Comparing Sprayers vs. Rollers: Which is Best?

Comparing Sprayers vs. Rollers: Which is Best?

Posted by Viking Mountain Tool Works on Mar 13th 2019

When it comes to home improvement or woodworking projects, you may be wondering, What should I use—a paint sprayer or a paint roller?

The average person is more familiar with using a paint roller; however, there are many advantages to using paint sprayers. To help you choose between paint sprayers offered by Viking Mountain Tools and paint rollers, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each as well as their applications.

Paint Sprayers

Instead of hiring a contractor for your next paint project, you can purchase the right kind of sprayer to handle bigger projects and get amazing results. Does that automatically make sprayers better than rollers? Well...it depends.

While paint sprayers are perfect for finishing cabinets, furniture, walls, ceilings, and trim, there are cases where a roller may be a better option. For instance, if you are not good with high-end equipment, then you may do a better job with a roller.

For example, you have to be careful not to let any part of your body get too close to the spray tip on a paint sprayer. Extremely high pressure may be excellent for providing fast results, but it can also mean a trip to the ER. If you’re not too experienced handling airless paint sprayers, and you find yourself injected under the skin with paint, you must seek immediate medical attention. The question is not whether the sprayer is safe (which it is designed to be safe). The real question is whether you can handle it at the skilled DIY to the pro level.

Also, sprayers consume three times the amount of paint as rollers. So, you have to know how to use them efficiently without wasting paint. Their efficiency is a blessing when you know how to use them; however, the efficiency can be a curse if you don’t know how to use them and waste a lot of paint.

We recommend you practice using them before you purchase one and jump right into a large paint job.

Paint Rollers

Paint rollers are popular for several reasons. First, they create a smooth finish on almost any type of flat surface. Second, they’re cheap. You can buy several rollers for the same project and still stay well under budget. Third, they’re easy to use; almost anyone can apply paint using a roller with a little practice.

The problem with rollers is that they only apply a small amount of paint to a surface at a time. Each application covers a limited surface area; therefore, a paint job can take several hours or days depending on the size of the project. If you have a small paint job, such as a single wall or a small room, then a roller is a better option. However, if you are painting multiple rooms, your home interior, or the outside of your home, then we recommend using a paint sprayer.

Which is Best: Sprayers or Rollers?

The only clear answer is that it depends on the size and scope of your project. However, when taking other factors into consideration, ask yourself these questions before you decide between a sprayer and a roller.

1.Are you painting large areas like walls and ceilings?

2.What kind of paint are you using?

3.What’s the safest option for your skill level and experience?

4.Is the surface flat (sprayers work far better on uneven surfaces)?

5.What is your operating budget?

6.Will the surface be flat or textured (sprayers work better with textured surfaces)?

Woodworking and Home Improvement Tools for Your Garden

Viking Mountain offers paint and stain sprayers for all of your home improvement needs. We also offer woodworking, gardening, and other types of home improvement tools that are perfect for your upcoming project.

We invite you to explore our website to find the products you need for your home improvement job. Order straight from our online store and have your products delivered straight to your door.