Every painting pro is well aware of the most costly part of any job: labor. It’s also widely known that paint sprayers can enable you to complete more jobs in less time – a lot less time.
In fact, paint sprayers can get the job done 3-4x faster than traditional rollers. For high-production commercial jobs, the result can climb as high as 10x faster.
Those numbers are significant when considering the big-picture aspects of running a profitable and efficient business. Simply put, with the right paint sprayer, you can increase profits. And because paint sprayers provide better and more uniform coverage, your customers will appreciate the results, as well.
For these reasons and more, a paint sprayer is a sound business investment. But what if you’re not sure which sprayer is right for you? Titan is here to help.
Paint Sprayers 101
There are three main categories of sprayers in the industry today – airless, HVLP, and air-assisted airless. In general terms, airless sprayers can be viewed as substitutes for rollers, while HVLP (high-volume, low-pressure) sprayers essentially serve as substitutes for brushes.
- Airless sprayers are best suited for larger, flatter applications like interior and exterior walls, ceilings, barns, water towers, or bridges. When thinking of airless sprayers, most pros think of speed and efficiency.
- HVLP sprayers are designed for smaller, more complex objects like furniture, cabinets, molding, handrails, or gutters. They are perfect for projects in need of precision and intricate detail.
- Air-assisted airless sprayers are typically used for projects that require the speed of an airless sprayer with the precision of an HVLP.
Airless Sprayers
Airless paint sprayers are by far the most common among U.S. contractors, with about 73% of all paint sprayer usage falling into the airless category. Here are some key questions to consider when discussing airless sprayer models with your equipment dealer.
1. For what types of jobs will the airless sprayer be used?
Think about the kind of work you do, whether residential, commercial, industrial, or property maintenance. Depending on the size of your current and future crew, you can help prepare by choosing a sprayer that can meet the needs of today while also supporting your business growth plans.
2. What types of coatings do you typically use?
The weight of the coating you use is key to choosing the right airless sprayer and components. The Titan Impact 440, for example, will handle all standard architectural coatings, but if you’re looking to spray block fillers or other heavy coatings, you’d be better off checking out our Impact 740 or 1040.
Here’s a general breakdown of coatings by weight:
- Light to medium coatings: stains, lacquers, enamels, oils, latex
- Medium to heavy coatings: primers, block fillers, elastomerics
3. What tip sizes do you need?
Generally speaking, smaller spray tips are used for light to medium coatings like stains and lacquers, while larger tips are typically reserved for heavier coatings like primers and block fillers.
It also helps to understand the three-digit tip numbering system used by tip manufacturers. In the case of the common 517 tip, the first digit (5) doubled plus two is the approximate spray pattern (i.e., 5 x 2 = 10 + 2 for a 10-to-12-inch spray pattern). The second and third digits (17) represent the size of the orifice (opening) in thousands of an inch. The orifice regulates the volume of paint, so the larger the number, the more paint that will pass through the tip.
Because paint is abrasive, the tip’s orifice gets larger over time, which increases flow rate and decreases fan pattern width. Because of this, it’s smart to buy a paint sprayer that’s 10-20% more powerful than the tip you plan to use.
4. How many guns will you need?
Many residential contractors only need sprayers that can accommodate one gun, but larger commercial or industrial contractors may want several crew members siphoning off the same coatings reservoir, which requires multiple guns (and larger sprayers). Whatever your situation, make sure your sprayer can accommodate the number of guns you’ll need.
5. How many gallons will you spray per week?
Before choosing a sprayer, you’ll need to estimate your weekly volume. Here are general guidelines for latex paint – but keep in mind that thicker coatings have different requirements.
|
Gallons per week - latex |
Sprayer size |
Gallons per minute (gpm) |
Tip size |
|
10-50 |
Entry-level contractor sprayer |
Under 1/2 gpm |
Capable of a .021” maximum tip size |
|
50-100 |
Mid-sized contractor sprayer |
Over 1/2 gpm |
Capable of greater than a .023” tip size |
|
100+ |
Large contractor sprayer |
Over 1 gpm |
Capable of greater than a .031” tip size |
Buy a sprayer that’s a step or two above your current volume requirements, as well as those of the future. An undersized sprayer will cost you more in frustration, repairs, and downtime, eventually eroding any possible savings on the purchase price.
6. Which power source is right for you?
Airless sprayers are available in gas, electric, or pneumatic models, with some being able to convert from electric to gas. Think about your projects and job sites to decide what’s best for you.
7. What are your hose length requirements (i.e., how long of a hose will you need)?
Hose length is important because a longer hose leads to more friction. Your sprayer needs to be able to support the greatest required distance between the unit and the gun. Gravity also enters the equation if you’re going to be elevating your hoses two or more stories. For guidance on hoses, it’s best to talk to your equipment supplier about your specific needs.
Here’s the bottom line: paint sprayers significantly reduce the hours spent on each job, creating time for additional jobs and higher profits. Whatever your motivation, there’s never been a better time to invest in your business and work smarter with sprayer equipment.
Spray Smarter with Titan Tool
Boost every job with the unbeatable power, speed, and control of a Titan airless paint sprayer, elevated even further when paired with our industry-leading collection of smart, easy-to-use accessories. Built for maximum durability, Titan is the only business choice for best-in-class ROI and dedicated support whenever you need it.
Browse our electric airless paint sprayers, gas airless paint sprayers, or collection of parts and accessories to start experiencing better results, every time you pull the trigger.