Airless spraying is a paint application method that uses high hydraulic pressure to atomise and spray coatings without the use of compressed air. A powerful pump forces paint through a small nozzle tip at pressures typically ranging from 100 to 250 bar, breaking the material into a fine spray pattern that is applied directly to the surface.
How it works
An airless spray system consists of three main components: a high-pressure pump, a length of high-pressure hose, and a spray gun fitted with a precision nozzle tip. The pump draws paint from a container and pressurises it. When the operator pulls the trigger, the paint is forced through the tiny orifice in the spray tip, where it is atomised into thousands of fine droplets. The size and shape of the spray pattern are determined by the tip, which can be swapped to suit different coatings and surfaces.
Application
Airless spraying is widely used across the construction industry:
- Large surface areas — Walls, ceilings, facades, and industrial structures can be coated quickly and efficiently using airless equipment.
- Protective coatings — Anti-corrosion paints, fire-retardant coatings, and waterproofing membranes are often applied with airless sprayers because of the thick, even film they produce.
- Interior finishing — Professional painters use airless systems for fast, uniform coverage on drywall, plaster, and woodwork.
- Exterior painting — Fences, decks, and building exteriors are efficiently coated with airless sprayers, even over textured surfaces.
Advantages and considerations
- Speed — Airless spraying is significantly faster than brushing or rolling, making it ideal for large projects.
- Thick coatings — The high-pressure system can handle heavy-bodied paints and coatings that conventional spray guns cannot.
- Uniform finish — Produces a smooth, consistent film with minimal brush marks or roller texture.
- Overspray — Careful masking is required, as the high pressure can produce more overspray than low-pressure alternatives.
Related terms
- HVLP spraying
- Paint coating
- Surface preparation
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