For generations, the traditional method of decorating—brushing for cutting-in and rolling for coverage—has been the standard. However, the rise of modern equipment has introduced airless spray painting as a highly efficient and technically superior alternative for many projects. As a homeowner, understanding the difference is key to deciding whether a traditional painter or a spray painting specialist is the best fit for your walls.
If you only have 5 minutes, here’s a quick comparison of the two styles:
| Feature | Airless Spray Painting | Traditional Roller Application |
| Speed | Extremely fast (often 3x to 5x faster than rolling). | Moderate, limited by physical effort and size of the roller. |
| Finish | Flawless, factory-smooth finish. No roller stipple (orange peel texture) or brush marks. | Slight ‘stipple’ or texture remains; finish quality depends heavily on roller nap choice and technique. |
| Preparation | Extensive. Requires masking everything that is not being painted (floors, windows, ceilings, trim). | Minimal masking required; usually just edges and skirting. |
| Waste/Overspray | High risk of overspray; significant material waste if not done professionally. | Very low waste; near-total paint transfer to the surface. |
When is airless spray painting more cost effective?
The primary driver for using an airless system is the cost-to-speed ratio, which becomes highly favourable on larger projects. The high upfront labour cost of the extensive masking is quickly offset by the reduced time spent on paint application.
Best scenarios for a spray painting:
- New Builds and Renovations: When a house is completely empty, airless spraying is the most efficient choice for walls and ceilings.
- Large Open Plan Areas: Lofts, open-plan kitchen/living areas, or high-ceiling stairwells where covering large, continuous areas is critical.
- Cabinets and Joinery: Spraying provides the best finish for kitchen cabinet doors, fitted wardrobes, and internal doors, giving a durable, near-perfect factory look that is difficult to achieve with a brush.
- Exterior Masonry and Cladding: A professional can quickly and evenly apply masonry paint to a house exterior, ensuring a uniform texture and maximum penetration into the substrate.
Scenarios where a roller is better:
- Small, Occupied Rooms: Bedrooms or small offices where the time spent on complex, careful masking outweighs the time saved by spraying.
- Textured Surfaces: Highly textured wallpapers or surfaces where spray atomisation might not fully cover the deep profile of the texture.
- Touching Up: Spraying is not suitable for small touch-ups; spot repairs should always be done with a brush or roller.
Hiring a professional with the right spray technique
It might look easy, but air-spraying a room is no mean feat. The technique is difficult and involves careful control:
- Tip Selection: The correct tip size must be chosen based on the paint viscosity (e.g., masonry paint requires a much wider tip than emulsion). The wrong tip leads to runs or poor atomisation.
- Fan Pattern: The painter must maintain a consistent distance and angle from the wall to ensure a smooth, overlapping fan pattern and prevent ‘striping’ or uneven coverage.
- Pressure Adjustment: The correct pressure must be set to atomise the paint without creating excessive mist (overspray).
A skilled painting specialist ensures the finished look is pristine, with sharply defined lines between surfaces—a hallmark of quality that only comes from expert masking and precise technique. When considering the costs, remember that you are paying for speed and a superior finish, plus for peace of mind.
With Rated People, you have the power to get it done. Find a trusted, local tradesperson today.
