When tackling a paint project, you need to choose the right paint tool to ensure you get the best finish. Will you need a paint sprayer? Or will a brush or roller be the best choice?
In reality, I find you usually need a combination to complete a project. However, you still need to choose the right combination.
Different scenarios often dictate which paint tool is the best option. Sometimes it's easy to decide; other times it's not so simple. The best paint sprayers work well on certain surfaces, but not others; the same for rollers and brushes. Here I reveal what works well and where, so you always get the best finish.
Where to use a sprayer, brush and roller
The simple answer to 'which tool should I use?', is paintbrushes for woodwork such as skirting boards, door frames, doors, and windows. Rollers for painting walls and ceilings, and paint sprayers for cabinets, cabinet doors and fences. This is what I typically use each for, but as always, it's not that straightforward.
Brushes and rollers are typically more flexible and cost-effective than paint sprayers and can be used on interior woodwork and walls. For exterior projects, Paul Kerr, building specialist at Beatsons Building Supplies, says, “rollers can be utilised for outdoor stucco and masonry, while brushes are great for intricate deck railings or woods." Another DIY task they are commonly used for is applying wallpaper paste. Brushes are also essential for cutting in around edges.
Paint sprayers are commonly useful for more specific surfaces and jobs. Timothy Evans, founder of Tess Construction, explains out what they are ideal for. “Paint sprayers come into their own on large exterior surfaces such as fences, cladding and render, as well as spraying kitchen cabinet fronts where a factory-smooth finish is the goal.
"Sprayers are also the best choice for rough or textured surfaces where a brush or roller would struggle to get into every crevice," he adds.
Shop these paint tools for the best finish
This quality roller set from Harris includes 1 x 9-inch frame, 4 x 9-inch medium pile roller sleeves and a 9-inch tray. All you need for painting most walls and ceilings.
A set of three professional paintbrushes. Handmade, they include a stainless steel ferule with minimal bristle loss.
A 600W electric HVLP (High Volume, Low Pressure) paint spray gun that comes with a large-capacity 1000 ml paint container. Includes 3 nozzle sizes, ideal for fences, sheds and interior walls.
Paul Kerr is a building specialist at Beatsons Building Supplies Limited, where he advises homeowners and trade professionals on durable, practical solutions for home renovation.
Timothy Evans is the founder of TESS Construction, a Federation of Master Builders registered construction company based in Swansea. Timothy oversees finishing work including paint application across new builds, extensions and renovations regularly.
Where not to use a sprayer, roller or brush
You can technically use a brush, roller or sprayer for any surface indoors or outdoors, but common sense directs you in a more obvious direction.
For example, Paul Kerr says, "A sprayer doesn't do well on windy days, so when using one outdoors, try to pick a gentle sunny day for it, as they can waste a lot of excess paint in overspraying.”
Timothy Evans points out where rollers aren't a suitable choice: "A roller isn’t suited to small, detailed areas where its size prevents good contact. A brush gives you maximum control here.”
Paintbrushes can be used anywhere, but again, it often makes sense to use an alternative option, as Jack Reading from exterior paint specialists, Emperor Paint, explains.
"There aren't many surfaces where you simply can't use a brush, but it becomes impractical across large areas and makes decorating a much bigger job than it needs to be.”
Jack Reading has worked with the team at Emperor Paint for over 5 years. Drawing on his experience of helping hundreds of homeowners and professionals with their projects, he now develops resources, training materials and expert guidance that make exterior decorating achievable for anyone.
Pros and cons of spray, brushes and rollers
Speed of application is a key benefit for paint sprayers, which means as a general rule, a paint sprayer is the quickest tool, closely followed by a roller, with a brush typically being the slowest.
“The obvious appeal of spraying is speed, where on large enough projects it can save a lot of application time,” says Jack Reading. But, sprayers need a lot more prep time and use more paint, pushing up paint costs.
As an example, I used a 5L tin of Cuprinol Garden Shades from B&Q (watered down as recommended by the manufacturer) and this covered around 30% less than when I used a brush.
The obvious benefit of rollers is that they are more cost-effective than paint sprayers, and faster than brushes for large flat areas. However, they absorb more paint and create a mist spray when used, so you do need to make sure areas are covered before starting.
There are parts of the job where nothing beats a brush,” says Jack “You have much more control around edges, details, and awkward areas. But, a brush is always slower," he warns.
For most jobs, including cutting in, I like to use a 3-inch brush such as this ProDec Premier Trade Professional Brush from Amazon, as it holds paint well, and lets you cover more area in one go.
