TO SPRAY PAINT OR ROLL PAINT YOUR WALLS? AN EASY BREAKDOWN

You’ve decided to paint your own walls, but have you thought about how? Head to a paint supply shop and they’re likely to suggest a variety of rollers, but that isn’t your only option. For some, using a paint sprayer eliminates many of the annoyances of a roller. On the other hand, it can take more preparation and requires a higher skill level. All of this is to say: you should weigh your options before sealing the deal—and your walls—with a painting technique. To make sense of roll painting vs. spray painting, interior designer and Clare paint founder Nicole Gibbons shares some of her best advice for preparing and achieving results you’ll be truly satisfied with.

PAINTING WITH A ROLLER

“A roller is the best applicator to use for the vast majority of common household paint projects,” says Nicole Gibbons, founder of Clare. “A nine-inch roller is what you’ll want to use for rolling large surface areas such as walls or ceilings, and you don’t need to be highly skilled.” So long as you use a high-quality roller, this method is a foolproof way to insure your walls are evenly-painted and that the layer of paint is thick enough. “Low-quality roller covers will shed hairs, leaving fuzzy lint to dry into your paint and ruin your finish,” Gibbons adds.

“Cheap roller covers also have a weak inner core that will start to dissolve when it comes into contact with your paint, which can also cause it to slide off the roller frame during application.” In addition to a nine-inch roller, Gibbons suggests punching a four-and-a-half inch roller for smaller surface areas and to increase precision.

PROS:

·      Great for beginners: Even with no experience in painting, the roller is simple and easy to use.

·      Can be paired with an extension pole: This allows for added reach and a less strained painting experience.

·      Minimal clean-up or maintenance: Simply wash the roller with soap and water and you're good to go.

·      Relatively inexpensive: While it is important that you choose a high-quality roller that won't shed, the tools themselves are inexpensive in comparison to other paint tools.

CONS:

·      Hard to use on textured surfaces: With surfaces like a popcorn ceiling, a standard paint roller can be ineffective in filling in small nooks or bumps.

·      Time consuming in large spaces: While preparation is quick, you will have to roll over every inch of your walls—usually twice—while being cautious of creating an even finish.

·      More meticulous: You don't want to create any gaps in paint or areas that are thicker than others, so it is important to be meticulous and take your time.

·      Can be messy during use: Paint can drip, and the exposed nature of a roller means that you will need to be very careful to not hit into anything you don't want painted.

PAINTING WITH A SPRAYER

“Using a paint sprayer is a great option when you are painting a new build or empty space, or covering very large surface areas (ex. all of your ceilings or your home’s exterior),” Gibbons says. “The paint sprays out in a fine even mist which helps you achieve the most pristine finish when painting surfaces like cabinets, doors, or other millwork.” Paint sprayers are very fast, and—once you get the hang of it—very easy. Gibbons suggests getting used to a paint sprayer before painting the desired space. For first-timers, practicing on a wood plank or other scraps is a great way to get adjusted. “Once you get the hang of it, large areas can be painted easier and faster than with a roller and you are left with a beautiful, smooth finish.”

PROS:

·      Covers large areas quickly: Because you are using a sprayer, much more ground will be covered with one swipe of a spray. Be sure to know the width of the spray to insure you don't paint anything unplanned.

·      Creates a smooth and pristine finish: Unlike a roller, the device has full control of the evenness of its spray, leaving the guess work out.

·      Great for filling the gaps in textured surfaces: Sprayers will tackle complicated textures and small crevices, coating any space with an even and thin layer.

·      Gives a better finish on non-flat surfaces: Using a roller on rounded surfaces can be a challenge for non-experiences painters, while a sprayer requires the same technique regardless of the surface shape.

CONS:

·      Requires practice before use: A sprayer is a powerful tool, so getting to know how yours works (spray width, thickness, etc.) is extremely important before you begin painting your walls.

·      Requires extensive masking and preparation: “Sprayers always have some level of overspray so you have to mask your entire space and cover literally everything inch of your space if you don’t want to risk paint getting on your belongings,” Gibbons says.

Paint sprayers require cleaning and maintenance after each use: “They can clog and are a pain to clean, she adds. “There are hoses and nozzles and pumps and lots of other parts you have to clean out after every single use.”

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