Let's test – Myths about spray painting

In our ‘Let’s test’ series, Cem and Pablo debunk myths surrounding paint spraying systems. Through their tests, they get to the bottom of the truth regarding the debate between using a roller and a spray gun.

Paint sprayer vs. paint roller: Which is quicker?

Cleaning a paint spraying system takes ages, so the time-saving benefit is quickly lost – or so the common misconception goes. But is working with a traditional paint roller really any quicker, or would it be better to use a state-of-the-art paint spraying system after all? After all, the paint roller is quick to unpack and clean, and it does a decent job in the meantime, doesn’t it? So it all comes down to giving it a go: Master painter Pierre pits his paint roller against a paint sprayer. Let's test!

An overview of the myths

Is the effort involved in masking and cleaning greater?

The fact is: There’s no getting round the need to mask things off. Good results require good preparation. However, modern spray-painting techniques do not require any extra effort in terms of masking. Edges can be painted just as precisely as with a brush and roller; any excess paint mist simply settles as dry dust. Even beginners can apply paint four times faster than with a brush or roller. Although cleaning a paint sprayer takes a little longer than cleaning a brush or roller, it still saves time.

Is material consumption really higher?

It is also a fact that the application of paint by spray can be thicker and more even than when using a brush or roller. However, as the material is atomised millions of times, direct and perfect coverage is usually achieved. In new-build properties, a single coat of paint is often sufficient. WAGNER’s state-of-the-art equipment also ensures minimal material loss due to overspray. Many devices also come with small-capacity attachment containers for smaller items. And during cleaning, any remaining material is pumped back from the machine’s circuit into the container – so no more material is lost.

Is a paint sprayer actually worth the investment?

Compared with rollers and brushes, the initial costs are higher. Nevertheless, a sprayer pays for itself quickly – regardless of the size of the farm. Fixed-price quotes are the norm in the painting trade – spray painting shortens project duration, allowing more projects to be taken on, and making the painting business more profitable and competitive. Paint spraying actually pays for itself several times over. Whether you’re a skilled professional or a trainee, contactless spraying ensures that everyone in the team achieves a professional, consistent finish. Furthermore, drying times can be significantly reduced.

Paint roller or paint sprayer: What causes less splashing and is cleaner?

Real Cleaners - In this video, Cem and Pablo explore the difference in cleanliness between working with a paint roller and a paint spray device. In any case, they all agree that to do a good job, you always have to mask off the area properly, no matter what tool you use. See for yourself which technique causes fewer splatters and how you can come out of it with a clean shirt.

An overview of the myths

Can’t you see any difference in the appearance of the surface?

You can achieve good results using a brush and a roller. With larger projects and teams, the results vary considerably. Dark and textured surfaces exacerbate the problem. In addition, the painter must take care not to transfer any dirt via the roller or brush, or to remove the plaster by hand. Anyone who already uses paint sprayers knows that: Brushes and rollers simply cannot match the reliability of the finish and the quality of the surface. In addition, WAGNER offers combinations of airless and air compressor technology (= ‘AirCoat’) – for particularly smooth finishes.

Don’t my customers care whether I use a brush, a roller or a spray gun?

Painting firms are facing ever-increasing competition – from unskilled teams of painters. WAGNER’s paint spraying technology offers the perfect opportunity to stand out, not only by presenting a professional image to customers, but also by delivering professional and consistent results. This builds trust with customers, boosts customer satisfaction and encourages word-of-mouth recommendations. At the end of the day, the same applies as it always has – quality comes at a price.

Wouldn’t the surface be more durable if you used a brush and a roller?

Painters are familiar with this problem: Especially with functional, highly structured surfaces, you need to use more paint and make more strokes. This results in uneven paint application, which is particularly noticeable when light hits the surface and also compromises the surface's durability. When spray painting, the atomized material settles evenly into all uneven areas. This makes surfaces more durable than those treated with a brush or roller. In addition, much greater film thicknesses can be achieved—which is the most important criterion, especially for protective coatings.

Paint spray gun or paint bucket: Which one is easier to carry?

Cem and Pablo are looking into the issue of convenience when transporting painting equipment. Is it easier to carry a 10-liter paint bucket and a paint roller up a ladder, or a paint spray gun? These two tested it for us! We hope you don't get dizzy, because this test takes you to new heights!

