How to Use a Paint Spray Machine

Rent an airless spray machine. It's the state-of-the-art - and what's painting if not art? You won't want to buy one unless you're a professional - they're expensive.

Protect areas adjacent to the area you're painting very well. Spraying puts a lot of paint into the air, and it doesn't all go on the wall. It can drift like a fog and settle in places you never wanted it to go - such as another room.

Seal the area if you're working inside. Outside, never spray on a windy day, and cover your car (and your neighbor's car), all plants, walkways, and even the exposed sides of nearby buildings.

Note that most airless sprayers work the same way: paint is poured into a bucket or bin, and the pump runs it through a hose and out the nozzle in your hand.

Pour the paint through a strainer into the bin or bucket; you don't want any lumps or odd bits of non-paint material.

Thin the paint, but no more than recommended by the manufacturer or it won't cover well.

Cover yourself very well, head to toe: wear long-sleeved shirts and possibly gloves. You'll get paint on yourself, without question. Consider wearing a ski mask.

Start at a corner, work from the top down, and keep your strokes steady and smooth; a lot of paint is going on the surface in a short period of time. It's better to paint several light coats than one heavy one.

Take care not to create "columns" of paint; this is a result of too much overlapping.