Various examples of the inventive subject matter include a method and corresponding system for fabricating a combination paint arrestance filter for use in the painting industry. Embodiments of the system include a single-stage combination filter having a number of first layer media pockets and a number of second layer media pockets arranged downstream of the first layer pockets. An opening of each of the first layer media pockets is arranged in parallel with one another to receive an incoming airflow into the single-stage combination filter. Each of the second layer media pockets is at least 99.97% efficient at removing 0.3 micron and larger particles at a face velocity on the filter of about 37 meters per minute.