Advantages To Using A Paint Sprayer Over A Roller

Paint sprayers are very useful for fast painting of large areas. These devices are available in different sizes, types and power ranges, and are very popular because they are so easy to use.

Speed and Accessibility

Painting with the use of a sprayer is much faster than using a paint brush or a roller. The tiny particles of paint emitted from the sprayer ensure complete and quick coverage in every nook and corner of a wall or a piece of furniture. Paint rollers can’t easily access the corners of walls or small spaces because of their shape. If you try to force the roller in, you will most probably end up with scratches on the surface or splotches of wet paint. This problem is eliminated with the use of a paint sprayer, which is designed to spray a fine mist in hard-to-reach places.

TIP: Painting professional Pam Estabrooke, of ProTect Painters, says, “While operating a sprayer on a wall takes a bit of practice, the use of the proper sprayer on furniture or trim work is a reasonable project for a DIYer. The time and work necessary to set up and clean the sprayer, usually makes it not worth the effort on small projects.”

Even Coating

Paint rollers don’t always offer a smooth finish in the end. However, a paint sprayer is great in this aspect because the minute paint particles form a fine mist which envelops all the surfaces it comes in contact with. This aspect of paint sprayers makes it very attractive for spraying paint or stains on furniture, stairs, and window frames. You still need to pay attention to your work. Spraying a wall can cause an uneven finish if the passes are made too close together or there is too much of an overlap. The higher the sheen the paint has, the more likely these buildups will show. Remember to totally cover the floor, windows and all trim that you do not want sprayed.

TIP: Pam says, “An HVLP [High Volume Low Pressure] sprayer is a good option for cabinets, furniture, trim or other small projects. Only the most expensive, commercial types of HVLP sprayers are strong enough to handle varnish, lacquer and sanding sealers. This fact alone usually makes it too much of an investment for a one time DIY project.”

Variety

Paint sprayers are available in different sizes and varieties, for use by homeowners, contractors, or professional painters. The two common types of paint sprayers are airless and air models. Air paint sprayers use air compression to eject the paint out. Airless paint sprayers, on the other hand, use pressure to push the paint out. Air paint sprayers are more expensive, and they provide a more even coating of paint as compared to the airless models. For whatever job you’re doing, buy the best sprayer you can afford. The basic models can usually only handle one type of paint, whereas the more advanced models can be used for many different types of paint or stains. Adjustable models allow use of paint of different thickness at different times. Portable paint sprayers are ideal for small projects, whereas bigger varieties can be used to paint large structures. Paint sprayers can cost from around a hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. These devices are available in gas-powered, electric, or cordless types. Other than the most common handheld type, paint sprayers are also available for use with a backpack, and in portable wheel models.

TIP: Pam cautions you, “Air sprayers use a lot of pressure to push out the paint. Fingers or other body parts that get in the way of the nozzle can penetrate the skin and cause an injection wound. Emergency treatment is necessary if this happens.”

Pam Estabrooke, district manager of ProTect Painters, contributed to this article.