Spray Painting Your House Exterior: Worth The Effort?

Spray painting the exterior of your house can be a great option if you're looking for a quick, efficient, and consistent finish. It can be faster than traditional roll-on paint or brushes, and can easily reach tight spaces and corners. However, spray painting can also be more expensive, and it may be harder for beginners to control the spray and prevent splatter. Let's explore the pros and cons in more detail to help you decide if spray painting is the right choice for your house exterior.

Spray painting is faster and more consistent than traditional roll-on paint

Spray painting is a faster and more consistent method than traditional roll-on paint when painting the exterior of a house. Spraying paint is faster as it can cover more areas in less time and with fewer coats. It is also more consistent as it provides a smoother finish without brush strokes or lap marks.

Spray painting is faster than roll-on paint as it can cover more areas in a shorter amount of time. With a roller, you have to manually cover every square inch by rolling over it. In contrast, a paint sprayer sprays out paint at an impressive speed and with a wide spread. This makes your job quicker, especially since a spray paint job affects how many coats of paint you need, reducing the number of coats compared to rolling. One person can paint a small home in a day with a sprayer, whereas rolling paint on a house can take an hour or more.

Spray painting also provides a more consistent finish than roll-on paint. When used correctly, spraying paint leaves a smoother finish than paint rollers without brush strokes or lap marks. While it is possible to achieve a smooth finish with both spray and roll-on paint, using a sprayer typically produces the same results from fewer coats and less overall effort. Spray painting is also better at reaching nooks and crannies and covering textured surfaces than roll-on paint.

However, it is important to note that spray painting may be harder for beginners and is more expensive than roll-on paint. Spray painting requires more preparation and clean-up time, as well as additional tools like a paint sprayer and up to 30% more paint to account for overspray. It can also be difficult to control the spray and prevent splatter, especially for those who are not experienced with a paint sprayer.

Therefore, when deciding between spray painting and traditional roll-on paint for the exterior of a house, consider factors such as your budget, skill level, and the amount of work you are willing to do.

Spray painting is more expensive than roll-on paint

Spray painting is a popular method for painting the exterior of a house due to its speed and efficiency. However, it is important to consider the costs involved, as spray painting can be more expensive than traditional roll-on paint methods.

One of the main reasons spray painting is more costly is the additional equipment required. Spray painting involves the use of a paint sprayer, which can be rented for approximately $40 per day or purchased for around $100 to $400. In contrast, the tools needed for roll-on paint, such as rollers, paint pans, and brushes, are typically much cheaper and can be purchased for less than $50.

Another factor contributing to the higher cost of spray painting is the increased paint consumption. Sprayers can use up to 30% more paint than rollers due to overspray and paint drift. This means that more paint needs to be purchased for a spray painting project, further increasing the overall cost.

The preparation and clean-up process for spray painting can also add to the expense. Spray painting requires extensive masking and taping of areas that are not being painted, which can be time-consuming and require additional materials. Additionally, proper clean-up of the sprayer after each use is essential to prevent clogging and ensure the equipment remains usable.

Furthermore, spray painting may require more practice and skill to achieve a smooth and even finish. Inexperience with a paint sprayer can lead to an uneven or blotchy finish, which may necessitate additional costs for repainting or touch-ups.

Overall, while spray painting offers advantages in terms of speed and coverage, it is important to consider the higher costs associated with the equipment, paint consumption, preparation, and clean-up. For those on a budget or with limited painting experience, roll-on paint may be a more cost-effective and accessible option for painting the exterior of their house.

Spray painting is harder to control and can splatter

Spray painting is a great way to update the look of your house, but it can be tricky to control and can result in splatter if you don't follow some basic tips. Here are some paragraphs to help you master spray painting and avoid those unwanted splatters!

Practice Makes Perfect

Spray painting can be challenging, especially for beginners. The best way to improve your skills is to practice, practice, practice. The more you spray paint, the better control you will have. Start with simple shapes and outlines, and gradually move on to more complex techniques.

Choose the Right Spray Paint

Not all spray paints are created equal. When it comes to exterior house painting, opt for a professional-grade spray paint designed for this purpose. Avoid spray paints meant for cars or furniture, as they have different formulas and valve pressures. Look for brands that are specifically designed for exterior use and provide a smooth and even finish.

