DIY Paint Sprayer Projects: September 2012

Thursday, September 6, 2012

It's Faster

Want a faster, easier way to complete your painting projects? Using a Graco Sprayer saves valuable time versus other methods.

More than four times faster than brushing
Over twice as fast as traditional rolling

It provides uniform coverage – even on rough surfaces

Airless spraying gives a consistent quality finish, no matter what the surface.

Easier to apply paint to a variety of surfaces – smooth to rough
Provides uniform distribution of material on uneven surfaces

It's versatile

With the right sprayer accessories, you can save even more time. Graco offers a variety of time-saving accessories – from pressure roller attachments to tip extensions.

What is airless spray?

Airless spray breaks up fluid into small droplets (atomizes) without the use of compressed air like air spray guns.
Paint from a bucket is pumped under high pressure through a hose to the spray gun and tip.
When the spray gun is triggered, the paint flows through the spray tip, which creates a restriction, causing the paint (or other material) to break up (atomize) into a fine spray pattern.
Spray tips come in a variety of hole sizes and spray pattern widths depending on the material and surface being sprayed.

Our project pages are designed to provide some basic guidelines to help your next painting project go smoothly. Here you will find useful pointers on interior or exterior painting projects, decks and fences or spraying interior texture.

Whatever you're painting, indoors or out, finish your painting project fast and with ease. These project pages will guide you through your project, step-by-step, with expert advice on all common preparation, spraying and clean-up questions. You can learn more about spray techniques and tips to help you get better results - fast.

How To: Interior Paint Sprayer Projects

Our interior paint project guides are designed to provide some basic guidelines to help your next painting project go smoothly. Here you will find useful do-it-yourself pointers on interior painting projects, including spraying interior texture.

Whatever you're painting, finish your painting project fast and with ease. These project pages will guide you through your project, step-by-step, with expert advice on all common preparation, spraying and clean-up questions. You can learn more about spray techniques and tips to help you get better results - fast.

How To Paint Ceilings with Your Paint Sprayer

Whether you’re painting a room for the first time or repainting for a new decorating scheme, remember to paint the ceiling, too. A fresh coat of ceiling white will brighten any room.

Prep/Getting Started

Using an airless sprayer to paint your ceilings not only saves time, but frustration as well. If you’re painting a textured ceiling, especially the popcorn style texture, traditional paint rollers can cause the texture to flake off from the surface. Spraying preserves the texture appearance and provides a more complete and uniform coverage.

Safety Notice: Whenever operating equipment it is important to take proper safety precautions, be mindful of potential hazards, wear protective clothing and eyewear, and stay alert. Always refer to the specific instructions and safety procedures for the spray equipment you are using.

Clear – Move as much of the furniture out of the room as possible. Any furniture left in the room should be moved to the center and completely covered. Make sure to have plenty of space for your tools and equipment.
Cover – Cover everything you don’t wish to get paint on. Remove or cover light fixtures.
Clean – Clear ceiling and ceiling corners of accumulated cobwebs with a duster or the extension hose on a vacuum cleaner. If the ceiling has a flat finish or light texture that has been previously painted, wash the surface with a sponge using water and an appropriate cleaning solution.
Safety – When painting indoors, make sure that there is adequate ventilation. Wear protective clothing. This may include: gloves, eyewear, clothing, spray sock (hood), hats, footwear, dust masks and respirators. If you’re painting in the vicinity of appliances turn them off. (See Safety Precautions in your Sprayer Operation Manual.)

Step By Step

Before you start spraying, be sure that all surfaces are properly prepped. Any surfaces you do not want painted should be covered or blocked using a spray shield.
Select the spray tip that best meets your needs for the material (paint) you are spraying and the surface to be sprayed. Be sure the hole size selected does not exceed the maximum capacity of your sprayer. (see tip selector.)
If you are spraying the ceiling only, tape off or protect wall area using paper or film. You can also use a spray shield to protect surfaces you do not want to paint. When using a spray shield, position tightly into the corners between the wall and ceiling surfaces and hold at approximately at a 45 degree angle.
Begin in a corner where the wall and ceiling join together. Work along that edge from one side of the room to the other. Next, point the spray tip at the edge of the previously painted area to overlap by 50% then paint the next strip in towards the rest of the room.

