When you’re getting ready to paint a room or the exterior of your house one of the decisions you’ll need to make is how to put on the paint. The big question is, should you use a spray gun or a roller? Each method has its advantages and the best choice really depends on what you’re working on.
There are lots of things to think about when trying to figure out if you should use a spray gun or a roller, for painting. Sometimes both can work well! Times neither may be the fit. To keep it simple it all comes down to how much time you have, your level of experience and just your personal preferences.
The Speedy Specialist: Spray Painting
Spray painting involves the use of a specialized spray gun to apply paint evenly onto a surface. This method is often favored for its speed and efficiency. It is best used for empty rooms, textured surfaces or for external surfaces.
It can be quick to apply but extra time is needed to mask the room as airborne paint can get into everything. If you’re outside, wind will play a factor in wastage, leading to higher material costs. You will also need to consider the type of paint you are using, most paints will need to be thinned down and strained to prevent clogging the equipment.
With spray painting there can be a learning curve required to get the technique correct. Practice with a scrap piece of wood or cardboard to perfect an even coverage, learning to avoid over or under spraying will ensure the quality of the finished job. Once you’ve got the technique down, paint sprayers can be very efficient from a time perspective, reducing painting time to up to a fifth versus rolling. However, consider other factors such as paint wastage, splashback and misting can occur, increasing paint costs by anywhere from 20% to 50% or greater. Good quality equipment is a must and can be expensive to purchase or hire.
Types of Spray Gun:
There are three main types of spray gun –
- Compressed Air – or Low Volume, High Pressure (LVHP)
This is what the pros will generally use. It requires good technique and leaves little margin for error. It is used to create a sleek finish and is ideal for doors, cabinets and railings. It may need back-rolling or back-brushing (see below) if you want a matte finish.
- HVLP – High Volume, Low Pressure
More forgiving than LVHP systems
- Airless – this uses an electric pump to pressurize the paint
Best for beginners
Thorough cleaning of the equipment when not in use is essential to prevent clogs and protect the equipment from permanent damage.
Pros of Spray Painting:
Faster coverage – Spraying allows you to quickly apply an even coat over large areas.
Smoother finish – When done properly, spraying can provide a glass-smooth, factory-like finish.
Works with more paint types – Sprayers can handle thicker paints like lacquers that can be difficult to brush or roll.
Reaches difficult areas – Spray guns allow you to easily cover complex architectural details and textures.
Cons of Spray Painting:
Extensive masking needed – You’ll need to mask off windows, floors, fixtures and any areas you don’t want to overspray.
Overspray concerns – Some of the spray will become airborne mist that requires protecting surrounding areas.
Moisture and humidity issues – Spray painting can be difficult in humid conditions which causes “blushing” defects.
Learning curve – It takes practice to avoid common spraying mistakes like drips, dry spray and uneven coats.
Equipment costs – A quality spray system with pump, hoses and spray guns can be a costly investment.
Paint Rollers: The Time-Tested Approach
Painting with a roller is ideal for most home paint jobs. The technique is simple and forgiving. Be sure to use high quality rollers (not necessarily the most expensive), poor quality rollers will leave behind fibers and even lose shape leading to an uneven coat. A 270mm roller will be ideal for large broad strokes and a smaller 100mm roller will give you greater accuracy in harder to reach areas. An extender arm will assist to reach higher surfaces and a brush will still be needed to finish off edges and corners.
Pros of Paint Rollers:
Inexpensive equipment – A quality roller, roller covers, tray and extension pole can be purchased inexpensively.
Easy to use – Rolling paint is a skill most DIYers can pick up quickly.
Better for cutting in edges – The angled brush attached to roller frames allows you to manually cut in corners and edges.
Fewer prep requirements – You typically don’t need to mask off as many areas when rolling paint.
Cons of Paint Rollers:
Labor intensive – Significant time and effort is required to roll out paint, especially for large areas.
Paint limitations – Rollers can leave behind texture or excessive stippling when using thicker paints.
Harder to get a smooth finish – It takes quite a bit of skill and effort to avoid roller marks and lap lines.
Slower coverage – Rollers apply paint much slower compared to a sprayer.
Picking Your Perfect Match: A Project-Based Decision
Large, Flat Surfaces: For extensive walls, ceilings, or exterior projects, a sprayer is the clear winner in terms of speed and finish.
Detailed Work: For doors, cabinets, trims, or intricate spaces, a roller provides superior control and precision.
Budget Constraints: Opt for a roller if budget is a primary concern.
The Power of the Perfect Pair
Feel free to mix and match these methods! Sprayers are great for painting surfaces while rollers give a touch to intricate areas. Together these two tools can tackle any painting task.
When deciding whether to spray or roll paint it really comes down to the size of your project, the kind of finish you want, how much you’re willing to spend on equipment and whether you’re open to mastering spray painting skills. For tasks many do it yourself enthusiasts choose rolling for its ease and affordability. On the other hand when it comes to indoor or outdoor painting projects some prefer the quickness and high quality outcome that spraying offers.
Of course, we at McAuliffe Painting are highly trained and experienced in all techniques and can use them to their full potential in bringing new life into your home or commercial property. Take the guesswork out and Call Us today.