Spray Painting vs Brush & Roller

When it comes to applying paint, there are three main methods: spraying, brushing, and rolling. Each has advantages and is better suited to certain situations. Our spray painting specialists explain when to use each method.

Spray Painting

Advantages

• Speed: Much faster for large areas
• Smooth finish: No brush marks or roller texture
• Even coverage: Consistent application
• Great for details: Covers intricate work like mouldings and trim
• Factory-like finish: Professional appearance on cabinets

Disadvantages

• Overspray: Requires extensive masking and protection
• Paint usage: Uses more paint (some lost to overspray)
• Setup time: Preparation takes longer
• Weather sensitive: Wind affects exterior spraying
• Skill required: Needs experience for best results

Best For

• New construction (empty rooms)
• Kitchen cabinets
• Exterior weatherboards
• Fences and pergolas
• Commercial/industrial spaces
• Furniture and detailed items

Brush Painting

Advantages

• Precision: Excellent for detailed work
• Control: Perfect for edges and cutting in
• Paint economy: Minimal waste
• Touch-ups: Best for small repairs
• No masking needed: For careful work

Disadvantages

• Time consuming: Slow for large areas
• Brush marks: Can leave visible texture
• Fatigue: Tiring for extended work
• Skill required: Quality depends on technique

Best For

• Cutting in (edges and corners)
• Trim, skirting, and architraves
• Window frames and details
• Touch-ups and small repairs
• Tight spaces

Roller Painting

Advantages

• Speed: Fast coverage of large flat areas
• Easy to use: Less skill required than spraying
• Paint efficiency: Minimal waste
• Good coverage: Excellent paint pickup and release
• Texture control: Different nap sizes for different finishes

Disadvantages

• Texture: Leaves slight orange peel texture
• Limited reach: Can't get into corners or details
• Lap marks: Possible if technique is poor
• Not for detailed work: Needs brush for edges

Best For

• Large wall areas
• Ceilings
• Broad flat surfaces
• DIY projects
• Occupied spaces where spraying isn't practical

Combination Approach

Most professional painters use a combination of methods:

• Brush: Cut in around edges, corners, and trim
• Roller: Fill in large wall and ceiling areas
• Spray: Cabinets, exterior, and feature items

Method Comparison by Project

Interior Repaints (Occupied Home)

• Recommended: Brush and roller
• Reason: Less masking, furniture can stay in place

New Home or Major Renovation

• Recommended: Spray with brush detail work
• Reason: Empty rooms allow full spray benefits

Kitchen Cabinets

• Recommended: Spray painting
• Reason: Smooth, factory-like finish

Exterior Weatherboards

• Recommended: Spray or brush
• Reason: Spray for speed, brush for detail