The paper describes a full-scale demonstration program in which several paint booths were modified for recirculation ventilation; the booth exhaust streams are vented to an innovative volatile organic compound (VOC) emission control system having extremely low operating costs. The booth exhaust flow rates were safely reduced from 114,000 to 44,000 cfm. The program involved: (1) a baseline study, involving full characterization of booth operating conditions including a VOC/HAP emission and in-booth constituent stratification profile, and operator hazardous exposure assessments for all booths; (2) booth ventilation system modification, including construction of recirculation/partition ventilation systems, safety interlock controls, booth operating equipment, and the VOC control system; and (3) a post-conversion study to demonstrate safe recirculation system operation and adequate destruction efficiency.