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Why Use a Paint Sprayer?
Whether your next paint project is big or small, a paint sprayer can help you get the job done quicker and more efficiently. And you don’t need to be a pro to do it. There are several types of paint sprayers, each with its own characteristics. Which paint sprayer do you use to paint the exterior of your home? What about the wood fence that’s faded from the sun? Or the garage doors that could really use a pick-me-up? Read on to find out more about paint sprayers and how they can help spruce up your home's curb appeal.
Types of Paint Sprayers
Paint sprayers are designed to apply paint onto surfaces at a speed greater than a brush or roller. They can be a real time-saver. However, there’s a trade-off. With a paint sprayer, you’ll use more paint than with a brush or roller. Factor this in when purchasing your paint as well as noting the size of the project.
There are three major types of paint sprayers: airless, high-volume low pressure (HVLP) and pneumatic.
If you’re new to using a paint sprayer, our helpful guide can get you started. To learn more about the different types of paint sprayers and when to use them, read our Paint Sprayer Buying Guide.
Take care when using paint sprayers as they work under high pressure. Don’t allow the tip to come into contact with the skin. Doing so could inadvertently inject paint into your skin. If this happens, seek medical treatment immediately.
Airless Paint Sprayer
This type of sprayer pumps paint under pressure through a small hole. The paint is then turned into a mist. Airless sprayers are high-production sprayers that work well for larger areas where the surfaces aren’t overly complicated or intricate. An airless paint sprayer provides consistent and uniform coverage. Of the three major paint sprayers, airless paint sprayers are the fastest. They work best in large, open spaces. Airless paint sprayers work well for large projects.
High-Volume Low-Pressure (HVLP) Paint Sprayer
With an HVLP sprayer, paint is atomized by the volume of air. The droplets of paint move continuously at a low pressure, resulting in a softer spray. That low pressure makes them a cleaner, safer option too. HVLP spray painters are great for trim work and small spaces. They work great for small to medium sized projects.
Pneumatic Paint Sprayer
This sprayer, also called an air paint sprayer, uses compressed air to apply paint. Unlike other paint sprayers, a pneumatic sprayer requires a separate air compressor. It mixes air and paint in a high-pressure stream. Working with a pneumatic sprayer can get messy because of overspray. These sprayers also can’t use thick paints; therefore, the paint should be thinned if it isn’t already. Pneumatic paint sprayers work great for small to medium sized projects.
Not sure how to thin paint? Check out our how-to on using paint thinner.
Overspray occurs when you spray past your intended surface. To prevent overspray, ensure that the sprayer tip isn’t worn, don’t be more than 12 inches away from the surface, and ensure that pressure and other sprayer settings are correct for the project.
Using a Paint Sprayer on Fences
The best type of sprayer to use for a fence is an airless sprayer. Before you begin, ensure you’re starting with a clean surface. Pressure wash the fence to remove any surface dirt or debris. Allow enough time for the fence to dry before proceeding. If it’s a wood fence, scrape away any areas that are flaking and sand for a smooth surface. Move any objects like outdoor furniture, planters, grills, etc. from the fence’s immediate vicinity. Also cover any plants, shrubs and nearby surfaces with drop cloths or plastic sheeting.
When using a paint sprayer on a fence, use the lowest pressure setting on the sprayer. Spray the paint lengthwise on the boards. To prevent blotching and dripping paint, the paint sprayer should be at least 12 inches from the fence.
You can achieve beautiful results if you remember not to rush the process. Moving too quickly could result in overspray.
Using a Paint Sprayer on Decks
Using an airless sprayer on decks is a good option because it works well for large surfaces. Before painting a deck with a paint sprayer, make sure you prepare it for painting. Remove everything from the deck then sweep it to remove surface dirt. Thoroughly wash the deck with a pressure washer. If the deck has been previously painted, you’ll need to remove any paint that may be peeling before you can repaint. Allow the deck to dry completely before painting.
Spray the deck supports, railings and outer edges of the deck first. When you begin painting the deck, work lengthwise approximately 12 inches from the deck surface, and only spray in small sections within your reach. Spray the inside area, overlapping each pass by 50 percent.
A tip extension will help you get to areas that you can’t comfortably reach. This accessory can xtend your reach 40 inches or more.
A pressure washer is a great tool to use to prepare your deck for stain or paint. Our guide on pressure washing decks and fences will walk you through the steps and provide helpful tips for pressure washer safety.
Using a Paint Sprayer on Garage Doors
Many garage doors have angles, making them challenging to paint with a paint brush or roller. Using an airless paint sprayer for garage doors works well for this project.
As with other exterior surfaces, you’ll want to wash the garage door to remove any dirt, mold or other debris. A pressure washer will make quick work of this task. Any repairs that need to be made should be done before painting. Mask off any trim that you don’t want painted. Move cars away from the garage door and place plastic sheeting or tarps over shrubs, plants, etc. Once the door is washed, allow ample time for it to dry before painting.