Clean Up

Allow significant time for the paint to dry before removing tape from your trim. This will result in crisp, clean lines.
Remove all coverings from furniture and other areas.
Replace any lighting fixtures that may have been removed and move furniture or other items back into place.
Clean your airless paint sprayer after each use. Follow the directions in your user’s manual for Power Flush™ cleaning with water based materials or use the bucket method of cleaning for Graco 190ES and solvent based products. For more info see Power Flush Video (wmv 1.4MB) or refer to your Sprayer Operation Manual.

Suggested Tools & Equipment

2 empty buckets – For priming sprayer and clean-up.
Stir sticks.
Paint strainer bag – Helps eliminate tip plugging and provides a better finish.
Prep items: tarps or drop cloths – plastic sheeting – masking tape.
Paint / Stain – If using paint from multiple containers it is recommended that you transfer / mix paint from multiple containers together in an empty 5 gallon container. This is known as “boxing” the paint and ensures consistent color even if small differences in color exist between paint batches.
Paint brush for touch-ups.
Graco or Magnum Paint Sprayer (see comparison chart or sprayer selector).
Spray Tips (see tip selector) – A wider spray pattern for large surfaces and narrow size for smaller surfaces.
Tip Extension(s) – For hard to reach areas that would otherwise require a ladder.
Pressure Roller Attachments.
Two – 8 inch or larger adjustable wrenches.
Additional airless hose sections if needed.
Spray shield.
Pump Armor for storage after use and TSL for Graco 190ES .
Cleaning rags.
Cleaning brushes – Stiff nylon (small and large) for clean-up.
Safety and protection equipment such as: Safety glasses/goggles – dust masks/respirator - spray sock (hood worn over head to keep off overspray)

How to Paint Doors & Trim with Your Paint Sprayer

Often overlooked, painting the doors and trim in a room puts the professional-looking finishing touches on your interior painting project.

Prep/Getting Started

Before starting any painting project, clean the surface to be painted as thoroughly as possible. Allow surface to dry completely before painting.

Clear – Move as much of the furniture out of the room as possible. Any furniture left in the room should be moved to the center and completely covered. Make sure to have plenty of space for your tools and equipment.
Cover – Mask and paper around trim to protect wall surfaces. Cover nearby furniture and floors under trim and door.
Remove – Remove door and place across two sawhorses or a table. Remove all hardware from door.
Repair – Check for cracks or holes in doors or trim. Fill with putty as needed. Sand any rough areas.
Clean – For trim, wipe clean and allow to dry thoroughly. For doors, wipe clean and allow to dry. Lightly sand surface with fine sandpaper, then wipe again to remove dust. This will help paint adhere to the surface.
Safety – When painting indoors, make sure that there is adequate ventilation. Wear protective clothing. This may include: gloves, eyewear, clothing, spray sock (hood), hats, footwear, dust masks and respirators. If you’re painting in the vicinity of any appliances turn them off. (See Safety Precautions in your Sprayer Operation Manual.)

Step By Step

Before you start spraying, be sure that all surfaces are properly prepped. Any surfaces you do not want painted should be covered or blocked using a spray shield.
Select the spray tip that best meets your needs for the material (paint) you are spraying and the surface to be sprayed. Be sure the hole size selected does not exceed the maximum capacity of your sprayer. (see tip selector.)
When spraying lighter materials like stains, select the lowest pressure setting that enables you to maintain a good spray pattern. Lower pressure settings will give you better control and a finer finish.
Spray paint in long, even strokes keeping the tip about 12 inches from the surface being sprayed. For doors, point the spray tip at the edge of the previously painted area to overlap by approximately 50%.
See - How to use a paint sprayer: Spray Techniques for more spraying pointers.

Clean Up

Allow significant time for the paint to dry before removing tape from your trim. This will result in crisp, clean lines.
Remove all coverings from furniture and other areas.
Replace any hardware that may have been removed and rehang any doors.
Clean your airless paint sprayer after each use. Follow the directions in your user’s manual for Power Flush™ cleaning with water based materials or use the bucket method of cleaning for Graco 190ES and solvent based products. For more info see Power Flush Video (wmv 1.4MB) or refer to your Sprayer Operation Manual.

