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How to Use a Spray Paint Machine
Spray paint machines are handy tools when it comes to decorating. They are used to apply paint onto a range of surfaces and can cover large spaces as well as more intricate areas. Whether you’re revamping your client’s garden shed or adding a fresh coat of paint to a wall, a handheld paint spray gun is the ideal tool for the job.
Paint sprayers are quick and easy to use when you know how. They can make even the largest decorating jobs much more straightforward. Read on for our complete guide on using a handheld spray paint machine.
Types of Handheld Paint Sprayers
The two main types of handheld paint sprayers are Airless and HVLP.
Airless
Airless paint sprayers work by pumping paint through the tip of the sprayer via an electric pump. The end of the sprayer is specially designed to distribute the paint in even tiny droplets. Airless paint sprayers are suitable for all types of paint. They provide uniform coverage and fast paint delivery – perfect for painting large walls.
One of the downsides to airless paint sprayers is that they aren’t suitable for intricate areas. This is because they produce paint rapidly, and there is the potential for overspray.
High-Volume Low-Pressure (HVLP)
High-volume low-pressure (HVLP) paint sprayers operate with lower pressure than airless paint sprayers. This means that less paint is produced from the tip. The paint mixes with air molecules which work to pressurise it. HVLP paint sprayers are ideal for intricate jobs such as painting trims. They are generally easier to control than airless sprayers and create less mess.
HVLP paint sprayers are less suited to volume work. They’re also only suitable for use with thinner paints due to their low pressure.
Other Types of Spray Paint Machines
Other types of spray paint machines include:
Low-volume low pressure (LVLP) paint machines – these paint machines are portable and much smaller than other types. They only require around 10PSI to operate.
Compressed air paint machines – these paint machines use a compressor to atomise the paint.
If you don’t want to use a handheld paint machine, you can browse our range of electric paint sprayers here.
The Benefits of Using a Spray Paint Machine
The main benefits of using a spray paint machine include:
Even paint coverage – using a spray paint machine ensures all surfaces are covered evenly with paint.
Fast paint distribution – spray paint machines allow you to complete decorating tasks faster.
How to Prepare Surfaces for Spraying
Proper preparation is needed before spraying a wall. This means paying particular attention to the surfaces to ensure an even distribution of paint. And of course, you should also make sure you’re familiar with using a paint sprayer before beginning your decorating project.
Preparing a wall for spraying requires pretty much the same steps as preparing a wall for painting with a brush or roller. Before going ahead with painting, it’s important to protect the room with dust sheets, remove any imperfections on the wall, clean the surface and prime the surface.
Prepare the Room with Plastic Dust Sheets and Painter’s Tape
Although this is an obvious step, it’s important to protect any areas of the room that you don’t intend to paint. We recommend prepping the room with plastic dust sheets and using painter’s tape to block off any doors or windows that you don’t want to be sprayed with paint. This is especially important when using a paint sprayer, as paint from the nozzle can spray a large area.
Cover any switches and light fittings with tape to prevent any paint from seeping into the electrical workings. Make sure to ventilate the area by opening windows and doors.
Remember to protect yourself by wearing a dust mask and goggles.
Remove Imperfections
It’s important to ensure that you’re working with a smooth surface when using a paint sprayer. If you’re painting on bare wood, this means getting rid of any loose or peeling paint and filling in any dents or cracks. Use medium to fine grain sandpaper to lightly sand down the surface for an even finish. Make sure to remove any wallpaper before spray painting.
Clean the Surface
Once you’ve removed any imperfections, rinse the surface with water to get rid of any dust or debris that may be left. Leave to dry.
Prime the Surface
Priming is a crucial step when preparing your surface for spraying. A good primer protects the surface and helps to make it smooth. For quick application, use a roller to apply primer onto the surface.
Our huge selection of paint primers has all the products you need for your decorating projects.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
Wondering how to operate an airless paint sprayer or another type of paint sprayer to get your desired decorating results? Discover our expert tips below.
Check beforehand:
HVLP paint sprayers – if you’re using a HVLP paint sprayer, remember to thin the paint before beginning your project. This is so that it doesn’t clog the nozzle.
Spray test on cardboard – it’s important to spray test the paint on a piece of cardboard before you begin spraying the entire surface. This is to ensure that the paint coverage and distribution are exactly to your liking. If they aren’t, you may need to increase the spray pressure or change the type of nozzle you’re using.
During application:
Leave a suitable distance between you and the surface – make sure to spray the paint from a distance of 8 to 12 inches. Keep the paint machine at a consistent distance from the surface.
Apply the paint in thin coats – for best results, use a side-to-side motion with the paint sprayer. Distribute paint across the entire surface rather than concentrating on one section at a time.
Use nozzle extensions if required – if you’re working with an airless paint sprayer, you may need to use nozzle extensions. These allow for easier access to hard-to-reach areas.
Spray corners and edges first – for even application, we recommend spraying corners and edges before moving to the surfaces.
After application:
Allow adequate drying time – once you’ve finished painting, allow sufficient drying time before applying more coats.
Clean the paint sprayer after use – it’s essential to clean your paint sprayer thoroughly after use. Wondering how to clean a Graco airless sprayer? Discover our complete guide here.