Tips & Hints on Painting With an Airless Sprayer

With the proper technique, an airless sprayer can give your paint job a smoother finish than a brush would.

When it comes to painting surfaces in their homes, many savvy homeowners prefer airless sprayers because they can cover an area much more quickly than a roller or a paintbrush and they provide a smooth, even finish. However, using an airless sprayer can be tricky for those who are inexperienced with them because they can be difficult to control. If you are considering an airless sprayer for your next painting job, keep these basic tips in mind to ensure a flawless finish.

Take Safety Precautions

Using an airless sprayer can make a painting job easier and less time-consuming, but it can also be dangerous. Airless sprayers utilize extremely high pressure to push paint from the nozzle, and it is easy to injure yourself if a part of your body winds up too close to the sprayer's tip. Wear protective gear, such as gloves, goggles and rubber boots, while using the sprayer to avoid injury. It is also a good idea to wear a mask if you are sensitive to fumes.

Practice Proper Positioning

Holding an airless sprayer properly during painting is crucial because it ensures a smooth, even application. The sprayer gun should be held firmly but comfortably so cramps do not develop in your hand. Trigger the gun with your index and middle fingers depending on whether you have a two-finger or four-finger gun. Hold the sprayer's fluid hose in your opposite hand, and take care not to trip on the hose as you move around the room. When getting ready to paint a wall or surface, it may help to stand with your feet shoulder-width apart to maintain your balance.

Do Not Use the Maximum Pressure Setting

When you are inexperienced with using an airless sprayer, you may be tempted to use the sprayer on its maximum pressure setting. However, you can do serious damage to your sprayer by wearing out the pump and spray tip if you continually use the sprayer at this setting. In addition, the maximum pressure setting may adversely affect your painting job as well. Instead, use the lowest possible pressure setting that does not create tails as you paint. Your finish will be more even and consistent, and you will waste less paint.

Trigger the Sprayer at the Right Time

The trigger on your airless sprayer controls the flow of paint through the gun. As a result, it is important to trigger the sprayer at the right time to ensure a smooth, even finish. Begin to move the sprayer before you trigger the gun, but let the trigger go before you finish your stroke. Not only does this provide a smoother finisher, it helps preserve your paint supply and avoid puddling on your surface.

Try Not to Overlap

As you move your airless sprayer across the surface that you are painting, try to avoid spraying even the smallest of areas twice. This practice, known as overlapping, wastes paint and creates an uneven finish. Instead, aim your sprayer to hit at the bottom of your last stroke so there is no overlap between the two strokes. Being able to master this technique usually takes practice, but once you are able to avoid overlapping, you will be able to use your sprayer much more efficiently.

References

• This Old House: Choosing and Using Paint Sprayers
• Portland Compressor: Airless Spraying Techniques