Prepare the Surface

Before you start spray painting, make sure the surface is properly prepared. Clean and sand the surface to create a smooth base for the paint to adhere to. Cover any areas you don't want to be painted, such as windows or plants, with plastic sheeting or drop cloths. This will help prevent unwanted splatter and ensure a clean, precise finish.

Maintain a Firm Grip

A firm grip on the spray paint can is essential for good control. Hold the can securely, just as you would a pen, to achieve clean lines and small details. A loose grip can lead to shaky and uneven lines, increasing the risk of splatter.

Control Your Distance

The distance between the spray can and the surface you're painting matters. The further away you hold the can, the wider the spray pattern will be. For thinner lines and more precise control, bring the can closer to the surface. Maintain a consistent distance as you spray to avoid splatter and create even coverage.

Use the Right Technique

Your body posture and movement play a crucial role in spray painting. Instead of just moving your wrist or arm, use your whole body to create smooth and controlled lines. This is especially important for long lines, as it helps keep the can parallel to the surface, resulting in a more uniform finish.

Work in Sections

When spray painting a large surface like a house exterior, it's best to work in sections. Start at the top and work your way down. Spray the outer edges first and then fill in the centre, always maintaining a consistent distance and speed. Overlapping your spray passes by about 50% will help create an even finish without splatter.

Spray painting is more durable than roll-on paint

Spray painting is a great option for painting the exterior of your house. It is faster and more consistent than traditional roll-on paint, producing a smooth finish and even coverage. Spray painting is also a good option if you want to avoid the arm workout that comes with rolling on paint!

While spray painting may be harder for beginners, it is a more durable option than roll-on paint. This is because sprayers can reach into the narrowest crevices, laying down a thin coat of paint that won't pool or drip. With a roller, you may need to apply a thicker coat of paint to get the same coverage, which can lead to patchiness and an uneven surface.

Additionally, spray painting is a better option for reaching difficult areas, such as high eaves or out-of-the-way gables. With a roller, you may need to use a ladder to reach these areas, which can be tricky and unsafe.

Spray painting is also a good option if you want to avoid the extensive prep work that comes with rolling on paint. With a roller, you need to mask off and tape up every inch that you don't want to be painted, which can be time-consuming and tedious.

Overall, spray painting is a faster, more durable, and more consistent option than roll-on paint for the exterior of your house. It produces a smooth finish, avoids the need for extensive prep work, and can reach difficult areas that a roller can't.

Spray painting is better for covering large areas

Spray painting is a great option for covering the exterior of your house, especially if you want to cover large areas. Here's why:

Speed and Efficiency

Spray painting is a fast and efficient way to cover large exterior areas of your home. It can be done in a fraction of the time it takes to paint with traditional rollers or brushes. This is a significant advantage, especially if you want to quickly refresh the look of your home's facade.

Smooth and Uniform Finish

Spray painting provides a smooth, uniform, and flawless finish. It is free of brush or roller marks, leaving your exterior with a modern and sleek appearance that is both visually appealing and protective. The spray technique ensures a consistent application, resulting in a high-quality finish.

Reach Difficult Areas

Spray painting is ideal for reaching difficult and high areas, such as eaves or gables. It can easily cover intricate trim work and ensure that every nook and cranny is adequately painted. This makes it a versatile option for painting various exterior surfaces and architectural details.

Longevity and Durability

Contrary to popular belief, spray painting can be just as long-lasting and durable as traditional roll-on paint, depending on the type of paint used. For example, acrylic paint will last longer than latex paint, regardless of the application method. Spray painting can provide a protective coating that stands the test of time.

Consistency and Coverage

Spray painting offers consistent coverage and a smooth finish. It typically requires fewer coats and less overall effort to achieve the desired results. The absence of brush strokes gives a seamless and professional look to your exterior walls.

While spray painting has its advantages, it is important to consider the prep work, cleanup, and potential for uneven coverage if proper techniques are not applied. Additionally, factors like wind and temperature can impact the spray painting process. Nevertheless, with the right techniques and conditions, spray painting can be an excellent choice for covering large exterior areas of your house.

Frequently asked questions