the top to protect the ceiling. It would take a little work but it could be done. The free standing racks would need to be strong enough to string the plastic/tarp over the top and not tip the sides. The stands could be made from pvc with wood for the base to give them weight. Oh you get the idea there may be many better ways to do it but at least this is one way.

Mike Baber wrote on 04/26/12 at 21:28:50:


Along the same lines, I was thinking that a couple sheets of 1/16th plexiglass or lexan mounted to the wall would work. Easy to clean and easy to install.  It's a bit more pricey than a shower curtain, but may also be a bit more permanent and something that you could clean with Windex and a squeegee.   

I've hung plastic from the roof. My garage isn't finished so it doesn't matter. What you could to is rig up a curtain out of visqueeen from the cealing with a dowel attached to the bottom, then loop some twine from the sealing around the bottom of the curtain, back up to a pulley, then down to a cleat on the wall so you can easily raise and lower the curtain as needed. The one across the cealing will need a little more thought because gravity wouldn't help re deploy it.

Have you considered using Mini-Blinds for the walls?

You could attach them to the ceiling or to the wall and pull them up out of the way when not needed.

And if you're going to buy them (instead of using used ones like me) you can get them in different colors.

What I picture is a small wood base to clamp to the lathe.  To it would be C frames with bottom of the C attached to the wood base.
Side C frames would be heavy wire (a bit heavier than a coat hanger) or 1/8” bent rod.  Between the end frames attach a thin plastic.  Adjust the opening of the C to meet your turning needs.
I think most craft stores sell rolls of clear Acetate (about .02-.04 thick) which should be rigid when attached to the frame.

You could use a Zipwall system.    Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or   This isn't a cheap alternative but with a four pole system you could hang painter plastic on both sides and across the ceiling.  It would be quick and easy to put up and take down and leaves no damage to the ceiling.  I use this system on the job as a dust barrier when doing remodels and repairs.