How to spray paint your walls & doors like pro?

Spray painting walls and doors like a pro requires preparation, the right equipment, and good technique. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide:

What You’ll Need:

• Paint sprayer (airless for walls/doors)

• Quality paint (usually water-based acrylic/latex for interior)

• Drop cloths/plastic sheeting

• Painter’s tape

• Masking paper/plastic (for windows, trims, floors)

• Respirator mask

• Safety goggles & gloves

• Sandpaper or sanding sponge (120–220 grit)

• Tack cloth or microfiber rag

• Primer (if needed)

• Stir sticks and strainer (to avoid clogs)

1. Prep Like a Pro

For Walls:

• Move furniture & cover floors with drop cloths or plastic.

• Mask off trim, windows, outlets, ceilings (if not painting them).

• Fill holes & sand any imperfections.

• Clean surfaces of dust and grease.

For Doors:

• Remove hardware (handles, locks, etc.).

• If possible, remove the door and spray it flat on sawhorses.

• Clean & sand lightly to dull the finish and improve adhesion.

2. Choose the Right Sprayer

• Airless sprayer for walls/doors – fast and great for large areas.

• Use fine finish tips (e.g., 311, 411) for smooth door finishes.

• Adjust pressure: higher for walls, lower for doors (less overspray).

3. Prime If Needed

• Bare wood, patched areas, or dramatic color changes = prime first.

• Use a sprayer-compatible primer.

• Lightly sand once dry for a smooth base.

4. Practice First

• Test spray on cardboard or scrap wood.

• Get a feel for the distance (usually 10–12 inches away), trigger control, and speed.

5. Spray Like a Pro

General Tips:

• Keep the gun perpendicular to the surface.

• Move in smooth, overlapping passes (50% overlap is ideal).

• Always start and stop spray movement off the surface to avoid blobs.

• Keep consistent speed and distance.

For Walls:

• Use a larger spray tip (e.g., 515 for latex on walls).

• Work in 3–4 ft vertical or horizontal sections.

• Feather the edges to blend.

For Doors:

• Use a fine finish spray tip (e.g., 311).

• Spray top to bottom or side to side depending on the door style.

• Multiple thin coats are better than one heavy one.

6. Dry & Sand Between Coats

• Allow proper drying time (follow paint can instructions).

• Lightly sand between coats (esp. on doors) with 220-grit for ultra-smooth finish.

• Wipe down with tack cloth after sanding.

7. Clean Up Properly

• Flush the sprayer with water or solvent (depending on paint type).

• Store tools and leftover paint properly.

Optional: Back-Roll Walls

After spraying, some pros lightly back-roll walls with a roller to ensure even coverage and better adhesion, especially for porous surfaces.

Final Tips:

• Don’t spray on windy days if you're outdoors.

• Work in well-ventilated spaces.

• Use a fan or air mover for faster drying and fume control.

• Be patient – prep takes time, but it makes the biggest difference.

Want a tool/paint list or help choosing a sprayer?