Spraying vs. Brushing Paint on Raleigh Homes
When deciding whether to paint the exterior of your Raleigh home, selecting the right painting contractor with the right skills for your specific project is critical. One of the most essential parts of the job is deciding between spraying or brushing house paint.
Some companies prefer hand-painting, while others believe spraying provides better coverage. Is your painter trying to sell you something you don’t need to make more money? Often, smaller companies or those seeking to distinguish their service will suggest a different approach or step in a way that no other painter has. And be aware, once they have your attention, they often can sell you the extra charge of handbrushing an entire home, when in actuality, you didn’t even need to.
80% of homes in North Raleigh, NC, are sprayed. The homes in downtown Raleigh with old siding and damaged paint are brushed. Here is why!
Comparing Areas When Spraying vs Brushing Paint
Two significant areas outside a home can be either sprayed or hand brushed. One of those areas is the siding. Both Jame Hardie lap siding and Masonite are commonly found outside homes. Other areas, such as gutters, downspouts, porch ceilings, and shutters, can also be sprayed.
The one surface that is rarely debated is brick. Painting and whitewashing exterior brick always involves spraying.
Typically, the trim and doors are hand-brushed. Brushing siding, on the other hand, is labor-intensive. Hand-brushing siding typically requires more than 2 coats of paint for full coverage, but combining spraying and back-brushing can help reduce costs.
The significant advantage of hand brushing is the ability to force the paint into hairline surface cracks where caulking is not used. This method is advantageous for delaminating siding on older homes.
Spraying vs Brushing Masonite Siding
Masonite lap siding is commonly recommended for a hand-brushed job. Hand brushing helps preserve the siding by pushing paint into every lap and sealing the edge of each board, where Masonite tends to swell and expand due to water damage.
Spraying siding will be cheaper, and painting will be completed faster. However, spraying also demands more time to cover areas, set up, and clean paint sprayers. Spraying also requires more paint due to paint loss from overspray.
Spraying vs Brushing Paint When Changing Colors
The standard is that spraying paint typically only requires two light coats for repaints and two heavier coats for color changes. Spraying also provides a smooth finish free of brush strokes and roller marks. It is more versatile and can be used on a wide range of surfaces, providing an even finish with minimal paint stippling.
Often, hand brushing requires multiple coats to achieve a thick, even finish.
Surface Type & Project Size
When deciding whether to spray or brush, there are a few factors to consider. If your project is small, it may be easier to brush. Due to its efficiency, spraying may be a better option if the project takes several coats of paint, is large, or has a limited timeframe and prioritizes efficiency.
Lastly, consider the type of paint and how spraying or brushing will affect its appearance. Brushing leaves marks, which are exacerbated on satin finishes. Spraying will leave a smoother finish for cabinets. So, smoother surfaces will benefit from a sprayed finish.
Thinking of Painting Your Home?
Do you still have questions about spraying vs. brushing? We provide professional exterior painting and aim to make our customers feel as comfortable as possible throughout each project.
We provide services to the Raleigh, NC, Cary, and greater Triangle areas.