Suggested Tools & Equipment

2 empty buckets – For priming sprayer and clean-up.
Stir sticks.
Paint strainer bag – Helps eliminate tip plugging and provides a better finish.
Prep items: tarps or drop cloths – plastic sheeting – masking tape.
Paint / Stain – If using paint from multiple containers it is recommended that you transfer / mix paint from multiple containers together in an empty 5 gallon container. This is known as “boxing” the paint and ensures consistent color even if small differences in color exist between paint batches.
Paint brush for touch-ups.
Graco or Magnum Paint Sprayer (see comparison chart or sprayer selector).
Spray Tips (see tip selector) – A narrow spray width size like 6 or 8 inch typically works best for trim and doors.
Tip Extension(s) – For hard to reach areas that would otherwise require a ladder.
Pressure Roller Attachments.
Two – 8 inch or larger adjustable wrenches.
Additional airless hose sections if needed.
Spray shield.
Pump Armor for storage after use and TSL for Graco 190ES .
Cleaning rags.
Cleaning brushes – Stiff nylon (small and large) for clean-up.
Safety and protection equipment such as: Safety glasses/goggles – dust masks/respirator - spray sock (hood worn over head to keep off overspray)

How To Paint Rooms with Your Paint Sprayer

Paint is one of the most effective and least expensive ways to redecorate your home. With a Graco sprayer, you can change the look of any room in the house in a fraction of the time it would take you to paint it by hand with a roller or brush.

Prep/Getting Started

Before starting any painting project, clean the surface to be painted as thoroughly as possible. Allow surface to dry completely before painting.

Clear – Move as much of the furniture out of the room as possible. Any furniture left in the room should be moved to the center and completely covered. Make sure to have plenty of space for your tools and equipment.
Cover – Cover everything you don’t wish to get paint on. Mask and paper around trim, doors and windows.
Remove – Loosen or remove cover plates from light fixtures. Turn off the electricity to the room and remove cover plates for electrical fixtures, outlets and switches. Remove heating and air conditioning vent covers.
Repair – Fill in all nail and screw holes with spackling compound using a putty knife.
Clean – Wash the entire area that is to be painted with a mixture of TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate). Allow surface time to dry thoroughly.
Safety – When painting indoors, make sure that there is adequate ventilation. Wear protective clothing. This may include: gloves, eyewear, clothing, spray sock (hood), hats, footwear, dust masks and respirators. If you’re painting in the vicinity of any appliances turn them off. (See Safety Precautions in your Sprayer Operation Manual.)

Step By Step

Before you start spraying, be sure that all surfaces are properly prepped. Any surfaces you do not want painted should be covered or blocked using a spray shield. If you are in a smaller area or don’t want to spray, use a Graco Pressure Roller Attachment for great results and time savings.
Select the spray tip that best meets your needs for the material (paint) you are spraying and the surface to be sprayed. Be sure the hole size selected does not exceed the maximum capacity of your sprayer. (see tip selector.)
Typically, when painting, it is best to start at the top and work your way down.
Work in sections, only as far as you can comfortably reach. First spray the outer edges, “banding” the area that you will spray and cutting in any corners. For inside corners, aim the spray tip directly into the corner so it overlaps both sides. Next, point the spray tip at the edge of the previous painted area to overlap by approximately 50%.
Cut in around windows and doors first, and then spray paint the remaining flat areas using overlapping strokes.
See - How to use a paint sprayer: Spray Techniques for more spraying pointers.

Clean Up

Allow significant time for the paint to dry before removing tape from your trim. This will result in crisp, clean lines.
Remove all coverings from furniture and other areas.
Replace any lighting fixtures, cover plates and vent covers that may have been removed.
Clean your airless paint sprayer after each use. Follow the directions in your user’s manual for Power Flush™ cleaning with water based materials or use the bucket method of cleaning for Graco 190ES and solvent based products. For more info see Power Flush Video (wmv 1.4MB) or refer to your Sprayer Operation Manual.
Move furniture or other items back into place.

