The advantages and drawbacks of spraying paint vs. rolling

Spraying paint is faster than rolling. Additionally, it leaves no marks behind when done right. However, you have less control over how the paint is applied.  With these advantages and drawbacks in mind, here are 5 scenarios when spraying is  always ideal.

1. When you have a large area to complete with a single color or to prime rooms – If you have a large area, you will be repainting and before you use your final coat of paint, you will want to use a primer first, then spraying can be a good option. This will make priming quick and efficient.  After priming, you can spray the ceiling and then finish up the project by rolling the walls.

2. Spraying also can be ideal for surfaces that are textured or uneven – If you’re blacking out a basement ceiling that has a variety of exposed rafters or you’re painting over a popcorn ceiling, sprayers tend to have better coverage and allow for better paint application than a roller with these uneven surfaces.

3. For new construction – In new construction, few things can be as efficient as using a sprayer to prime all the parts of the home.  Additionally, you can spray all your ceilings with a final coat of paint and finish the walls with a roller, or if everything will be the same color spray everything.

4. Sprayers leave smoother finishes and are ideal for cabinet finishing – If you are repainting or painting a cabinet, rollers and brushes can be difficult to prevent any marks from being left behind.  Spraying the kitchen cabinets, particularly the doors which are the most visible element, will ensure a smooth quality finish.  This can be done with an airless paint sprayer or HVLP.  While you can roll or brush cabinets, spraying provides the smoothest finish.

5. For Exterior painting – If you’re painting a large exterior area, spraying can be much more efficient than rolling.  Just ensure you consider masking off all areas you don’t want paint on like windows and roofs.  Additionally, ensure you consider that overspray can travel when caught in the wind.  To prevent issues with overspray, you can spray on non-windy days or use a product like dry fall which is a paint that turns into powder shortly after it's sprayed to minimize any issues with overspray drifting.

When does rolling make sense?

Rolling is an easy way to paint a room and get professional results.  It is also low-cost as you don’t have to buy or rent a paint sprayer. Rolling  takes more time but gives you much more control.  The following are instances when rolling makes a lot of sense. 

1. Painting a small space – If you’re painting a room less than around 750 square feet or painting a home one room at a time, then rolling is usually the way to go.

2. Painting a room with different colors– If the walls of your room and the ceiling will have  different colors,  then rolling is usually best as the extra control will help ensure you keep the ceiling and wall paints separate.  

3. Painting a room with different paint sheens – If your ceiling and walls will have  different paint sheens, you will generally want to consider rolling rather than spraying. However, if everything will be primed with the same primer and then painted over and it’s a large space, then spraying the primer for the whole space and afterward rolling can be a time saver. 

4. Painting a room with a small budget – A paint sprayer can cost a few hundred dollars,  even if rented  cost at least $60 .  Meanwhile, a roller costs a few dollars, and you’re ready to go!

So if you have been trying to decide whether spraying or rolling is best for your paint project, consider the tips above.  By considering the size of space you’re painting, the nature of the surfaces you’re painting, and the finish you want to achieve, you can decide if a paint sprayer makes sense.