Spraying Walls with Paint in No Time

Painting the walls in your home can feel like an overwhelming project, but with the right prep work and tools, spraying walls with paint is actually quite easy and can be done in no time. Spray painting walls allows you to achieve an ultra-smooth finish without the brush marks and uneven coverage that can come with rolling paint onto walls. The key is using the proper spray painting technique and tips to get flawless, professional-looking results. Follow this guide to master spraying walls with paint for your next painting project.

Painting the walls with a sprayer has many advantages over brushing or rolling paint. Spraying applies paint quickly and evenly, with less mess and effort compared to other methods. Sprayers also allow the paint to penetrate cracks and crevices better, creating a seamless look on textured walls. Plus, you'll avoid the tiring arm motions of rolling paint back and forth across large wall sections. Just be sure to take the necessary prep steps first for the best spray painted finish.

Prepping Walls for Spray Painting

Proper prep work is crucial before spraying any paint onto walls. First, clean walls thoroughly by washing away grease, dirt and grime. Scrub walls with a sponge and household cleaner, then rinse. Next, fill any holes, cracks, or imperfections with spackle; let dry completely and sand smooth. This provides the flattest surface possible for spray painting.

For a super smooth finish, you may want to sand the entire wall lightly with fine grit sandpaper. This "de-glosses" the wall so paint adheres well. Then wipe away all sanding dust using a microfiber cloth soaked in soapy water. Let walls dry fully before spraying. Lastly, use painter's tape to mask off trimwork, baseboards, outlets, and any nearby furniture or surfaces. This protects them from paint overspray.

Choosing the Right Sprayer

Selecting the proper paint sprayer for walls is key to achieving flawless results. Airless paint sprayers are likely your best choice for most interior wall painting projects. Airless sprayers use hydraulic pressure to push paint through the tip, generating a fine spray pattern. This allows you to paint walls quickly while getting into grooves and textures easily.

Look for an airless sprayer that offers adjustable pressure settings to customize paint flow. Models like the Graco Magnum Project Painter Plus are designed for broad wall coverage and have enough power to spray heavy paint. Just attach the correct nozzle tip size - likely .015" to .021" - for optimal paint atomization.

Alternatively, High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) sprayers are also suitable for spraying walls, especially when you want maximum control over the paint spray pattern. HVLP sprayers work at lower psi for finer finish work. You'll have to refill paint more often, but HVLP gives you pinpoint precision.

Choosing the Right Paint

When selecting paint for your walls, interior latex or acrylic paints are best for spraying. Oil-based paints are not recommended for walls as they tend to create runs and drips. The lighter weight and consistency of latex paint allows it to atomize well through sprayer tips.

Choose a high quality paint from reputable brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, or Behr. Stay away from cheap paints which can lead to an uneven finish. Always opt for paint grades labeled "low spatter" that are formulated not to speckle when sprayed. Matte or eggshell finishes hide flaws best on walls.

Check that the paint you select is designed specifically for indoor use and meets VOC regulations. Also ensure any old paint layers are fully removed or primed first so the new coat adheres properly. Buy enough paint to complete the entire project to avoid variances between batches.

How to Spray Paint Walls

Once your workspace is prepped and your materials are ready, it's time to start spray painting. First, strain the paint through a paint strainer or nylon stocking to catch any debris that could clog the spray tip. Then thin the paint slightly with water, about 10% dilution, so it flows easily through the sprayer.

Test your spray pattern on cardboard before spraying walls. Adjust the fluid pressure and fan width controls to fine-tune the spray. Holding the spray gun perpendicular to the surface, spray back and forth horizontally while walking vertically down the wall. Apply light, even coats using smooth sweeping motions.

Work methodically in sections for best control. Start at the top of the wall spraying side to side, overlapping each pass by about 50%. This prevents holidays or missed spots. Don't hold the sprayer closer than 8 inches or further than 1 foot from the wall's surface. Going outside this range can lead to uneven coverage.

Maintain consistent speed and distance as you spray paint. Get into corners by spraying along the edges first. Periodically bounce back further to catch the middle of the wall. Watch for paint build up and drips; stop to brush them out before resuming. Always keep the sprayer aimed perpendicular to the surface, avoiding angling it too far which causes runs.

Applying Multiple Coats

When spraying walls, apply 2-3 thin, wet coats rather than one thick coat. Thinner coats dry faster and create a more uniform, professional finish. Thick coats take longer to dry, so you risk paint sagging or running. Let each coat dry at least 2 hours before adding the next layer. Check for full curing before moving on.

As you apply coats, frequently step back and scrutinize the entire wall to spot areas needing more paint. Touch up thin patches between coats. On your final coat, feather out paint starting 6 inches beyond repair areas to blend seamlessly. With multiple thin coats, spray painted walls look stunningly smooth and consistent.

Follow these key tips when spraying walls with paint to get picture-perfect results:

• Cover floors, nearby furniture, and outlets completely with plastic sheeting to prevent paint splatters.
• Wear painter's coveralls, gloves, goggles, and a respirator mask to protect yourself.
• Provide adequate airflow by opening doors and windows to ventilate the room.
• Work methodically in 4 ft x 4 ft sections across each wall for easiest coverage.
• Keep your spraying pace steady as you move the sprayer across and down the wall.
• Periodically shake the sprayer canister to prevent paint settling.
• Backroll behind the sprayer with a damp roller to catch any drips or sags.
• Apply painter's tape borders along ceilings, baseboards, and trim to contain overspray.

You can achieve professional looking results with the right preparation and spraying techniques. Spray painting allows you to coat walls quickly and evenly for a seamless, flawless finish. Just invest time in proper masking, prep work, and choosing the optimal sprayer and paint. Then maintain proper sprayer distance and overlap your strokes. With some practice and these tips, you'll be spraying walls like a pro in no time!