How To Use A Paint Sprayer

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Are you considering using a paint sprayer for your next paint project?

How To Use A Paint Sprayer

Watch and learn as we deliver some tips and tricks on how to use this tool.

A paint sprayer is a lot like a pressure washer, once you figure it out you just want to use it all the time on everything.  There are a few things to consider before purchasing one as well as some tips that can make the whole process easier and to get the results you’re looking for.

Paint sprayers are terrific tools for applying paint to intricate surfaces, larger surfaces or where a sprayed-on look is desired.  I’ll describe the advantages of airless and air sprayers.

Airless or electric paint sprayers are very common and come in a variety of styles and capacities.  There are large electric airless sprayers that can pull paint right out of a 5-gallon bucket. These are typically used by professional painters for both indoor and outdoor painting.

Smaller airless paint sprayers have a small container you screw to the bottom of the unit and that is where the sprayer draws the paint.  These are terrific for painting cabinets, lattice work, furniture and so on when using the right paint. You have to keep the sprayer vertical and spray straight ahead for the most part but there are tips that will angle down if that is the direction you want to paint.   Speaking of paint, it is typical that you need to slightly thin the paint to a specified viscosity based on the makers recommendations and you will also need to run the paint through a filter to keep the coating as smooth as possible.  Airless sprayers as well as air sprayers can apply both latex and oil-based paints.

Air sprayers are a more detailed tool and do require the use of a compressor.  These are used extensively in the auto industry at body shops and detailers.  The air pressure must be regulated, and the paint has to be mixed very well.  If you are doing fine detail work and want to use a sprayer this would be the investment to make.

Both tools require a lot of practice to get the desired results.  Thin coats sweeping back and forth is the best way to get that smooth hard finish. It’s also very important to clean the tools after as the fine tooling inside the tools can get clogged and cause damage to the sprayer. Do your homework and then get ready to start spraying everything.


Always follow manufacturers instructions before using any product
For more helpful tips visit a neighborhood Ace or visit us at acehardware.com
Published 1/19/2021