The Journey of Spray painting

If you've ever painted a wall in your home by yourself, or if you are a professional spray painter, you must be knowing what spray paint is. And there are high chances that you must have picked up a can of spray paint and used to complete some home painting project quickly. While we are aware of the process involved in spray painting, most of us do not know about its history - invention, and evolution. 

Before the 19th century, the only kind of painting process known to us was using a hand brush. This was the only form of painting used for all types of buildings - residential, commercial, and industrial. It would take men several days and weeks to complete a single painting project. Painting using a hand brush would also make this process quite time-consuming and expensive. But this changed towards the beginning of the 20th century. 

We have two men to thank for this invention. One of them is Joseph Binks, who was a maintenance supervisor at a department store in Chicago. He was entrusted with the task of whitewashing the walls in the basement of the store. He has to complete the painting of a large area of walls, and his crew was taking a lot of time to do this task. There were several floors to be completed, and Binks observed that even after day and night of toiling hard, his crew could complete only one floor after several weeks of working. This was when he came up with the idea of making a hand pump with a nozzle and using it for painting the walls. 

This was the world's first spray painting device. His invention wasn't known to people until the Colombian Exposition1893 in Chicago. There were a lot of buildings to be completed in the exhibition and even as the opening day approached near, the work wasn't anywhere near to be completed. Binks used his spray painting device and completed the work before visitors came to the exhibition. He saved the day for all. Only after this, his invention became known to the public, and he could turn it into a profitable venture.

During the same time, Dr. Allen DeVilbiss was struggling with treating his patients with a sore throat. He was not able to manage his patients properly because whatever medicines he gave to them, went past the affected area. He needed something to apply for the drug directly to the affected area. He invented the world's first atomizer. His device had a rubber bulb that could be squeezed, a small tube and a metal jar for storing the medicine. 

The inventions by both the men continued to inspire their industries, and soon, these devices inspired the automotive industry. On site spraying became very popular for vehicles. Painting a car would not take much time now. On site spraying services made the task very quick and easy. Since then, automotive painting has evolved continuously and improved significantly.

Ideal Time To Spray Paint Your Building

Spray painting has become very popular nowadays. Using the LVLP system, which is a device, a coating of plastic, metal or color is sprayed upon the object that is to be painted. But, not every weather is ideally suited for spray painting. If it is too hot, the spray paint dries out even before reaching the surface. This results in an orange peel on the surface. The best time to spray paint is when the temperature in between 18 to 25 degrees. The weather needs to be cooperative when you are planning to spray paint the exterior. 

Let us see in details, when is the right time for on-site spray painting.

Painting and Exterior Spraying

It is always not the ideal weather to spray paint the exterior of your building. The best weather conditions are mostly in spring, autumn and summers, this is the time when there is usually no rains. There are fewer fluctuations in temperature from day to the night. This helps in even coating and application of the paint. The paint also gets time to dry and settle on the surface properly. The spraying projects also get completed quickly as the days are longer. 

Why is it not Advisable to Spray Paint During Winters

It becomes challenging to spray paint during the winters as the paint doesn't stick to the surfaces. The surfaces become frosty due to which the spray paints don't get properly cured. Due to cold weather conditions, the paint also thickens and it becomes more difficult to apply an even coating. The spray gun gets clogged. The color doesn't spread properly and is not uniform. You will probably not want one side of your wall loaded with colors, and another side to be faded. If the damp seeps into the uncured paint, it can result in stain or corrosion. 

Tips to Spray Paint Smoothly

1. Prepare the Surface

This process takes the longest and is the essential one. Most of the people get excited and tend to skip this process. Before you start giving the first coat, you need to prepare the surface. Go for sanding, washing, peeling to remove any dust or debris on the surface. Also, dry the surface before painting it. The paint should also be compatible with the surface.

2. First Coat 

Don't over-spray or under-spray. The spray nozzle should be held 25 to 30 centimetres from the surface and the paint should be slowly spread from a side to another. You can also apply a primer 24 hours prior to applying the first coat.

3. Recoating

You need to wait for 20 mins before applying the second coat. If you rush into it, you might end up seeing wrinkles.

4. Nozzle Should be Cleaned 

The nozzles become clogged after application of the first coat. So, make sure you clean them before you apply the second coat.

If you follow the steps carefully, you will surely take a pride in showing your spray painted building. No matter if it is plastic or metal spray paint, these rules are applicable to both. 

Spray Painting Tips from the Pros

Spray paint is one of the easiest ways to add a touch of colour to your project. It’s available in perhaps any colour you want and can be purchased online or in store. 

Using spray paint seems like an easy process but you should consider few things if you want better results. Here are some tips and tricks you can follow:

1. Read the instructions carefully

Instructions are important. You should take a minute to read them. Do you know how long to shake the can before spraying? Or how far to hold the spray can from the object? Don’t forget to read the instructions.

2. Sweep, don’t point

A spray can isn’t a camera so don’t point and shoot. Sweep the can horizontally and vertically past the object as you spray to get an even coat of paint. You can also get in touch with On site spray painting experts for better results.

3. Use a large dropcloth

You should use large plastic or cloth dropcloth instead of taping together newspapers that might fall apart as you paint.

4. Use a handle

You should use an aftermarket spray can handle for better results.

5. Do a pattern test

You should spray a test shot onto a piece of plywood to see the spray pattern. Depending on the spray pattern you can change your technique.