Suggested Tools & Equipment

2 empty buckets – For priming sprayer and clean-up.
Stir sticks.
Paint strainer bag – Helps eliminate tip plugging and provides a better finish.
Prep items: tarps or drop cloths – plastic sheeting – masking tape.
Paint / Stain – If using paint from multiple containers it is recommended that you transfer / mix paint from multiple containers together in an empty 5 gallon container. This is known as “boxing” the paint and ensures consistent color even if small differences in color exist between paint batches.
Paint brush for touch-ups.
Graco or Magnum Paint Sprayer (see comparison chart or sprayer selector).
Spray Tips (see tip selector) – A wider spray pattern for large surfaces and narrow size for smaller surfaces.
Tip Extension(s) – For hard to reach areas that would otherwise require a ladder.
Pressure Roller Attachments.
Two – 8 inch or larger adjustable wrenches.
Additional airless hose sections if needed.
Spray shield.
Pump Armor for storage after use and TSL for Graco 190ES .
Cleaning rags.
Cleaning brushes – Stiff nylon (small and large) for clean-up.
Safety and protection equipment such as: Safety glasses/goggles – dust masks/respirator - spray sock (hood worn over head to keep off overspray)

Exterior Paint Sprayer Projects

Our exterior paint project guides are designed to provide some basic guidelines to help your next do-it-yourself painting project go smoothly. Here you will find useful pointers on exterior painting projects, including staining decks and fences.

Whatever you're painting, finish your painting project fast and with ease. These project pages will guide you through your project, step-by-step, with expert advice on all common preparation, spraying and clean-up questions. You can learn more about spray techniques and tips to help you get better results - fast.

How To Spray Decks with Your Paint Sprayer

If you just added a new deck or are refinishing an existing one, keeping the deck coated will protect the wood from the sun and harsh weather. Simply applying a new coat of finish to your deck can make all the difference in the appearance of your entire home.

Prep/Getting Started

Before starting any staining project, clean the deck surface as thoroughly as possible. Allow surface to dry completely before staining.

Clear – Move all outdoor furniture, grills, etc. away from area to be sprayed. Make sure to have plenty of space for your tools and equipment.
Cover – Cover all nearby shrubs, bushes and plants with plastic tarps. Also take care to cover anything below the deck or on the other side of rails or spindles since the material being sprayed and overspray can travel between open spaces.
Clean – Sweep deck of all dirt. Wash the entire deck surface with a pressure washer or deck cleaner - bleach or non-bleach base, and apply with a long-handled brush or sprayer. Let cleaner set per manufacturer’s instructions and rinse. Allow surface to dry completely.
Safety – Protective items are essential for your safety. This may include: gloves, eyewear, clothing, spray sock (hood), hats, footwear, dust masks and respirators. If you’re painting in the vicinity of any appliances turn them off. (See Safety Precautions in your Sprayer Operation Manual.)

Step By Step

Before you start spraying be sure all the surfaces are properly prepped. Any surfaces you do not want painted should be covered or blocked using a spray shield. Avoid spraying on windy days.
Select the spray tip that best meets your needs for the material (stain) you are spraying and the surface to be sprayed. Typically using a narrower spray pattern width, such as an 8 inch width and using a smaller hole size such as a .013 tip will give you the best control. Be sure the hole size selected does not exceed the maximum capacity of your sprayer. (see paint sprayer tip selector.)
When spraying lighter materials like stains, select the lowest pressure setting that enables you to maintain a good spray pattern. Lower pressure settings will give you better control and a finer finish.
First spray the railings and deck supports. You may need to hold the gun at an angle in order to properly cover inside surfaces. If you are first starting out spraying, it is a good idea to keep a brush handy, just in case you apply excess material you can then brush it out.
For the deck floor surface, work in sections, only as far as you can comfortably reach and follow the planks lengthwise. A tip extension is a useful accessory, it will allow you to spray the deck surface at the proper distance with minimal bending! First, spray the outer edges, “banding” the area that you will spray and cutting in any corners. Next, point the spray tip at the edge of the previously painted area to overlap by 50%. You may have to spray at a slight angle to cover inside surfaces.

Clean Up

Allow significant time for stain or deck coating dry.
Remove all coverings from shrubs, bushes and plants. Carefully remove all tape from window and door trim.
Return any other items (furniture, grill, etc.) back into place.
Clean your airless paint sprayer after each use. Follow the directions in your user’s manual for Power Flush™ cleaning with water based materials or use the bucket method of cleaning for Graco 190ES and solvent based products. For more info see Power Flush Video (wmv 1.4MB) or refer to your Sprayer Operation Manual.

