A short time ago, paint sprayers were the domain of the professional. But now they are available in variety of models that are perfect for residential use. From simple DIY to industrial painting projects, they are quite efficient to get the job done, and also guarantee a smoother and even finish.
Which Paint Sprayer?
There are two main types of paint sprayers: airless and high volume low pressure (HVLP). Whether it’s a small handheld project or a large commercial paint project, airless sprayers utilize a pump for high pressure paint before spraying. This type of sprayer is best for delivering high volume paint, depending on the tips used. In addition, airless paint sprayer is suitable for small and big paint jobs including house and fence painting. Airless sprayers can generate some overspray so it’s better for outdoor and empty rooms. This sprayer also comes with titan packing kits to deal repair issues.
On contrary, HVLP use pressurized air to atomize the paint. The low pressure feature makes it easier to utilize and for more accurate work. This paint sprayer is suitable to handle small projects where a finer finish might be required such as furniture, kitchen cabinets, and trims etc.
Paint considerations
Before buying a sprayer, consider all the things you likely use for a sprayer, including the types of paint or surface treatments. Most of the DIY painters only use water-based paints, but in case you require to use oil-based paints, look for a sprayer that suits, or one that provides versatility in paint types.
You also need to consider paint dilution before buying a sprayer. A sprayer device which enables you to use undiluted paint will be helpful in saving a lot of paint as well as ensuring consistency in spray application. Most of the latest models of paint sprayers use undiluted paint, but do check the specifications before purchasing.
Tips for using Paint Sprayer
First and foremost, you need to cover everything that is not supposed to be painted. If you are painting indoors, move all the furniture out or into the center of the room and cover with drop cloths. In order to cover the windows, floors and part of ceiling, use painter’s tape and masking film. Wear a mask to avoid inhaling the particles of paint.
Before applying a paint on the surface, first practice on some cardboard to get an actual feel for the sprayer. The paint sprayer should be kept around 20cm from the area and must be remained straight at a right angle to the wall. Work thoroughly up and down as you move the gun left to right. Move the spray gun at a low speed to maintain a smooth and even finish paint coat.
For painting large surfaces, particularly unpainted ones, you need to reverse the movement on the second coat. To avoid overspray at the beginning or end of a sweep, move the sprayer before you pull the trigger and release the trigger while still moving.
Safety is Important
Before paint spraying, it is necessary to utilize a safety kit which includes a respirator, safety glasses (for eyes protection), and a pair of gloves. Thin latex disposable gloves would be reasonable to protect the skin of your hands.
Basics Components of a Paint Sprayer
Typically, all paint sprayers perform in the same way. Let’s have a look at the basic components most have in common:
Filters
This paint sprayer part ensures that material does not clog in the spray nozzle. The size, number and position of the filter will vary with the unit. Often paint sprayers come with a coarse strainer and a fine filter.
Hose
Hose move the paint from pumping unit to the spray gun. This feature works usually for larger units that pick up paint from the canister and some HVLPs. Some sprayer units have an on-sprayer reservoir and an air hose.
Pump
Every paint sprayer comes with a pump. According to the type of machine, the pump either compresses air to mix and project the paint, or it creates compression to spray the paint at pressure.
Spray gun
The kind of spray gun vary on the type of the unit. However, all the spray guns have an ergonomic grip, a trigger for activating paint flow, reversible tip, and a nozzle.
Tip
There are different types of tip. Each tip determines spray patterns and spray volume. Some tips are adjustable, while others need to be interchanged to change the spray patterns. Some units also come with separate guns or spray-heads with tips for different types of spraying.
Intake tube
On small devices, this tube is a part of the hand unit. On large units, it is on the underside of the system. It might be a fixed pipe or a pipe on the end of a small hose.
