Spraying vs. rolling paint on walls...?

Question

Does it make much of a difference if you spray paint your walls (w/a pressure sprayer) instead of rolling the paint on? I've only seen examples of paint being rolled on walls, so I'm guessing it must, but it sure seems like it would save some time...
If it does make a difference as far as paint is concerned, what about primer? Is spraying a viable shortcut with that, at least?

Answer 1

Spraying cost more to rent or buy the equipment, and to mask off everything and cover with plastic. Using a roller is cheaper and quicker. Things to consider, don't go cheap on materials. Buy a microfiber roller ($5), it holds more paint, and doesn't splatter. Quality paint ($21 a gallon) covers better, I like Kiltz, it's almost one coat coverage in most cases. I don't use paint pans, too messy, easy to spill paint from. Get a 5 gallon paint buckets ($5 ) and a “painters screen” ($3). I put a heavy duty trash can liner in the bucket, after I'm done painting I tear a hole in the bottom and squeeze the excess paint back into the can. Handy too if you are taking a break, just tie off the bag, keeps stuff from getting in the paint (like pets). If you get more than one gallon of paint, even though the paint store says both gallons are the exact same color, sometimes they aren't. Dump both gallons into the paint bucket, and mix. Now you will have the same color paint, you can dump the excess paint back into the can when done. Use blue painters tape ($9) a roll to mask off door frames and stuff you don't want to get paint on. Cover the floor, I get the free newspapers that make a good drop cloth. Have a wet rag handy to immediately wipe up any paint that gets on the carpet or anywhere else.

Answer 2

Paint Sprayer Vs Roller

Answer 3

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RE:
Spraying vs. rolling paint on walls...?
Does it make much of a difference if you spray paint your walls (w/a pressure sprayer) instead of rolling the paint on? I've only seen examples of paint being rolled on walls, so I'm guessing it must, but it sure seems like it would save some time...
If it does make a difference as far as...

Answer 4

I've painted houses many times always using rollers and brushes. Recently I heard that spraying doesn't do as good a job as by hand and I think thats true. I don't think the spray gets all the places as well as being up close and making sure you've got it really covered. I'm currently painting a house and using Duramax, which has primer in it. I like the paint and find it covers well and drys fast. I don't know if there are any other brands that have primer in them, but if there are I would try them too. Who wants to primer first and then paint - yet its supposed to be important to primer, so I'll use paint with primer in it.

Answer 5

It is very hard to control the flow of paint with a paint sprayer, it would go on the wood work, ceilings and settle everywhere if there is a draft. The nicest way is to roll it on. You need to go around the ceiling, wood work, windows etc with a brush. It is best to put a primer coat on first that is close to the color you have chose for better coverage. Another thing about rolling it on you get a good coverage in indented or rough areas. If this is a older house you are going to find this. Time isn't always the factor in painting, to do a good job you have to honor process. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Rolling. It is easier to correct imperfections with a roller than spray. Because your distance and sweep of the airbrush can vary between walls...you are likely to make uneven painting. Also, the pressure and distributions can vary that can cause the paint to drip.

When rolling...make W's as you paint. You'll get a good even paint on the wall. If you also want texture or design, you can easily achieve it with a roller.

Answer 7

I spray my houses but they are new and there is nothing in them, No carpet or tile. The Overspray goes everywhere. If this is a finished home roll it the coverage is better and the job will look nicer. Sometimes I have to re-roll certain areas we sprayed because the sprayer can leave streaks. Also I own my sprayer and it is perfectly clean. The sprayers you can rent are dirty junk that do not spay well and I have had no luck and do not sudgest you bother with them. If speed is what your looking for they do make a 2' roller set up. That works really well.

Answer 8

Spraying isn't a short cut, unless you are remodeling the inside of an entire house. When you spray, you will need to back roll the paint to ensure you get good and even coverage. So, no, typically, spray painting is not a viable alternative unless the house is pretty much empty, otherwise it's more work than is necessary.

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Answer 9

You tend to get better coverage with a roller as people usually spray less on the wall with a sprayer.

Also, as far as primer, if you are going over a badly stained wall (like in a kitchen) or over old glossy paint, you may want to use a primer to get more even coverage, otherwise, you may end up with some spots more shiny than others.

My grand-dad used to say, "anything worth doing is worth doing right" so do it right the 1st time.

Answer 10

Unless you are professional, with all of the equipment, spraying is a lot of prep and work. Spray goes everywhere inside. Not the best idea if you don't know what you are doing.