Don’t syringes make the job easier?

Paint spraying reduces physical strain in several ways: There is largely no need to drag around containers – thanks to hose lengths of up to 60 metres and connections for large containers, the paint sprayer can remain on the ground at all times. Many painting firms even carry out their work directly from their vehicles. WAGNER’s paint spray guns and hoses offer perfect ergonomics. Working for long periods in confined spaces becomes much more comfortable. At the same time, the reach is greatly increased, as high, sloping or irregularly shaped ceilings can be reached without the need for a ladder or physical effort.

Is it true that spray painting is bad for your health?

The fact is: The reduced workload makes painters more productive and cuts down on physical strain and absenteeism. ‘Overspray’ is often cited as a point of criticism. It is true that inhaling too much overspray is thought to be harmful to health. To avoid this, respiratory protection should always be worn when spray-painting. However, WAGNER has made significant progress in reducing overspray in recent years. Most machines today are fitted with High Efficiency Airless (HEA) technology, which allows for low-pressure spraying at roughly half the normal material pressure. Perfectly matched materials and equipment even guarantee mist-free spraying, such as the ‘NESPRI’ system.

Do my staff / colleagues even want this technology?

Reducing the workload is one of the biggest challenges facing the painting trade. Precisely because more women should also be encouraged to take up apprenticeships. Reducing the workload through the use of equipment brings extra motivation and enjoyment to the day-to-day working routine. The use of modern paint spraying technology enhances the appeal of the painting profession and that of your business. It also promotes differentiation and recognition. We would be delighted to demonstrate our expertise to you and your team on site with the trainers from our WAGNER ACADEMY.

Paint roller or paint sprayer: Which provides better cover?

Does the paint provide better coverage when applied with a spray gun or with a paint roller? In this episode, Pablo and Cem take a close look at the difference in opacity between the two tools. They didn’t make it easy for themselves and carried out the test under the most difficult conditions.
We don’t want to give anything away, but we’ll just say this much: There’s a clear winner!

Aren’t all materials suitable for spraying?

Contrary to this claim, almost all common paints, varnishes, and glazes can be sprayed on. In addition, WAGNER also carries sprayers for fillers, plaster, bitumen, and much more. What many people don't know: All major and smaller material manufacturers regularly send samples to WAGNER, where they are then certified as “airless sprayable” by the company’s own team of experts. A quick glance at the material data sheet provides the answer. At the same time, WAGNER creates what are known as SprayGuides, which provide additional recommendations on nozzle selection and pressure settings for each tested material. The SprayGuides are freely available at: sprayguide.wagner-group.com.

Is the range of equipment and accessories too confusing?

There are an infinite number of combinations of materials and finishes. Thanks to WAGNER’s extensive range, every tradesperson can put together the set that’s just right for them. Or he can simply choose the ready-made complete sets (“spray packs”), which cover most applications. Whether it’s a diaphragm, piston or screw pump – there’s a suitable technology for every application. WAGNER is the only manufacturer to offer all of these technologies. Support and advice are available from WAGNER online, via the helpline or at any specialist shop that stocks WAGNER products.

Aren’t the settings and operation too complicated?

Especially in times of a skilled labor shortage, painting companies must plan for a workforce with varying levels of qualifications. Training on a specific tool is the fastest way to get all team members ready for professional paint application. In recent years, WAGNER has focused particularly on improving user-friendliness. The settings have been simplified, and user errors have been eliminated. The WAGNER ACADEMY also offers tradespeople and companies high-level technical training—for groups of 5 or more, either at your location or directly at our headquarters in Markdorf (Lake Constance).

About Cem & Pablo

In our ‘Let’s test’ series, Cem and Pablo debunk myths surrounding paint spraying systems. Through their tests, they are getting to the bottom of the truth regarding the issue of roles versus colour spraying. Yet they both know exactly what matters. As master painters, these two joker types have already come across many opinions and prejudices regarding machine-applied paint. In the ‘Let’s Test’ videos, Cem and Pablo tackle the ‘most important questions of our time’ with a good dose of humour. There’s only one way to find out – Let’s Test!