If you have ever ordered a spray booth filter by pointing at the last one and asking for the same again, you are not alone. Many operators know they need a concertina filter without being sure what the name means or why it matters.
This guide explains what concertina paper filters are in plain language, so you can buy on specification rather than habit. We also introduce Andreae, the leading brand of concertina paper filters, and clear up the confusing mix of names used for the same product. By the end you will understand what you are buying and why it makes a difference to your finish.
What is a concertina paper filter?
A concertina paper filter is an accordion pleated paper filter media used in dry spray booth filtration. The name comes from the concertina shape, the same folded pattern you see in an accordion or a paper fan. You may also see this product called pleated paper media or simply a dry filter, and they all refer to the same accordion folded paper design.
It is used to capture paint overspray and airborne particles in booths that rely on dry filtration rather than water wash systems. The folded paper is the working part of the filter, and the quality of that paper and its folds is what separates a good filter from a poor one.
How the pleated design works
The clever part of a concertina filter is how the folds pack a large amount of media into a small space. By folding the paper back and forth, the filter presents far more surface area to the air than a flat sheet of the same size could. More surface area means the filter can capture and hold more overspray before airflow is restricted.
It also means the air passes through more gradually, which improves capture efficiency. In short, the pleated form gives you longer filter life and better performance within a compact footprint.
Where concertina paper filters are used
Concertina paper filters are most commonly used at the inlet or prefilter position in dry spray filtration systems. This is the point where air enters the booth, and the filter captures coarse dust and debris before that air reaches the spray zone.
The inlet position benefits from the concertina format because incoming air often carries a steady load of fine dust that the large pleated area can manage well. Keeping this dust out protects your finish and reduces the load on downstream filters. A clean stream of incoming air is one of the simplest ways to support a consistent paint result.
Andreae and the concertina paper filter
Andreae is the leading brand of concertina paper filters and is widely recognised across the spray finishing industry. Long standing operators may also remember concertina paper filters under the historic Binks name, which is the same style of product associated with an older brand.
The full history of that name change is worth a dedicated read, and we cover it in a separate article. What matters for buying today is that the accordion paper design itself has remained consistent, and the difference between products comes down to media quality and pleat precision. When you ask for an Andreae filter, you are asking for a genuine concertina paper filter built to a known standard.
How to recognise a quality concertina filter
Not all concertina paper filters are equal, even though they look similar at a glance. Look for consistent pleat geometry, because evenly formed folds keep the airflow and capture uniform across the filter. Check the paper grade and structural feel, since quality media holds its shape under airflow rather than collapsing.
A filter that deforms under pressure lets unfiltered air slip past, which defeats the purpose. Buying a recognised brand from a knowledgeable supplier is the easiest way to avoid the guesswork of unknown imitations.
Get the right concertina filter from AeroFlow Filters
AeroFlow Filters supplies genuine Andreae concertina paper filters and holds stock in Australia for fast dispatch. If you have been buying by appearance rather than specification, our team can help you confirm exactly what your booth needs. We understand the inlet position and can match the filter to your booth make, model, and intake dimensions.
Sourcing locally also means you avoid the long lead times that come with offshore supply. Browse the AeroFlow Filters range of Andreae filters or get in touch for advice on the right concertina filter for your booth.