For applying to woodwork, I typically use a 2-inch brush, as it holds paint well, has a smooth release, and gives good coverage. For oil-based paints, I always use a natural bristle brush.
Is the preparation work the same for every painting tool?
Typically, surface preparation remains much the same whether you are using a brush, roller, or paint sprayer. For example, if painting a wall, you will need to prepare the wall for painting so it's clean, smooth and free of loose debris. The same principles will apply when preparing woodwork.
However, while you'll only need dust sheets such as these ARVO Extra Large Plastic Dust Sheets for Decorating to cover floors and furniture with brushes and rollers, more protection will be needed when spraying.
Spraying is also more time-consuming when it comes to prep, explains Paul Kerr. “You need to make sure the room is completely bare of furnishings and anything that can't be moved needs to be covered up, or apray will float all over the room/space and settle everywhere," he warns.
To avoid overspray, I use a painter's tape such as this ScotchBlue Multi-Surface Premium Masking Tape from Amazon to tape down the edges of my dust sheets.
You'll also need personal protection, especially for interior spray paint jobs notes Paul, recommending, "eye protection, a mask/respirator and some coveralls for your clothes.”
Do sprayers, brushes and rollers work with all paints?
While technically most paint types work with all paint tools, each works slightly differently.
“Brushes and rollers work with most paints, but choosing the right matches makes the job much easier for yourself," expands Jack Reading.“For brushes, synthetic bristles are best for water-based paints, while oil-based paints work well with natural or suitable synthetic brushes."
Rollers are much the same, but you will need to think about the surface they are being used on, he continues. “With rollers, smooth walls need a shorter pile, while rough surfaces need a longer pile to reach into the texture.”
Paint sprayers are different again, explains Timothy Evans. "Sprayers require paint to be thinned to the correct viscosity, and not all paints thin appropriately for spraying. Very thick masonry paints, and some specialist coatings need an airless sprayer, rather than a standard HVLP unit.”
I’ve got a standard HVLP paint sprayer - The Wagner W100 Paint sprayer - available from B&Q. I only ever use fence paint or watered-down emulsion, so effectively only water-based paints. I never bother with oil-based paints. If I do, I hire an airless sprayer. Whatever you use, make sure to check the manufacturer's dilution recommendation.
Common mistakes to avoid when choosing and using paint tools
1. Wrong roller pile
For smooth walls, it's easy, as all piles work. The shorter the pile, the smoother the finish. However, if you have a heavily textured surface, make sure to use an extra-long-pile roller to get into the gaps.
2. Thinning paint incorrectly
“A common mistake when using a paint sprayer is thinning the paint incorrectly, which causes runs or blockages,” says Timothy Evans. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations and test on an out-of-the-way area. I usually try it on a piece of waste cardboard or wallpaper first.
3. Too much paint and pressure
To get a smooth, even finish, Timothy Evans recommends avoiding overloading a paint roller. “With rollers, overloading the roller causes spatter and uneven coverage,” he explains.
“Be careful also not to apply too much pressure when applying the paint,” adds Paul Kerr, as this causes paint overload on the edges, leaving ridges of paint.
Paul's final piece of advice? "Avoid very cheap rollers as they can shed after a couple uses.”
4. Not cleaning your paint tools properly
At the end of a job, it's easy to skimp on the cleaning. But it needs to be done properly. Brushes and rollers will go stiff and not apply paint as well the next time they are used. If you can't clean your paint brushes or rollers immediately wrap them in cling film to keep moist if using the next day.
You’ll also need to think about the paint type you've used when it comes to cleaning rollers. Water-based paints are easy to clean. Run up a tap until the water runs clear, squeeze and leave to dry. Removing oil-based paints isn’t as simple. First, I use a scraper like this Purdy Contractor brush and roller cleaner from Amazon to remove as much paint as possible.
I follow this up by soaking the roller in white spirit or brush cleaner, and then squeezing the paint out. Repeat with clean white spirit until clear. To finish, I wash the roller sleeve in warm soapy water, rinse the soap out with clean water, stand it up, and leave it to dry.
For paint sprayers, pay extra attention to the nozzle. They have fine holes that can block easily, causing uneven spray patterns and a patchy finish.
Once you've taken on board this advice, find out what you’ll need for painting new plaster, painting a house and painting over water stains. Or, for paint inspiration, check out our guides on how to choose a paint colour and the latest paint trends.
