How Much Time Can Be Saved With a Paint Sprayer

Is there a way to save time when painting?  How much time can you save?

There is a better way. A paint sprayer can give you the same results without the same level of physical effort. When using a paint sprayer instead of a brush, but you’ll finish the job in an afternoon.  Instead of a weekend. 

do paint sprayers save time
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Why Do Paint Sprayers Save So Much Time?

Painting with a brush or a roller requires a deft touch. You can’t use too much paint because doing so causes the paint to run. Then you’ve got to fix those runs.

Getting into edges and corners can be particularly difficult.

If you don’t use enough paint, then you’re left with trying to give yourself a consistent look while adding a second or even a third coat to your project.

With a paint sprayer, you can get great results with just one coat. This is because the sprayer will create droplets of paint which then “splash” out onto your wall.

How much Time Does a Paint Sprayer Save?

One slow horizontal pass with your paint sprayer at 10-12 inches is like making 3-4 passes with a brush or a roller.

In practical terms, this means you can save between 15-30 seconds on each pass you make with a paint sprayer when compared to traditional painting methods.

That might not seem like a lot at first, but then multiply that time savings across the number of passes you need to take to paint a fence, home, or exterior wall.

Another advantage of using a paint sprayer is that it can provide a more even and uniform coat of paint on surfaces, which can help to reduce the number of coats needed to achieve the desired finish. This can further save time and reduce the amount of paint required for the job.

That’s why paint sprayers are such effective tools.

Does spraying or rolling use more paint?

Using a paint sprayer for your paint job means having to buy more paint than if you were just rolling or brushing it on. HVLP paint sprayers use the least amount of paint so they are great for beginners.  With an HVLP you will use 20% or so more paint.  An airless paint sprayer will use 40-50% more paint.

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How Long Does Spray Paint Take To Dry?

The amount of paint that you spray with each pass is less than when you brush or roll on your paint.  Given that thinner layers of paint are applied with you spray, it will take less time for the paint to dry. 

You will be able to apply more coats in a shorter amount of time.  So, when you’re painting, how long is it for spray paint to cure?

Under ideal conditions, which are about 65 to 80 degrees, you can apply another coat of spray paint within 1-2 hours.  Test your paint in a hidden area to make sure it is dry enough to apply a second or third coat.  Check out our detailed post about how long should paint dry between coats.

PRO TIP
Backrolling should be done in between each coat of paint. Backrolling ensures even coverage and proper blending. In the future, if you have to do touch ups with a brush or roller, backrolling ensures that the touch up will blend in with the sprayed paint. Get a helper or a friend to backroll behind you as you spray paint.

How Long Does it Take to Paint a Room

All things considered, we will only talk about the time it takes to actually paint the room.  Of course, as part of the preparation work, there is masking, sanding, cutting in, covering windows, and fixing any cracks and dents.

It’s hard to give an answer other than: it depends.  How long to paint a room can vary considerably.  It depends on how big your room is, your painting experience and where you live (humidity, temperature). 

Higher temps and lower humidity will make your painting go by very quickly.  The paint dries and cures faster under those ideal conditions.

Pro painters can get the first coat and backroll done pretty quickly.  If you are a DIYer, this will take you more time. 

You then wait about 24 hours and spray a second coat.  Save yourself some more time and start painting your next room while you wait for the first coat to dry.

How You Can Save Even More Time 

Paint sprayers are great tools to own.  But they do require some ongoing maintenance to make sure they’re performing as well as they can.

It is important to make sure you clean out your paint sprayer after every paint job so that dried paint can’t interfere with the mechanisms. You can buy specialty cleaning kits online.

Paint Sprayer Maintenance

Washing out any hoses and other accessories is also a best practice to prevent clogging, low pressure, or paint splatters.

You can save a lot of time on your cleaning and maintenance by investing into a paint sprayer that can hook up to a standard garden hose to be cleaned.

If you need to use an air compressor or other tool to help make your paint sprayer work, then be sure to give these extra tools some love as well.

Change the oil in them if necessary, use extension cords of an appropriate grade and length, and store them as instructed by the manufacturer for best results.

If you take care of your paint sprayer, you will create a stunning result that will leave you with a feeling of pride.

Find your perfect paint tool and experience saving time with a paint sprayer today.

Properly Prepare Your Paint Surfaces

Proper surface preparation is essential to ensure a smooth and even finish when using a paint sprayer. This includes cleaning the surface, repairing any cracks or holes, and sanding the surface to create a smooth and even surface.

Using the Right Paint

Using the right paint for the job can help to save time and improve the quality of the finish. Choose a paint that is compatible with your paint sprayer and is appropriate for the surface being painted.

Cleaning Your Sprayer after You Use it

Properly cleaning the paint sprayer after use can help to prolong its lifespan and ensure that it functions properly the next time you use it. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and storing the sprayer.

Conclusion

Using a paint sprayer can save you a significant amount of time when painting surfaces compared to traditional painting tools such as brushes and rollers. However, the actual time savings will depend on several factors, including the size and complexity

FAQs

Can a paint sprayer be used indoors?

Yes! Paint sprayers will crush your indoor painting jobs in no time. They create a fine mist of paint that splashed onto your interior walls so you will need to cover everything that you aren’t painting with plastic sheeting or newspaper and tape it down. Check out our post on the best indoor paint sprayers for detailed information.