How to choose an Airless Paint Sprayer

Airless paint sprayers can represent one of the largest investments you as a paint contractor can make. Additionally choosing the right paint sprayer can ensure you are able to perform a variety of painting work that you may wish to complete. Whether you’re a home owner or a contractor or construction company, this guide will provide you the information you need to ensure you choose an airless paint sprayer that will be effective at performing the painting work you intend on doing.

FIRST CHOICE TO CONSIDER WITH AIRLESS SPRAYERS – HOW THE AIRLESS SPRAYER IS POWERED

Airless sprayers can be powered by a gas engine, electric motor, or an air powered piston. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages which will briefly cover.

Electric Airless Sprayers

Electric airless sprayers are the most common type of airless paint sprayer used on the market. In relation to Gas and Air Powered Airless Sprayers they are typically available in a greater variety of configurations, mainly in relation to how much paint they will supply, this makes them one of the most cost effective options for spraying. However, the drawbacks of electric airless include that you need electric to drive the machine and that they are typically limited to 3300 PSI, making them less effective for thick coatings like some elastomerics and block fillers. A common electric airless is pictured below. If you have an electric power source though an electric airless is often the most cost effective option to begin spraying and can be used for higher volume work effectively as well.

Gas Powered Airless Sprayers

In addition to electric airless sprayers you also have gas powered airless sprayers. Within gas powered airless sprayers there are hydraulic and standard gas powered airless sprayers. The difference between the two is that a hydraulic gas powered airless sprayer takes the power from a gas engine to power a hydraulic motor which then drives the fluid section, the benefit of a hydraulic sprayer compared to a standard gas airless is that it can deliver greater performance both in potential gallons per minute and in pressure. For thick coatings like mastics and roof coatings or for pushing coatings long distances, a gas hydraulic airless sprayer can be the best option. A direct drive gas powered airless sprayer uses the gas motor to directly drive the sprayers fluid section, which generally makes the unit less expensive compared to a hydraulic airless sprayer. Additionally, many gas direct powered airless sprayers have an optional electric motor conversion kit allowing you to use the sprayer both with a gas engine or electric motor, though you will usually loose some performance when you use the electric motor. The main drawbacks of direct drive Gas airless sprayers relative to hydraulic units include that they do not typically deliver as much material and do not have as high of pressure options, which can limit them when spraying heavy thick coatings like roof coatings. However, compared to electric airless sprayers, gas powered airless sprayers typically offer higher GPM options, higher potential pressures, and do not require an electric power source, this makes them a great option for when you are working on exteriors or when you do not have power readily available on your job site.

Air Powered Airless Sprayers

Air powered airless sprayers utilize air that powers an air motor to move a sprayers fluid section. The benefits of these units include that they can offer high pressures and fluid deliver options, ranging up to 9000 PSI in pressure. Additionally, they can be a cost effective way to spray thick coatings like roof coatings. The main downsides to air powered airless sprayers include that you need a compressed air source, which means you may need additional equipment on a job site to be able to use one. However, if you have a compressor in a manufacturing plant or use a compressor for other job site work, they can be a cost effective way to get a high performance airless paint sprayer.