> Resource Hub / Blog / Beginner’s guide to industrial spray painting techniques

Beginner’s guide to industrial spray painting techniques

Industrial spray painting is popular for its:

• Efficiency: It covers large areas in less time than traditional methods.
• Uniform coverage: Spray application reduces brush marks and streaks.
• Versatility: It works on a wide range of materials including metal, wood, and plastics.

Airless spray painting

Airless spray systems pump paint at high pressure through a small nozzle to atomise it without using compressed air.

• Best for: Large surfaces like structural steel, tanks, and walls.
• Benefits: High-speed application, thicker coatings, minimal overspray, does not require a compressor.

Take a look at our airless sprayer range on our website.

 

Airless air-assisted spray painting

This hybrid method pressurises paint like in airless systems but also uses a small amount of compressed air at the nozzle to help shape and control the spray pattern.

• Best for: Medium-to-large surfaces such as metal fabrications, woodwork, and machinery.
• Benefits: Improved finish quality, better control, reduced overspray.

Browse our airless air-assisted sprayers on our website.

 

Conventional (pneumatic) spray painting

This method uses compressed air to atomise the paint, creating a fine mist for precise, even coating.

• Best for: Fine finishes on furniture, vehicles, and components.
• Benefits: Smooth finish, high control over paint flow and pattern.

 

HVLP (high volume low pressure) spray painting

HVLP systems use a high volume of air at low pressure to apply coatings with precision — reducing overspray, material waste, and air pollution.

• Best for: Detail work, fine finishes, and thinner coatings.
• Benefits: Efficient transfer, cleaner workspaces, and reduced material usage.
• Things to consider: HVLP sprayers typically have smaller paint cups (like gravity-fed guns), meaning more frequent refills. They’re ideal for smaller jobs, but less suited to large-scale projects where high output is needed.

Explore our HVLP sprayers on our website.

 

Electrostatic spray painting

This technique charges paint particles so they’re attracted to a grounded surface, wrapping around complex shapes for a consistent, even coat.

• Best for: Intricate objects like railings, machinery parts, or tubular steel.
• Benefits: Even coverage, minimal overspray, strong adhesion with no need for heat curing.
• Good to know: Often used on production lines with rail-mounted workpieces. Unlike powder coating, this method doesn’t require ovens or curing systems.

Choose the right equipment

Select a spray system suited to your application and coating type. Consider factors like surface size, material, and finish quality. You can see our range of sprayers and accessories available on our website.

 

Prepare the surface

Proper surface preparation is essential. Clean, degrease, and abrade the surface as needed to ensure coating adhesion.

 

Wear the right PPE

Use appropriate personal protective equipment such as:

• Respirators
• Coveralls
• Protective eyewear

You can see our full PPE range on our website.

 

Follow safe working practices

• Ensure good ventilation
• Keep flammable materials away
• Store paints and solvents safely
• Follow COSHH regulations and product safety data sheets

• Practice your spray technique on scrap material before starting your job.
• Maintain consistent spray distance (typically 6-12 inches from the surface).
• Move the spray gun in smooth, even strokes – start moving before pulling the trigger and release after completing the stroke.
• Overlap each pass by around 50% for even coverage.
• Clean your equipment thoroughly after each use to prolong its life and maintain spray quality.

Mastering industrial spray painting techniques takes time and experience, but starting with a solid understanding of the methods, equipment, and safety practices sets you on the right path. Whether you’re working on-site or in a controlled environment, applying these fundamentals will help you achieve a professional, durable finish every time.