Airless sprayers: What are they and how do they work?

6th Mar 2025

For professionals who demand speed, precision, and a flawless finish, airless sprayers offer an efficient solution. But how do they work, and why are they so effective?

 

Understanding airless sprayers and how they work

Airless sprayers are high-performance machines designed for fast and efficient coating application. Unlike spray equipment that relies on compressed air, airless sprayers use hydraulic pressure through the use of a pump to force paint or coating material through a small nozzle. This process atomises the liquid into a fine mist, creating a smooth, even finish with minimal overspray. The coating is delivered via a high-pressure hose to a spray gun, where a precision-engineered spray tip controls the fan pattern for optimal coverage. Widely used in industries such as residential projects, manufacturing, and automotive, airless sprayers offer superior speed and efficiency for large-scale or high-volume applications and where compressed air isn't available.

We stock a range of industry-leading sprayers tailored to different applications – browse our selection to find the right fit for your requirements.

 

Benefits of using an airless sprayer

  • Faster application: Covers large areas quickly, significantly reducing labour time.
  • Superior finish: Produces an even coat with no brush marks or roller lines.
  • Versatility: Handles a wide range of coatings, from standard paints to industrial-grade materials.
  • Reduced overspray: Efficient material use means less waste and lower costs.
  • Less physical effort: Is less labour intensive then some other application methods.

 

Choosing the right airless sprayer

Selecting the right airless sprayer depends on your project requirements, the type of coating, and the scale of the job. Key factors to consider include:

  • Power source: Choose between air (pneumatic), electric, or gas-powered sprayers based on your operating environment and power availability.
  • Material characteristics: Ensure the sprayer can handle the viscosity and composition of the coatings you'll be applying.
  • Application requirements: Assess the desired application rate, necessary pressure for atomisation, appropriate tip size, number of spray guns, and pump flow rate.
  • Distance to application: Consider the length of hose needed between the pump and spray gun to maintain adequate pressure and performance.
  • Operating environment: Evaluate the conditions in which the sprayer will operate, including temperature, humidity, and potential exposure to hazardous materials.
  • Portability: Determine if the sprayer needs to be easily moved between job sites or within a large work area.
  • Maintenance requirements: Consider the ease of maintenance and availability of replacement parts to ensure long-term reliability.

Selecting the right airless sprayer ensures efficiency, precision, and a high-quality finish – whether you're tackling large industrial projects or smaller, detailed applications. With options ranging from compact units to heavy-duty machines, it's important to choose a model that fits your specific needs.

 

Expert advice and top brands available

Not sure which airless sprayer suits your needs? As the UK's sole distributor of leading spray equipment brands, including Graco, DeVILBISS, Binks, Wagner, TriTech, WIWA, and Anest Iwata, we can help. Contact our experts today for tailored advice or explore our full range of airless sprayers for purchase or hire.