When it’s time to paint, ensure you have the proper size tip on the sprayer. Start painting at one end of the garage door and work your way to the other end. Work in small, manageable sections, and overlap your passes by 50 percent. Keep the paint sprayer moving. Don’t linger in any one area. Whenever you have the trigger pulled, the sprayer should be in motion. This helps avoid drips and heavy spots.
If the garage door is metal, it’ll dry faster than other doors, but it may require more coats of paint to completely cover it.
Once the garage is fully painted, remove any painters tape before the paint dries. Allow the garage to fully dry before opening it.
Using a Paint Sprayer on Sheds
Always start with a clean canvas. Pressure wash the shed, or clean with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. After thoroughly cleaning the shed, use painters tape to cover the hardware. Once the shed is completely dry, you can begin to paint it with the sprayer. To prevent jagged paint lines, remove the tape while the paint is still wet.
The best paint sprayer to use for this is an HVLP sprayer. If your shed is made of wood, the best paint to use is an acrylic latex. It’s common to thin paint, and the same holds true for this project. Thinning the paint ensures a smoother finish.
Using a Paint Sprayer on Shutters
When you want to add to your home’s curb appeal using a paint sprayer on shutters is one way to boost that appeal. A fresh coat of paint may be just what they need to spruce them up.
Start by removing the shutters. Make a notation on the back of each shutter so that you know where to place it when you’re finished painting. Be prepared to purchase replacement fasteners if the existing ones break during removal. Lay down drop cloths to protect the grass. Place the shutters across two saw horses or other raised surfaces for painting. Make sure the shutters are clean. If they need to be cleaned, wait until they’re completely dry before painting.
Begin painting the shutters using a horizontal back and forth sweeping motion, keeping the spray tip about 12 inches from the shutter surface. Overlap each pass by about 50 percent. Don’t forget to paint the edges of the shutters. Allow the shutters to fully dry before reinstalling on the house.
Shutters make great hiding spots for spiders, wasps or even bats. Use caution when removing the shutters, especially if you’re using a ladder to reach shutters on the second story of your home.
Using a Paint Sprayer on a House Exterior
Painting your house may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools, it’s manageable for a DIYer.
The best paint sprayer to use on your home’s exterior is an airless paint sprayer. It’s perfect for a large project like this because it expels more paint at one time. However, because it has so much overspray, you’ll waste more paint, so keep that in mind when buying paint for this project.
Before painting, cover up windows, doors and anything else that you don’t want painted. After that, use a pressure washer to remove dirt and loose paint. The new paint will adhere better once the house has been cleaned. If there’s any loose paint left behind, scrape it off. Let the house dry for a couple of days. Make any repairs necessary (filling in holes in wood siding, repairing or replacing boards).
Begin painting from the top down. Paint by sweeping the sprayer left to right. Make sure you spray the eaves, trusses, overhangs and any areas that are difficult to reach. Use a tip extension for areas out of your reach. Paint the outer edges, overlapping the passes by 50 percent. When you come to windows or doors, paint around the window or door edges completely before painting the remaining area.
Understanding Airless Paint Sprayer Tips
Paint sprayer tips are available in assorted sizes ranging from small to large. Each tip lets you control the fan width and coating depth of the spray, whether you’re doing precision painting or covering a large surface.
The sprayer tip size is represented by a 3-digit number. The first number is the fan size which is multiplied by 2. That lets you know how wide of an area the sprayer will paint in inches when sprayed from approximately 12 inches away. The last two numbers represent the orifice size (in thousandths of an inch). For example, a tip size of 315 has a fan width of 6 (3x2) (6 inches of paint coverage) and an orifice of 0.015 inch. Refer to the chart below for common tip sizes. The thicker the paint, the larger the orifice should be.
For more on paint sprayer tips and choosing the sprayer for your project, turn to our handy tip guide to help get you through your next paint spraying project.
Refer to the paint manufacturer’s instructions for a more accurate tip selection. The chart above is based on a 12-inch distance from the surface being painted.
Paint Spraying: Tips to Remember
Whether you’re spray painting a fence or a house, there are some general guidelines that you should keep in mind.
- Determine how much paint you’ll need for the project and take into the account any overage that may occur. It’s better to have more paint than you need than not enough paint.
- Read the paint sprayer manual and adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations and cautions before painting.
- Always use a respirator, gloves and safety goggles for protection.
- Cover any bushes, plants, deck, etc. with drop cloths or plastic sheeting.
- Thoroughly clean the surface that you’re working on. If it’s wood, be sure to scrape off any excess paint that’s peeling.
- Before spray painting, practice on a piece of cardboard. This will help you get comfortable with the sprayer and find a pressure setting that works for the job, especially if you’re a beginner.
- Keep a consistent distance from the surface when spraying. This will help you achieve conformity with a quality finish.
- A paint brush will come in handy when you want to blend in runs and drips.
- Overlap the spray passes by 50 percent.
- Allow the surface the proper drying time.
- Never point the paint sprayer at anyone.
- Always remember to clean any paint spills, overspray, etc.
Now that you know more about using a paint sprayer for your outdoor projects, get tips on using one indoors with our helpful guide, How to Use a Paint Sprayer on Interior Projects.