Paint Sprayer Basics

Paint brushes and rollers are great for painting a small area, but they can be slow and time-consuming for larger painting jobs. In these cases, using a paint sprayer is often preferred. Paint sprayers are quicker and more efficient than a traditional paint brush, and are able to be used on a variety of surfaces. 

Paint sprayers come in three main styles; air sprayers, airless sprayers, and HVLP sprayers. Which paint sprayer you will need depends on the intended application, as well as the surface being painted, the type of paint being used, and the size and location of the job. All of these factors play a critical role in selecting the proper paint sprayer. 

Air Sprayers

Air sprayers use an air compressor to power the spray gun. These paint sprayers are ideal for applications that require great precision, such as automotive work, refinishing furniture, and smaller sized interior and exterior jobs. Air sprayers are able to handle a wide variety of paint types, but may require paint thinning depending on the sprayer. 

Airless Paint Sprayers

Airless paint sprayers use a small motor to create high pressure and propel the paint through the spray gun. Airless paint sprayers are the fastest type of paint sprayer, and are known for providing widespread, uniform paint coverage. Like air sprayers, airless paint sprayers can handle a variety of paint types, but unlike air sprayers, paint thinning isn’t usually necessary. Airless paint sprayers are great for larger jobs, such as painting fences or siding. 

HVLP Paint Sprayers 

HVLP, or high-volume, low-pressure sprayers use a high volume of air at a very low pressure, resulting in a highly efficient transfer of paint to surface. This means that more of the paint reaches the surface, and less is released into the air. Because of this, HVLP paint sprayers are recommended for interior applications, but they can also be used for exterior applications as well. HVLP paint sprayers work better with thinner paints and substances, so paint thinning may be required.