6. Stay Safe

Ensure the work area has proper ventilation.

7. Prepare the surface 

Most materials must be cleaned, sanded and dried before spray painting application for better results. You should apply a primer for a smoother surface.

8. Allow the project to dry

Different finishes require specific drying times. Wait for the recommended time before moving the object.

Top 7 On Site Spraying Tips

Buildings often need through repairing so that they remain in good shape for long. On site spraying is a great way of understanding and diagnosing the cause of the damage. Once the cause is located suitable steps can be taken to combat the problem so that it does not increase further. If required a cladding panel repair specialist has to be contacted so that the whole repairing job gets done with the best professionals in business. 

Mentioned below are 7 on site spray painting tips that are recommended by experienced professionals for great building maintenance and repair:

Make a proper plan for the whole process

Starting any kind of project, whether for home or commercial use, needs some amount of planning. The same applies for spraying as well. The spray painting technicians and supervisors should fix a meeting and devise a suitable plan for the entire action. The schedule of work should be finalized and all other issues that might crop up should be discussed thoroughly. In this way, everyone knows about what is happening and what actions need to be taken further.

Make a budget along with the plan

Now that the plan for spray painting is ready, it is time to fix the budget for the project. Many people just start the work without making any budget and they see that a considerable amount is already spent in buying accessories and equipments. This hampers the main spraying work. So allot budget in each category and start working. Budgeting is important in any work and spray painting is no different.

Staying safe should be prioritized

There might be some risks associated with spray painting on large scale in residential and commercial projects. There should be a thorough risk assessment done and a safety officer should approve the same. Don’t take risks by going out of the way to get the work done. Inform the customer about the risk factor. For such works, there are definitely other means by which they can be handled. If required ask for additional safety equipments and other necessary accessories.

Make realistic deadlines and work accordingly

In order to impress your customer, don’t commit deadlines that are impossible to meet. Be realistic in your goals and meet deadlines – this will make you and your customer happy at the same time. Take all factors into consideration before you promise a deadline for project completion. Infact it is always good to keep 2-3 days in hand so that in case there are hiccups, you have time to make up. And if you can finish work before that, it is your credit!

Find a professional

If you feel that the amount of repair and maintenance work is enormous and you won’t be able to finish the same on your own within the deadline, seek professional assistance without hesitation. Contact a company that offers services in cladding repair and spray painting and hire the best professionals from there. This will not only save time, but will get the work done in a great manner.

Utilize available resources well

Having a skilled workforce is a blessing for any company. Use them well for the spray painting work. If your budget is tight, you can hire people looking for apprenticeship and training in such jobs. These people charge less money, but work well as it gives them hands on experience in the job. This is mutually beneficial for you and the apprentice.

Don’t always look for cheap options

We understand that you are short on budget, but don’t always compromise with the quality of the work. Looking for cheap repair and maintenance options will prove to be expensive on the long run as the thing will need maintenance again and again. Look for professionals who offer quality work at reasonable rates.  

Spray Painting vs. Rollering

Are you looking to paint the walls of your room? Well, there are basically two ways of carrying out the job – by spray painting and by using rollers for painting. If you ask a painting contractor as which one is better way of painting, he will not be able to guide much on the same. They opine that there are minimal differences in the two ways of painting if efficiency, looks and finishing touches are considered. However, it is also true that roller painting cannot be done on all kinds of surfaces, while spray painting is suitable for all surfaces.

Comparison between Spray Painting and Roller Painting:

Finishing and Coating – If you compare the finishing of spray painting and roller painting, you will find that the former one has better finishing than the latter. Painting with rollers might not give a very smooth effect at the end. On the contrary, painting with a spray paint gives uniform and smooth effect as the paint particles make a fine mist, which helps in covering all the surfaces that it comes in contact with. This is the reasons spray painting can be done on all kinds of surfaces including stairs, furniture and window frames. However, roller painting is mainly targeted at the walls of a room.

However, while spray painting on any surface, you need to have an eye for detail. Sometimes the concentration of the spray might vary from one place to another. This might lead to uneven finishing. If the passes are too close or too far, it will definitely look bad. Paints will greater sheen will show more of uneven buildups. Ensure that the paint sprayer is cleaned thoroughly so that smooth onsite spraying can be done.

Accessibility and Speed – If you are short on time regarding the painting work in your home or commercial establishment, spray painting is the best thing for the same. Using a spray painter is the best thing when compared to painting with brushes or paint rollers. When a paint sprayer is used, minutest particles from the paint get emitted from the sprayer and offer instant and quick coverage on the surface which will be painted. Smallest nook and corner of the wall or the furniture gets painted with spray painting conveniently.

With paint rollers, it is not possible to access the corners of a room or nooks of furniture. Forcing the roller in these places might lead to development of scratches on the painted surface or make ugly splotches and marks of wet paint.

Varieties in paint sprayers – If you are planning to purchase a paint sprayer, you will get it in different sizes and varieties. While some spray cans are exclusively meant for home owners, some are meant for commercial purposes and professional painters and painting contractors. Air models as well as airless sprayers are available in the market. Purchase the one that meets your requirements in the best possible manner. The air sprayers cost more and provide more uniform painting when compared with airless sprayers.

Hiring a company for spray painting job

Whether you are looking to spray paint the walls of your house or some furniture or some other item, seek assistance from a company offering professional spraypainting services. ARS UK Ltd is a renowned company in Essex region for the same offering high quality painting jobs.