An infrared convection paint baking oven comprising a tunnel having an entrance and exit, the tunnel having top and side walls equipped with air ducts that communicate with a at least one air pressure blower to form an air plenum in the interior of said tunnel. The oven is equipped with at least one exhaust to re-circulate heated air and vent moisture and volatiles from said tunnel. The exhaust communicates said pressure blower with air make up and an RTO. The re-circulated air flow is divertible from the exhaust to the furnace to control temperature and VOC emissions. Infrared light assemblies are arranged in said tunnel interior on the top and side walls such that air from said plenum is circulated around said light assemblies to form a convection air current. The light assemblies are in close proximity to each other at the entrance and along a distance of said tunnel to form a warm up zone. The light assemblies are spaced further apart along the remainder of said tunnel length toward said exit to form a curing zone.