Sprav vs Brush (outside)

[Danno]

Hi!

I've got about 800 sf pre-primed panel siding to paint. I was wondering about getting a cheap hvlp sprayer for less than $50 from Grizzly or Harborfreight. Never spray painted before, except for small detail with aerosol cans.

How much time might I save over a brush? How much paint is lost spraying?

Answers to questions not asked are also welcome :-)

[midnightscape]

This summer I painted an addition with 780 sq. ft. of pre-primed siding with a roller and brush. Actually painted the whole house too. So it figured out to be over 1800 sq. ft. I thought about using the sprayer too but after thinking about how I would have to mask all the windows, soffits, etc. I just chose to roll. Painted the primed siding 1 coat one day, then did 1 coat on the whole house the next day. I think we ended up using a 5 gallon pail.

Hope this helps.

Oh and the answer is:
there is no dark meat on a hampster

[Danno]

Thanks, Hampster :-)

So a roller could get in those simulated wood groves okay?

[midnightscape]

Yeah, it should work fine. I don't recall which nap length I used but it was no problem. Used the brush to get under the overlap and rolled the face.

[Danno]

Great! Sounds alot simpler than screwing around with a spray gun. Course, I haven't used a roller much either. Any tips there?

[midnightscape]

Good quality roller frame (I broke a cheap plastic handled one with the extension on it) and if you are going with 5 gallon pails of paint get one of those screens to snap into the pail instead of using a stupid tray like I did.

If you are using latex paint:
Dampen the roller with water before you dip it in the paint. When your through for the day, take an old plastic grocery bag and wrap it around the roller and press as much air out as you can, then it will be ready for the next day and you don't have to stand at the sink for a half hour trying to rinse the paint out.
FYI, I through out rollers when I'm done with a project, I refuse to wash them out. Maybe I'm just lazy.

Also, if you want to get real anal, run your roller over some tape (duct, clear packing) to remove the fuzz before you wet it. I didn't when I painted outside since there are ants and other crap that gets painted but if you ever paint walls or smooth surfaces if will help.

[Danno]

Good tips, thanks. I haven't really thought about paint yet. I have gotten a gallon of white 100% acrylic latex Pratt and Lamber 'Super One Coat' for the trim. Would that be a decent choice?

As far as one or 2 coats, I'd put on the first coat (just thick enough so it doesn't run?) and see if it needs a 2nd?

[midnightscape]

Paint brand: I've always gone with Behr, but when I did my exterior I got Glidden. It was on special for $20 rebate per gallon. The "paintmaster" at Home Depot said she has never had any problem with Glidden exterior paints. I have honestly never heard of Pratt and Lamber. I think if you like it and holds up to your standards then use it. Here is some info I've found while Googlin' Pratt:
http://www.factsfacts.com/MyHomeRepair/exteriorPaint.htm

As far as coats...always choose 2 light coats over 1 heavy coat. I used to be of the mindset that I will do 1 heavy and be done with it. But it never turned out as good.

[Danno]

Thanks, again.

So how thin is thin? How will I know, without being shown, if it's right or not?

[midnightscape]

Umm, well, roll your roller on the screen a few times so the paint doesn't just drip off, I don't know how else to describe it. The color will cover almost everything, there may be some spots that are translucent but still "colored". With the second coat you are focusing on those spots to make sure they are covered.

[Danno]

Good enough!