How to Choose the Right Welding Curtain
A welding curtain shields UV radiation, sparks and spatter and protects people at neighbouring workstations. This guide explains how to select by welding process, the colour classes and light transmission under DIN EN ISO 25980, and the right mounting on rail, strips or frame.
View protective curtainsWhich curtain suits which welding process?
Curtain choice starts with the process, because each one produces a different radiation output and spark load. Arc processes such as MIG, MAG and TIG emit intense UV and IR light, while oxy-fuel and spot welding create less stray radiation.
For strongly radiating processes such as plasma cutting, choose darker, denser curtains with lower light transmission. For lighter work a brighter film is enough, letting more ambient light through and keeping sight lines to the neighbouring station open.
- MIG/MAG and TIG: medium to high UV load, use darker curtains (red, bronze, green, grey).
- Plasma cutting and strong arcs: use the densest, darkest classes.
- Oxy-fuel and spot welding: brighter shades with better transparency are possible.
- Grinding and cutting: curtain acts as spark and spatter guard, here material thickness matters.
What does DIN EN ISO 25980 say about colour and transmission?
DIN EN ISO 25980 sets requirements for transparent welding curtains, strips and screens for arc welding. It tests resistance to UV radiation, flammability and the permissible transmission in the visible and ultraviolet range.
Colour determines how much light passes through: the darker the shade, the lower the light transmission and the more the glare is damped from outside. Compliant curtains are also self-extinguishing and do not drip when exposed to fire.
Rail, strips or frame - which mounting is right?
The mounting decides flexibility and access at the workstation. Full-face curtains on a rail shield most tightly, strip curtains allow people and material to pass, and fixed frames form enclosed welding bays.
- Rail curtain: on a ceiling rail or boom, ideal for flexibly repositioned shielding.
- Strip curtain (lamella): overlapping individual strips, walk-through without opening, good for transport routes.
- Frame / screen: mobile protective wall on castors, forms a fixed welding bay.
- Eyelets or rings on top: simple direct fitting on existing supports.
Frequently asked questions
What colour should a welding curtain be?
The stronger the radiation, the darker the colour. Dark green and grey damp the most for MIG/MAG and plasma, bronze and red suit TIG, and lighter shades such as orange let more light through for light work.
What does DIN EN ISO 25980 cover?
It defines requirements for transparent curtains and strips for arc welding, including UV resistance, flame-retardant behaviour and permissible light transmission.
Does the curtain protect the welder too?
No, it mainly protects bystanders from glare and arc flash. The welder still needs a helmet and filter lens with the correct shade level.
How high should the curtain hang?
A floor gap of about 20 to 30 cm is common so heat and smoke can escape, while sparks are held back at floor level.
Looking for a welding curtain?
We supply protective curtains, strips and screens to DIN EN ISO 25980 - in the right colour class and with rail, eyelets or frame.
Standard-tested
Curtains to DIN EN ISO 25980 with proven UV resistance.
Flame-retardant
Self-extinguishing and drip-free when exposed to fire.
Right colour class
From light to dark for every welding process.
Expert advice
We help with colour choice and mounting.