Using a Paint Sprayer Indoors

Whether a house is being flipped or the walls inside a home simply need a fresh look, interior paint sprayers can complete the job faster, cleaner, and more efficiently than traditional brushes or paint rollers. 

A paint sprayer allows for easy coverage of large or small areas, tight corners, and hard-to-reach spaces, without the concerns of paint dripping from the ceiling, uneven lines, or physical strain during the process. 

This article explains how to use interior paint sprayers like a professional to turn any indoor painting task into a satisfying project. 

Choosing an Indoor Paint Sprayer 

Whenever a paint sprayer is used indoors, it is important to control the number of paint particles being released into the air. To spray paint inside safely and accurately, use a paint gun that dispenses paint without reckless splattering. 

Each type of paint sprayer has specific uses, and choosing the correct model for a project can be complex. To simplify the selection, the chart below explains the differences between HVLP and airless paint sprayers, as well as the applications for which they are best suited.

HVLP paint sprayers (High-Volume, Low-Pressure) were created to spray paint quickly and evenly without the excessive overspray that causes droplets and uneven coatings on painted surfaces. 

HVLP sprayers are the best choice for interior paint spraying because they have the proper power and precision to quickly cover surfaces smoothly and evenly with minimal effort. This is because HVLP paint sprayers can apply thinner, more even coats with minimal overspray. 

For most HVLP applications, the paint does not need to be thinned. Because the paint canisters are separate from the line, unused paint can be stored, and there is no need to worry about cleaning out the line before and after every use. However, HVLP guns are less effective at spraying thick coatings, so some thinning may be necessary for optimum results. 

Common Indoor HVLP Applications 

For fine-finish painting, HVLP paint sprayers are the best choice for the following indoor applications: 

• Interior Walls 
• Cabinetry 
• Doors 
• Trimwork 

Common Airless Paint Applications 

Airless paint sprayers are best used when large surface areas must be covered at high volumes and fine detail is less critical. They apply thick, heavy coats quickly but at the cost of increased overspray and larger droplets. If not used carefully, they can quickly fill the air with paint particles and splatter paint unevenly on walls. 

Because these guns operate at a much higher pressure, they can often use thicker paint straight from a can without filtering or reducing it first. However, the operator does not have control over the pressure, meaning they are designed to always spray at full power. 

For these reasons, airless paint sprayers are not ideal for interior paint spraying applications and are better suited for outdoor use on siding, decks, fences, railings, and other larger projects. 

How to Prep a Room for Painting 

The same general recommendations apply when using paint sprayers as with any painting project: 

1. Remove all non-paintable items like furniture from the room (or cover in drop-cloths). 
2. Remove or mask floor and window trim boards if you want to paint them separately. 
3. Use a drop sheet (or craft paper) to cover the floor completely and tape edges to hold in place. 
4. Use plastic sheeting to seal off other parts of the house not being painted. 
5. Tape off any light switches, electrical outlets, smoke detectors, and light fixtures. 
6. Cover doors, door trim, and knobs. 
7. For ceiling fans, cut open large garbage bags and tape off on the ceiling. 
8. Open all windows in the room and remove screens to prevent discoloring. 
9. Use a cheap box fan in one window to draw paint particles outside 

Note: The box fan may be coated in a thin layer of paint by the end, so use with discretion. An HVAC filter can be affixed to the fan to catch particles. 

What to Wear When Painting 

Though HVLP paint sprayers produce less overspray than airless sprayers, atomized paint can travel and could possibly enter the nose or eyes. Wear proper protection before painting. Recommended gear includes: 

• Respiratory face mask 
• Safety goggles/glasses 
• Old clothing and shoes that can be sprayed with paint 
• Old hat to protect your head from paint in the air 
• Disposable gloves are also recommended 

How to Spray Paint Indoors 

Because each paint sprayer operates differently, consult the user manual before using the spray gun. The manual provides critical information to ensure the unit is used safely and effectively. 

Following the directions, the HVLP sprayer should be filled with paint and set to the recommended settings for the specific paint type. To fine-tune the settings, a piece of plywood or drywall can be used to practice the spray pattern and distance (6-8 inches is a recommended starting point). 

A spray gun tip usually has two orientations: horizontal and vertical. For side-to-side painting, the tip should be set to a vertical position; for up-and-down patterns, the tip should be set horizontally. 

An HVLP spray gun also has settings for pressure and spray width, allowing the operator to fine-tune the results for different applications. Once the optimal distance and coverage are achieved, that distance should be maintained consistently from the surface. The operator should move parallel to the wall and avoid swinging the arm while painting. 

The sprayer should not be moved before the paint begins covering the wall, and movement should stop before the trigger is released to avoid streaking. It is equally important to move at a consistent speed to evenly distribute the paint. 

It is generally recommended to paint the ceiling first using a horizontal arm motion and a vertical spray pattern. Once the ceiling is dry, it should be masked and covered before the walls are painted to ensure clean lines. 

To paint interior walls, it is recommended to paint one wall at a time, starting with the ceiling, corners, and floor. The perimeter of the wall should be outlined first. The rest of the wall is then filled in using a vertical arm motion with the tip set to a horizontal spray pattern. 

For best results, a cross-hatch pattern should be used for each coat by alternating horizontal and vertical passes, with at least two coats per surface. Each pass should overlap the previous one by 1/3 to 1/2 of the spray width. When the room is complete, coverings should remain in place for about an hour before removal. 

The Paint Sprayer Advantage 

Deciding to use a paint sprayer for interior walls is a highly effective choice for renovation projects. Not only does it make the job easier and much faster, but it can turn a standard maintenance task into an engaging project.