Spraying vs Rolling Paint: Which Painting Type Is Best to Use?
Painting may seem to be easier with a spray painting tool. However, some people still prefer using brushes and rollers because they’re more used to these tools and can perfect the paint better with them.
In short, not one or the other is better, as it depends on the person who will paint. But, besides that, there are a few other vital factors to consider such as the surface, time you have, and location to be painted, to name a few.
In this guide, we’ll provide you with the pros and cons of spray painting and rolling paint to help you decide which one is best to use for your project.
Spray painting takes time to learn
If you’re just starting out, spray painting can slow you down. You would have to know how to use it safely, make mistakes, and practice with it.
Typically, people struggle with giving an even coating on the surface using the tool. They may apply the paint off the border and have trickles, or they may overly coat an area.
But as you keep at it, you’ll learn to control it soon.
So, if you want to be safe and are painting your door or wall the first time, then roll painting may be a better option for you. It’s easier to control and beginner-friendly.
Spray painting can reach inaccessible areas
When it comes to reaching narrow spaces and elaborate decor features—like for instance, lap siding, popcorn ceilings, cornices, and bricks—spray painting is better than roll painting.
Aside from that, spray paint can provide a light and even finish. However, the paint won’t adhere if the surface is grimy, so make sure to clean or scrub it out first before spray painting it.
On the contrary, roll painting is advantageous in this regard; it can stick well on dirty walls and ceilings.
Spray painting is prone to oversprays
Because spray painting mists out paint onto a surface at a wide angle, it could create more mess than roll painting because the paint may scatter from the target area.
That’s why it’s crucial to cover adjacent surfaces and areas using a film or drop cloth to protect them from oversprays. Otherwise, you will have to clean them up, which will make the process longer.
Also, it’s better if it’s done outside the house in a dry and cool climate (but not windy) and that no people are nearby because it can harm them due to its chemical content.
Roll painting is more affordable
Roll painting is more affordable than spray painting. You need to get a paint roller, paint, and primer, and you’re good to go.
Spray painting gives you higher initial costs, approximately RM170 or above for higher-end models. Renting one for just a day would surprisingly cost you half of the former, about RM85.
Not to mention that spray painting uses up 33% more paint than roll painting, according to the Bob Vila website. So, even with the same area to be covered, you will end up using more paint and spending more.
Roll painting can match spray painting in speed
Both painting processes take about the same time to do.
While spray painting allows you to coat the surface with paint at the pull of the trigger, you have to first assemble the tool; mask edges and trimmings, windows, floor, and nearby furniture; and cleanup later on.
All the time that you spend on them will add up equal to the speed of doing roll painting whose prep work is relatively simpler.
The Verdict
When You Should Use a Paint Roller
Roll painting is a classic and affordable method of applying paint to your home. If the following applies to you, then rolling paint will suit you:
- You’re an amateur painter
- You’re concerned with safety (paint won’t disperse in the air)
- You want to make minimal mess
- You have a tight budget
When You Should Use a Spray Paint Tool
As you have seen, spray painting needs to be studied and learned first to achieve the best paint finish. However, once you know how to use it, you can work fast and reach the nooks and crannies of a surface.
If the following applies to you, spraying paint is best for you:
- You are experienced with it
- You have the budget for it as well as the paints and primer
- You have to paint hard-to-reach surfaces or ornamental details
- There’s no one in the house at the moment (for safety)
When You Can Do Both Spray Painting and Rolling Paint
Given their distinct advantages, people, whether DIYers or professionals, use them both in what is called the spray and back-roll method.
This is what is mostly used on the rough cladding of a building that is hard to paint with roll painting or spray painting alone.
If the following applies to you, doing spraying and rolling paint is best for you:
- You have a partner painter
- You need to do exterior painting
- You are experienced with this task
- You already have the tools and paints for the job
So, two people are required for doing the job. One will be doing the spray on a ladder, whereas the other will need to roll paint.
The spray painter will go first, while the roll painter follows closely behind him, coating the misted surface to make the paint look brighter and stick better.
Once the surface has dried completely, perform another round of spray and roll painting to set your preferred paint better and make it last longer in the Malaysian climate.