Suggested Tools & Equipment

2 empty buckets – For priming sprayer and clean-up.
Stir sticks.
Paint strainer bag – Helps eliminate tip plugging and provides a better finish.
Prep items: tarps or drop cloths – plastic sheeting – masking tape.
Paint / Stain – If using paint from multiple containers it is recommended that you transfer / mix paint from multiple containers together in an empty 5 gallon container. This is known as “boxing” the paint and ensures consistent color even if small differences in color exist between paint batches.
Paint brush for touch-ups.
Graco or Magnum Paint Sprayer (see comparison chart or sprayer selector).
Spray Tips (see tip selector) – A wider spray pattern for large surfaces and narrow size for smaller surfaces.
Tip Extension(s) – For hard to reach areas that would otherwise require a ladder.
Pressure Roller Attachments.
Two – 8 inch or larger adjustable wrenches.
Additional airless hose sections if needed.
Spray shield.
Pump Armor for storage after use and TSL for Graco 190ES .
Cleaning rags.
Cleaning brushes – Stiff nylon (small and large) for clean-up.
Safety and protection equipment such as: Safety glasses/goggles – dust masks/respirator - spray sock (hood worn over head to keep off overspray)

Exterior Painting with Your Paint Sprayer

Update the look of your house this year with the help of a Graco sprayer. You’ll finish in a fraction of the time it takes to paint with a traditional roller or brush, leaving more time to enjoy your summer.

Prep/Getting Started

Before starting any painting project, clean the surface to be painted as thoroughly as possible. It is recommended to use a pressure washer for best results. Allow surface to dry completely before painting.

Clear – Move all outdoor furniture, grill, etc. away from area to be sprayed. Make sure to have plenty of space for your tools and equipment.
Clean – Wash the entire area that is to be painted using a pressure washer and cleaning solution. Allow surface significant time to dry.
Remove – Make sure to remove any dirt, mildew, mold etc. Scrape off large areas of peeling paint.
Repair – Replace any damaged areas with new siding, soffets, etc. Pound in loose nails. Sand any rough surfaces and caulk gaps as needed.
Safety – Protective items are essential for your safety. This may include: gloves, eyewear, clothing, spray sock (hood), hats, footwear, dust masks and respirators. If you’re painting in the vicinity of any appliances turn them off. (See Safety Precautions in your Sprayer Operation Manual.)

Step By Step

Before you start spraying be sure all the surfaces are properly prepped. Any surfaces you do not want painted should be covered or blocked using a spray shield. Avoid spraying on windy days.
Select the spray tip that best meets your needs for the material (stain, paint, etc.) you are spraying and the surface to be sprayed. Be sure the hole size selected does not exceed the maximum capacity of your sprayer. (see tip selector.)
If you do not have a lot of spray experience, it is best to start on a large flat area like the side of the house or other area not easily seen.
Typically, when painting, it is best to start at the top and work your way down.
Begin by spraying any eaves or the underside of any overhangs. The direction you will spray depends on the construction. As a general rule you want to spray any exposed trusses, wood beams, or boards by aiming the spray fan pattern to follow lengthwise.
You will work in sections, only as far as you can comfortably reach. First spray the outer edges, “banding” the area that you will spray and cutting in any corners. For inside corners, aim the spray tip directly into the corner so it overlaps both sides. Next, point the spray tip at the edge of the previous painted area to overlap approximately 50%.
After you have completed the eaves area, spray the exterior walls. Cut in around windows and doors first then spray paint the remaining flat areas using overlapping strokes.
See - How to use a paint sprayer: Spray Techniques for more spraying pointers.

Clean Up

Allow significant time for the paint to dry before removing tape from your trim. This will result in crisp, clean lines.
Remove all coverings from shrubs, bushes and plants. Carefully remove all tape from window and door trim.
Replace hardware that may have been removed, such as lighting fixtures or shutters.
Clean your airless paint sprayer after each use. Follow the directions in your user’s manual for Power Flush™ cleaning with water based materials or use the bucket method of cleaning for Graco 190ES and solvent based products. For more info see Power Flush Video (wmv 1.4MB) or refer to your Sprayer Operation Manual.
Return a other items (furniture, grill, etc.) back into place.

