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Can You Spray Oil Based Paint With An Airless Sprayer?

We often apply oil-based paint with a brush or a roller. However, many people find an airless sprayer convenient and time-saving. So, is it possible to spray oil-based paint with airless sprayers? What do you need to pay attention to? 

The answer may be surprising. Let’s read on to discover!

Can You Spray Oil-Based Paint With An Airless Sprayer?

Yes, you may use an airless sprayer to apply oil-based paint. The sprayer will pump the paint at roughly 3,000 PSI via a small hole in the gun’s tip. The tip then equally disperses the paint into a varied pattern of small droplets.

Painting using an airless sprayer is the ideal choice for large paint tasks. It helps to speed up your project.  

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An airless sprayer can work well with oil-based paint

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The airless sprayer can work twice as rapidly as a roller or brush. It even outweighs the high-velocity low-pressure sprayer. 

The sprayer also provides a smooth finish on cabinets or other surfaces.

Why Should We Choose Oil-Based Paint? 

Oil-based paint has become more and more popular. Now, let’s get to know more about the paint.

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Oil-based paint is getting popular

What Is Oil-Based Paint?

Oil-based paint utilizes natural or synthetic oil as its foundation. The synthetic base has grown increasingly popular because of its cheaper cost and better strength. 

Both types, on the other hand, are strong and long-lasting. As a result, they become ideal for exterior home renovation. Many painters apply them in door frames and cabinets as well.

The paint is also great for painting metal. It clings well to the surface and protects metal fences. 

Oil-based paint also works well on other metal structures from the weather. 

Advantages

  • The paint is more durable even to low temperatures.
  • This application is easy to work and gives excellent coverage. Sometimes a second layer is not necessary.
  • We can apply the oil base on damaged or filthy surfaces.
  • Oil paint is excellent at concealing tiny flaws.
  • Oil-based paints have a significantly wider color range than others.

Disadvantages 

  • Cleaning up after painting is difficult.
  • It takes so long to dry. So, you may not be able to apply a second layer on the same day.
  • You’d better not use it on masonry or drywall. If you want to, apply a primer first.
  • It is impossible to touch up little portions without leaving visible markings.
  • It is flammable.

Why Should We Use Oil-Based Paint With An Airless Sprayer? 

Airless sprayers are the top choice when it comes to oil-based paint. The airless sprayers ensure equal application and speed up the painting process. Compared to rollers and brushes, a paint sprayer can use less paint while still giving enough coverage.

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Airless sprayers are convenient

This paint sprayer has completely customizable pressure. Hence, you are able to manage the amount of paint sprayed. 

When the RAC IV switch tip becomes blocked, you can reserve it to keep spraying. It also includes an adjustable suction pipe. Thanks to the pipe, you can spray whenever you choose.

A stainless steel pump enables you to apply paint at increased pressure. The paint released is thin. Hence, you may work on many projects at once. 

Although the pump offers high-pressure spraying, you still should avoid over-spraying. 

How Can We Spray Oil-Based Paint With An Airless Sprayer? 

There are many things you should do before you start spraying. Oil-based paints include oils, solvents, and chemicals. This complicated combination is often too thick to spray with a paint sprayer. As a result, you must thin it out.

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Thinning the paint is important

Let’s follow these steps:

Step 1: Test the paint’s thickness

Open the paint can and use a paint stick to apply the paint. Mix the paint up and down. Remember to  blend any paint in the bottom of the bucket.

After spinning, remove the stick from the paint and watch how the paint falls off the stick. Most likely, it will leak in a steady stream for a few seconds before emptying on and off.

This stage allows us to see if the paint is too thick to spray and needs thinning.

Step 2: Add water

Mix the paint with some water. 

The amount of water depends on the paint’s thickness. If the paint needs thinning, add more water.

Higher-quality paints are a little thicker. They may require a little more water.

Step 3: Stir the mixture

While swirling the paint, slowly drizzle in a little quantity of water. Continue to use the stick in an up-down circular movement.

While stirring the liquid, check how easily the mixture flows off the stick. If your paint is still thick, add a little more water.

Step 4: Pour the paint into the airless sprayer

Fill the airless sprayer with a little amount of the paint mixture. Then, vertically test the spray to check. The spray pattern and viscosity are adequate.

Safety Features While Working With Oil Based Paint 

Many paints emit toxic fumes that can go into your lungs. When breathed, certain vapors can induce asthma-like symptoms. It may take many weeks for symptoms to improve once they start.

Wearing a mask can prevent those toxins from entering your air passages.

Paint respirators are necessary to protect workers from hazardous substances and fumes. 

A set of painting coveralls is an excellent purchase while using a paint sprayer. You won’t have to worry about damaging your hair or clothes.

Conclusion

You can spray oil-based paint with an airless sprayer. This combination even works better than you expect. Remember to thin the paint before spraying. It will help to bring out the best result.

Hopefully, you will find this article helpful. If you still have any questions, please leave a comment. We will reply as soon as possible.

Thank you for reading!

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