If you’re looking to paint trim, you may be wondering if a paintbrush is enough, or if you should invest in a paint sprayer. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of both methods and help you decide which is the best option for you.
- What is the best paint sprayer for trim?
- Pros of using a paint sprayer for trim
- Cons of using a paint sprayer for trim
- Is it better to paint trim with a brush or sprayer?
- What kind of paint should you use in a paint sprayer for trim?
- What factors should you consider when choosing a paint sprayer?
- How do professional painters paint trim?
- Final Thoughts
What is the best paint sprayer for trim?
The best paint sprayer for your trim depends on the size of the project. If you have a large project, such as several rooms or a whole house then an airless paint sprayer such as the Graco Magnum X5 is a good choice.
If you have trim in a couple of rooms then a smaller hand-held paint sprayer such as the Wagner FLEXiO 3500 paint sprayer or Graco Ultra Corded Handheld Airless Sprayer is a good option. It’s easier to clean and can be stored away more easily when not in use.
If you only have trim in one room that you want spray painted, then you could use spray cans such as Krylon COLORmaxx to get the smooth and even finish that spray painting provides.
Using spray cans is fast and you don’t need to clean any equipment when you’re done. Although they don’t hold as much paint as a paint sprayer, so it won’t be a good choice if you also want your doors painted.
What is the best spray tip for trim?
The bigger paint sprayers such as the Graco Magnum X5, Titan Impact 410, or similar paint sprayers have tips that can be swapped out depending on the project.
For trim, you want to use an FFLP tip (Fine Finish Low Pressure). An FFLP 310 is a popular tip that is used by professional painters for trim, doors, windows, and cabinets. This fine finish tip produces a 6 to 8-inch fan pattern and a 0.010-inch orifice.
For the smaller hand-held paint sprayers, you should use the nozzle for detail work which usually comes with the paint sprayer.
The Graco hand-held paint sprayers can use the FFLP tips as well.
Pros of using a paint sprayer for trim
Painting with a paint sprayer not only gives the best possible finish, but it’s also the fastest method.
You can paint a whole room in minutes with a paint sprayer whereas painting trim with a paintbrush could take hours.
A paint sprayer is also much easier to use for getting into tight spaces and corners than a brush and the paint job will be more consistent.
Cons of using a paint sprayer for trim
The main downside of using a paint sprayer is the initial cost. Paint sprayers can be expensive, especially the airless paint sprayers. See if you have the option to rent one before you buy, or you could buy a used one.
You also need to be careful when using a paint sprayer as overspray can be an issue. If you’re not careful, you could end up with excessive paint on your walls, ceiling, and floors which will use more paint.
You also need to be careful when using a paint sprayer indoors as the paint fumes can be overwhelming. Make sure you have good ventilation and wear a respirator.
Cleaning a paint sprayer can also be time-consuming and messy.
Is it better to paint trim with a brush or sprayer?
When it comes to painting trim, there are pros and cons to both brushing and spraying.
On the one hand, painting with a paintbrush gives you more control over the paint application, it’s easier to avoid drips and streaks and it uses less paint.
However, it can also be time-consuming and it can also leave behind brush strokes, which may be visible once the paint dries.
On the other hand, painting with a sprayer can be faster and more efficient, especially if you’re working on a large project. Although it uses more paint and you will have to mask off areas where you don’t want any paint.
Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your preferences and the specific project you’re working on.
If you’re mostly concerned with getting the job done quickly and getting that smooth finish, then a sprayer is probably the way to go.
What kind of paint should you use in a paint sprayer for trim?
When painting interior trim, windows and doors you should use a water-based latex enamel paint.
Popular brands that are used by professional painters are:
- PPG BREAK-THROUGH which is an acrylic paint.
- Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec SCUFF-X, also an acrylic.
- Sherwin Williams Emerald which is a urethane-modified alkyd paint.
- Ultraplate Trim & Cabinet Enamel is a urethane-enhanced 100% acrylic paint.
Any of these paints will provide a beautiful, hard durable finish that can be cleaned easily and won’t yellow over time.
What factors should you consider when choosing a paint sprayer?
When choosing a paint sprayer for trim work, you should consider the following factors:
- What is your budget?
- How much trim do you need to paint?
- Do you need to paint any other areas, such as doors, walls and ceiling?
- What type of paint do you need to use?
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices.
If you’re on a budget, you can try a hand-held paint sprayer. These are less expensive and they can be used for trim work in a whole house, you will just have to refill the paint container more often.
If you need to paint a lot of trim and you want to use it for walls and ceilings as well, then an airless paint sprayer such as the Graco Magnum X5 would be a better option.
These are more expensive but they will save you time and you can mount spray tip extensions which are great for reaching high ceilings and when painting walls.
How do professional painters paint trim?
It depends on the painter, but most professional painters will use a paintbrush for smaller projects and a paint sprayer for larger projects. Read this article for tips in which paintbrush to use for trim.
You will have to take into consideration if it’s worth the hassle to mask and tape everything off to avoid any paint overspray.
It also depends on if the customer insists on a spray finish.
Final Thoughts
Paint sprayers are a great tool to have if you’re planning on painting any large areas. They can save you time and they provide a smooth, even finish.
However, they do have some drawbacks. They can be messy and they use more paint than painting with a brush. But if you’re looking for a fast and efficient way to paint trim, a paint sprayer is the way to go.
Read this article if you need some more information about paint sprayers for DIY and I hope this article about the best paint sprayer for trim has helped you make a decision about which paint sprayer is right for you.