What is an airless spray machine?

When it comes to applying paint quickly, evenly, and with a professional finish, few tools are as efficient as an airless spray machine. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or an experienced decorator, an airless sprayer can be a game-changer, especially for large surfaces. In this blog, we’ll explore what an airless spray machine is, how it works, its benefits, and tips for getting the best results from your spraying projects.

What is an airless spray machine?

An airless spray machine is a device used to spray paint and other materials onto surfaces without the use of compressed air. Unlike traditional sprayers that use air to atomise paint, airless sprayers force the paint through a small tip at high pressure, breaking the paint into a fine mist. This results in a smooth, even coat with minimal overspray, making it ideal for large-scale painting projects.

How does an airless spray machine work?

Airless spray machines operate relatively simply. The machine draws paint from a bucket or container and pumps it through a high-pressure hose and out through a small, specially designed tip. Here's how the process works:

1. The machine either has a built-in paint reservoir or draws paint directly from a paint bucket using a siphon tube.
2. A motor powers a high-pressure pump, which forces the paint through the hose at pressures typically at 2000 psi (pounds per square inch).
3. The paint is pushed through a small orifice at the end of the spray gun. The size and shape of the tip determine the spray pattern and flow rate, allowing you to adjust for different types of paints and surfaces.
4. As the high-pressure paint exits the tip, it atomises into small droplets that are evenly sprayed onto the surface.

What are the benefits of using an airless spray machine?

• Fast and efficient: One of the biggest advantages of airless sprayers is their speed. They can cover large areas much faster than traditional brushes or rollers, making them ideal for big projects like walls, fences, decks, or even industrial jobs.
• Smooth, even finish: Airless sprayers provide a consistent, even coat of paint. This is especially useful when you're dealing with uneven surfaces like brick, stucco, or textured walls, where brushes and rollers might leave streaks or uneven coverage.
• Less overspray: While all spray systems produce some degree of overspray, airless systems tend to minimise it compared to air sprayers. This not only saves you paint but also reduces the amount of masking or covering you need to do.
• Versatile applications: Airless spray machines can handle a wide variety of paints and coatings, including latex and oil-based paint.
• Adaptable for different projects: Airless sprayers can be used for small jobs (like cabinets or furniture) or large-scale projects (like houses or commercial buildings). Changing the tip size and adjusting the pressure makes them adaptable to different materials and tasks.

When to use an airless spray machine

Airless spray machines are ideal for several types of painting projects:

• Large surfaces: Whether you're painting a house exterior, interior walls, or a large fence, an airless sprayer can drastically cut down on time.
• Tough-to-reach areas: Airless sprayers can get into nooks and crannies that might be difficult to reach with a brush or roller, such as window shutters, moulding, or latticework.
• Uneven or textured surfaces: Surfaces like stucco, brick, or concrete can be tough to paint evenly with traditional methods, but airless sprayers apply a smooth coat without missing the deep crevices.
• High-volume projects: For commercial painting projects or jobs that require several gallons of paint, an airless sprayer allows for continuous application without frequent refills or interruptions.

How to choose the right airless spray machine

There are a few key factors to consider when choosing an airless spray machine:

• Power source: Airless sprayers can be powered by electricity, gas, or even hydraulics. For smaller indoor jobs, electric models are often sufficient, while gas-powered machines are better for large, outdoor projects where portability and power are needed.
• Tip size: The tip size determines the flow of paint and the width of the spray pattern. Larger tips are used for thicker materials like exterior paints or heavy coatings, while smaller tips are ideal for detailed work with thinner materials.
• Pressure control: Look for a machine with adjustable pressure settings so you can control the force of the spray based on the type of paint or coating you're using. Lower pressure settings work better for thin materials, while high pressure is needed for thicker coatings.
• Hose length: Longer hoses give you more mobility and flexibility, especially for large-scale projects where you don't want to constantly move the machine around. However, longer hoses may require more powerful machines to maintain pressure.
• Maintenance: Look for machines that are easy to clean and maintain. Airless sprayers need regular cleaning after each use to prevent paint buildup and ensure a long lifespan.

How to use an airless spray machine for best results

Using an airless sprayer effectively takes some practice, but with the right technique, you can achieve a professional-quality finish. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your airless spray machine:

• Before tackling your project, practice on scrap material to get comfortable with the machine’s spray pattern and pressure.
• Make sure you’re using the correct tip size for the type of paint or coating you’re using. Thicker materials need larger tips, while thinner coatings will require smaller ones.
• Hold the spray gun about 12-18 inches from the surface and move it in even, parallel strokes. Avoid "arcing" the gun (moving it in a semi-circle) as this can cause uneven coverage.
• Overlap each pass by about 50% to ensure even coverage and avoid streaking or missed spots.
• Even with less overspray, it’s important to protect surrounding surfaces from accidental paint. Use painter’s tape and drop cloths to cover areas you don’t want painted.

Conclusion

An airless spray machine is a powerful tool that can save you time and provide a high-quality finish on a wide range of painting projects. Whether you’re painting a house, a fence, or an industrial surface, airless sprayers deliver smooth, even coverage with minimal effort. By choosing the right equipment, using the correct technique, and following the tips outlined in this guide, you'll be able to achieve professional results with ease.

You can see our range of airless sprayers available to purchase here. For more information, please get in touch with us via our Contact page.
Alternatively, call our sales team on +44 (0)1778 560 650 and they will be happy to advise you.