The answer to that question is yes. An airless paint sprayer can be used to paint a car as well as other large surfaces. But it’s not the best tool for the job.
Airless paint sprayers are generally used to complete a big painting job quickly because they can cover a large surface area in a short time. They are often used by painters who need to finish painting walls, fences or other large structures quickly and efficiently. But they also work well on cars, or any vehicle with a metal body, although they really aren’t meant for that task at all. Airless sprayers have been used since the 1940s and have gone through many improvements since then, but today’s models still lack some important features that would make them useful for automotive painting:
Just be sure to wear a mask and eye protection when working with the paint.
Spraying paint can be a tedious, messy task. But if you prep the job correctly and invest in quality equipment and protective gear, you can get it done without causing any damage to yourself or your surroundings.
The first thing to do is prepare yourself by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Next, put on your mask, respirator, eye protection, gloves and safety glasses. Make sure you’re using an airless system so that there are no harmful fumes floating around for you or anyone else to breathe in. If you’re going to be spraying through a window with the sun shining directly on it, be careful not to let the wind blow debris into the spray area—this could cause serious damage to your vehicle’s paintwork!
After prepping the surface of your vehicle with a white base coat of primer (or if it’s already primed but needs repainting), let’s work on our tasks:
Spray two light coats of paint onto each side of the car in even strokes using an airless sprayer. Let both coats dry before moving onto the next step. After two light coats have dried completely (or as long as it takes for each coat to dry completely), apply one heavy coat using a cloth roller or foam brush on top of each previous layer of paint. While this should finish off the job nicely, if there is still overspray left over or unsightly imperfections from uneven application then go back over those areas again with another light coat (not more than one), followed by one heavy coat . For varnished vehicles that have been refinished recently (or for darker colors) consider applying at least three light coats , followed by one heavy coat when finished drying .
You can’t spray polyurethane with an airless sprayer because that’s not what it’s made for.
The short answer is no, and here’s why:
Polyurethane is a liquid sealer that’s applied with either a paintbrush or roller. It can also be sprayed with a special spray gun (not an airless one). Spray paint, on the other hand, comes in an aerosol can, which means that when you shake it up and press down on the nozzle, it uses compressed gas to propel tiny droplets of pigment onto the object you’re painting. Aerosol paints work great for smaller surfaces like craft projects and furniture pieces because they’re quick-drying and easy to use without requiring any additional equipment. However, if you use this kind of paint on your car, it’ll likely look unevenly colored and splotchy; not exactly what you want for something that big.
That’s where polyurethane comes in. Because it takes more time to apply than spray paint does—and because cars are notoriously difficult to maintain—polyurethane is usually reserved for larger surfaces like boats or houses.
You can use masking tape or painter’s tape to tape off where you don’t want the paint to go.
Next, you’ll need to apply tape so that you won’t inadvertently splatter paint on the surrounding area. You can use masking tape or painter’s tape; either one is fine. Just make sure it’s good quality and easy to remove. Don’t skimp here; better safe than sorry! If you run out of tape, err on the side of caution by going with more instead of less. Also, don’t leave the tape on too long—it could potentially damage your car if it sits there for days before being removed.
It is possible to paint a car with an airless sprayer. You just have to make sure you’re safe while doing it.
Before you begin, you’ll need to make sure your sprayer is set up properly. To do so, turn on the electric pump and allow it to pressurize for a few seconds. Then, pick up the spray gun and squeeze the trigger to release any air from within the hose.
Remember: since airless sprayers generate their own pressure, you’ll need an extension cord long enough to reach all areas of your car.
There’s one more thing before you get started: don’t forget to wear protective gear! An appropriate mask and eye protection are a must any time paint is involved in DIY auto work. This will prevent any fumes or particles from irritating your skin or lungs while you work. Best practice also dictates that bare skin should always be covered while painting a vehicle with an airless sprayer. Long sleeves and gloves will help keep paint off your body as well as ensure that no chemicals are absorbed through cuts or abrasions on your fingers and hands—which can cause chemical burns if they come into contact with fresh paint.
