7th May 2025
Spray painting has become a popular and efficient method for applying coatings in the residential development sector. If you're managing a residential project, choosing the right spray system can significantly impact both the quality of the finish and your project’s efficiency. In this blog, we’ll break down the key considerations when choosing spray equipment for residential painting.
Why use a spray system for residential painting?
Compared to traditional brush and roller methods, a spray system offers several advantages:
- Speed: Spray painting covers large surfaces quickly, helping teams meet tight project deadlines.
- Consistency: A spray system delivers a smooth, even finish with minimal texture and reduced risk of streaks or brush marks.
- Accessibility: Difficult areas such as ceilings, stairwells, and detailed mouldings are easier to coat using spray equipment.
These benefits make spray systems an ideal choice for residential development projects where quality and efficiency matter.
Types of spray equipment for residential projects
Different projects call for different spray equipment setups. Here are three common types used in residential painting:
- Airless spray systems: Airless sprayers use high pressure to atomise paint, making them ideal for large areas like walls, ceilings, and external facades in new build homes. They’re particularly useful for applying emulsion, primers, and masonry paints.
Best for: Full house interiors and exteriors, larger new build developments.
- HVLP (high volume low pressure) sprayers: These sprayers deliver a fine finish and are ideal for smaller, detailed work such as woodwork, trim, and cabinetry. HVLP systems operate at lower pressure, reducing overspray and waste.
Best for: Detailed interior painting, finishing doors, skirting boards, and window frames.
- Airless air-assisted sprayers: Airless air-assisted sprayers use lower pressure than traditional airless systems, introducing a small amount of air at the tip to improve atomisation and control. This makes them especially useful for detailed work where a consistent finish is required without compromising productivity.
Best for: High-spec interior work, wood finishes, detailed trim, and mid-sized residential projects.
Key considerations when choosing spray equipment
To choose the right spray system for your residential project, consider the following:
- Project size: Larger developments or multiple new builds will benefit from high-output airless systems.
- Type of coatings: Thick coatings like masonry paint require more powerful equipment than thinner finishes like stains or varnishes.
- Finish quality: For high-end finishes, especially on interiors, choose a system that offers fine control, such as an HVLP unit.
- Site conditions: Portable and low-overspray systems are best suited to occupied or furnished properties.
Common mistakes to avoid
Even experienced decorators can run into issues when using the wrong equipment. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using industrial-grade systems in small residential spaces, which can lead to overspray and unnecessary clean-up.
- Overlooking the importance of matching spray equipment to the coating type.
- Neglecting maintenance routines, which can affect long-term performance.
Maintenance
Maintaining your spray equipment is just as important as choosing the right system. Regular cleaning and correct storage will extend its lifespan and ensure consistent performance. Always flush your system thoroughly after use and follow manufacturer instructions when changing coatings or nozzles. For optimal performance, regular servicing, maintenance, and inspection of spray equipment are essential. Airblast Eurospray offers comprehensive servicing options, whether on-site or off-site
Is a spray system worth the investment?
Absolutely. While spray painting equipment may require an initial outlay, it delivers long-term value by reducing labour time, improving quality, and allowing you to take on more projects. This is especially true in residential developments where deadlines and high standards go hand-in-hand.
Final thoughts
The right spray system can make all the difference in residential painting, helping to deliver a professional finish while keeping projects on schedule. Whether you're managing a large residential development or decorating a single new build, investing in the right spray equipment ensures consistent results and long-term efficiency.
Ready to choose your spray system?
Not sure which spray system is right for your project? Our team can help you find the perfect solution to ensure high-quality, efficient results. Contact us today for expert guidance and recommendations.