Suggested Tools & Equipment

2 empty buckets – For priming sprayer and clean-up.
Stir sticks.
Paint strainer bag – Helps eliminate tip plugging and provides a better finish.
Prep items: tarps or drop cloths – plastic sheeting – masking tape.
Paint / Stain – If using paint from multiple containers it is recommended that you transfer / mix paint from multiple containers together in an empty 5 gallon container. This is known as “boxing” the paint and ensures consistent color even if small differences in color exist between paint batches.
Paint brush for touch-ups.
Graco or Magnum Paint Sprayer (see comparison chart or sprayer selector).
Spray Tips (see tip selector) – A wider spray pattern for large surfaces and narrow size for smaller surfaces.
Tip Extension(s) – For hard to reach areas that would otherwise require a ladder.
Pressure Roller Attachments.
Two – 8 inch or larger adjustable wrenches.
Additional airless hose sections if needed.
Spray shield.
Pump Armor for storage after use and TSL for Graco 190ES .
Cleaning rags.
Cleaning brushes – Stiff nylon (small and large) for clean-up.
Safety and protection equipment such as: Safety glasses/goggles – dust masks/respirator - spray sock (hood worn over head to keep off overspray)

How to Paint Fences with Your Paint Sprayer

Staining or painting your fence will help preserve and protect it from the sun and weather.

Prep/Getting Started

Before starting any staining or painting project, clean the fence as thoroughly as possible. Allow surface to dry completely before beginning.

Clear – Move any outdoor furniture away from the area to be sprayed. Remove any items that may be hanging on the fence, such as plant hangers or trellises. Make sure to have plenty of space for your tools and equipment.
Protect – Protect anything on the other side of the fence from overspray. Cover all nearby shrubs, bushes and plants with plastic tarps. You may want to talk to your neighbor first if you’ll need access to their yard and be sure to protect items on both sides of the fence.
Clean – If you are re-painting the fence, you may need to scrape off rough or flaking areas and sand along the grain of the wood. Whether painting or staining, wash the fence with a pressure washer. Allow surface to dry completely.
Safety – Protective items are essential for your safety. This may include: gloves, eyewear, clothing, spray sock (hood), hats, footwear, dust masks and respirators. If you’re painting in the vicinity of any appliances turn them off. (See Safety Precautions in your Sprayer Operation Manual.)

Step By Step

Clean Up

Remove all coverings from shrubs, bushes and plants on both sides of the fence.
Move any furniture or other items back into place.
Don't forget to move any of your neighbor's items back to their original location.
Clean your airless paint sprayer after each use. Follow the directions in your user’s manual for Power Flush™ cleaning with water based materials or use the bucket method of cleaning for Graco 190ES and solvent based products. For more info see Power Flush Video (wmv 1.4MB) or refer to your Sprayer Operation Manual.

Suggested Tools & Equipment

2 empty buckets – For priming sprayer and clean-up.
Stir sticks.
Paint strainer bag – Helps eliminate tip plugging and provides a better finish.
Prep items: tarps or drop cloths – plastic sheeting – masking tape.
Paint / Stain – If using paint from multiple containers it is recommended that you transfer / mix paint from multiple containers together in an empty 5 gallon container. This is known as “boxing” the paint and ensures consistent color even if small differences in color exist between paint batches.
Paint brush for touch-ups.
Graco or Magnum Paint Sprayer (see comparison chart or sprayer selector).
Spray Tips (see tip selector) – A wider spray pattern for large surfaces and narrow size for smaller surfaces.
Tip Extension(s) – For hard to reach areas that would otherwise require a ladder.
Pressure Roller Attachments.
Two – 8 inch or larger adjustable wrenches.
Additional airless hose sections if needed.
Spray shield.
Pump Armor for storage after use and TSL for Graco 190ES .
Cleaning rags.
Cleaning brushes – Stiff nylon (small and large) for clean-up.
Safety and protection equipment such as: Safety glasses/goggles – dust masks/respirator - spray sock (hood worn over head to keep off overspray)