Welding Curtain and Screen Setup Guide
Welding produces intense UV and infrared radiation that can cause arc eye (photokeratitis) and skin burns in bystanders. Welding curtains and screens protect people in the surrounding area, define the welding zone, and prevent arc flash from traveling across a shop floor. Here’s how to select and set up the right welding screen system.
Why Do You Need a Welding Screen?
Arc welding generates:
- Ultraviolet radiation - causes arc eye (photokeratitis) in unprotected bystanders within 30–50 feet of an unshielded arc
- Infrared radiation - causes skin and eye burns at close range
- Intense visible light - temporarily blinds bystanders who look directly at the arc
- Spatter - can travel 10+ feet from the weld area, igniting combustibles and burning bystanders
OSHA requirement: Where workers may be exposed to radiation from welding operations, welding screens or equivalent shielding must be provided.
Welding Curtain Colors and What They Filter
Welding curtains come in several colors, each designed for different radiation filtering requirements:
| Color | Primary Function |
|---|---|
| Green (transparent) | Blocks UV + IR; allows some visible light transmission for supervision |
| Orange (transparent) | Blocks UV; lower IR attenuation; allows more light |
| Blue (transparent) | Similar to green; popular in the US for welding booths |
| Black/opaque | Maximum privacy and radiation blocking; no visibility through |
Most common for welding booth applications: Green or blue transparent curtains. These block the harmful UV and IR radiation while allowing supervisors and co-workers to see that welding is occurring without exposing themselves to arc radiation.
Tillman 604R68 Blue Vinyl Curtain - ASIN B00439DG0K (~$30–50) amazon.com/dp/B00439DG0K
- 6’ x 8’ blue transparent vinyl
- Grommets for hanging
- UV and IR filtering
- Most popular Tillman welding curtain size for single-station use
Tillman Welding Screen Systems
Tillman 6043555 Three-Panel Frame System
ASIN B008BJP05C (~$150–250 for frame; curtains sold separately or as a kit) amazon.com/dp/B008BJP05C
- Three-panel frame configuration
- Creates a three-sided welding booth enclosure
- Adjustable height
- Compatible with Tillman curtain panels
Tillman 6111068 Yellow Frame
ASIN B0CVL5Z775 (~$100–180) amazon.com/dp/B0CVL5Z775
- Yellow powder-coated steel frame
- Single-bay framing system
- High visibility yellow frame improves safety zone marking
VEVOR Welding Screen with Frame
ASIN B0CW5491SS (~$60–120 depending on size) amazon.com/dp/B0CW5491SS
- Complete screen + frame kit
- Heavy-duty steel frame
- Transparent blue/green vinyl curtain
- Caster-mounted for portability
- Good value for complete enclosed screen solution
How to Set Up a Welding Screen
Single Welder Booth Configuration
For a fixed welding station:
- Three-sided enclosure using a corner of the shop + two screens on the open sides
- Screen height: Minimum 5–6 feet (cover an arc visible to standing workers)
- Leave the front open (welder faces away from the open side) or use a portable panel
Mobile Screen Setup
For welding in varying locations:
- Freestanding screen with casters - VEVOR-style complete system
- Portable welding tent/canopy for outdoor or remote locations
- Position with the welder facing away from foot traffic areas
Minimum Screen Distance from Arc
There is no prescribed minimum distance, but practical guidance:
- Screen should be positioned between the arc and any unprotected bystander - even 1 foot away from the arc is effective if the screen fully blocks line-of-sight
- For UV protection at distances beyond the screen, the transparent vinyl itself provides adequate shielding for bystanders on the other side within 50 feet
FAQs
What color should a welding screen be? Green or blue transparent vinyl is the standard for welding booth applications. These colors filter UV and IR radiation while allowing visibility through the curtain for supervision.
How far does welding arc radiation travel? UV radiation from arc welding can cause arc eye in unprotected bystanders up to 30–50 feet away. Welding screens should block line-of-sight to the arc for anyone in the work area.
What is the difference between a welding curtain and a welding screen? Welding curtains are the fabric/vinyl material; welding screens include a supporting frame system. A complete welding screen is a curtain mounted on a freestanding frame.
