Painting: Spray, Roll Or Brush

Painting the exterior of your home can be a daunting task for those who would like to forego this very project. The exact motivation behind taking on such a large scale project will play an enormous role in the success of the finished product and the method used. At a glance the project may seem easier than what one may have anticipated until the mind begins to break the project down and categorize the specific steps and methods that will be utilized to execute the project. It is at this moment the decision to become a DIY (do-it-yourself) person has been reached, along with the preferred method you will use – Spray, Roll, or Brush.

Before deciding upon which method would be best some further insight needs to be acquired. There is no question each will get the job done; but there is important information we should be armed with beforehand. Better to make an educated decision than to walk blindly into the situation. This information will help to keep the motivation for success alive.

SPRAYING – Spraying paint seems fun and a sure quick, effortless way to get the job done. I will tell you it is most certainly a very effective, quick and smooth way to get the job done producing a fine finish. However, it is not a cheap way to get it done. There are basically two types of sprayers on the market – diaphragm and airless piston pump with the piston pump being a more advanced piece of equipment. Each produce pressure (psi) in order to get the paint sprayed onto a surface. The sprayers come in varying sizes and costs. Cheaper units tend to spit more causing unnecessary globs on the surface and my suggestion is to invest in a decent sprayer (do your homework). Other downsides are the sprayer will use about 20 percent more paint than you may have calculated and you will need some practice to properly spray the paint on evenly so it does not slide.. If your main motivation is about cost then this is no your method.

ROLLING – Rolling is a combination of quick and cheap. When using this method the quality of the roller sleeves are almost always under estimated. Use quality rollers and sleeves for a better look. You do not want pieces of the roller nap stuck on the surface. This method can leave a textured look to the paint when you look up close. You may also use a standard 5 gallon bucket with a grid that hangs in the bucket to pass the roller full of paint over. This method combines some speed with keeping some bean (money) in your pocket.

BRUSHING – A very popular method of spreading the paint evenly across surfaces and leaving a nice looking finished project. Again there are many choices as to which brush you can use, I suggest you invest in a very good brush and take care of it. You will want to have a two and a half inch angle, brush a 3 inch angle brush and a 4 inch straight brush (Purdy’s are great). This method is definitely a cost saver, but will take some patience and time. If it is your motivation to save money this is your method.

A combination of rolling, back brushing, and brushing will get you where you want to be as well. Depending on what your motivation towards the project is will ultimately affect how your project will be completed and the look it will have. Be proud of your accomplishment whichever method you choose!