Spray VS Roller/Brushing for Exterior Painting

by Mike Becchetti
(Maple Grove MN)

I am in the process of obtaining bids on the exterior of my home. It has 4" tongue and groove Redwood siding that is peeling and checking badly.

Several of the contractors spray on the paint and do not recommend roller and brushing. They say that the only reason they brush is because they cannot afford the spray insurance and that they can also get too thick of a coat of paint and the wood is unable to breath.

I have always felt that a brush and roller is better in that it works the paint into the surface to improve adhesion and coverage. I realize that the prep work is the most important part of the process but assuming that is the same; do you feel there is an advantage to either system?

Answer

I have some concerns with these contractors.

1) There isn't such a thing as "spray insurance". Over spray is covered by a contractors general liability insurance. Make sure they have general liability insurance.

2) Modern acrylic paint is designed for thick application. Also, acrylic paint allows some air exchange even when applied in a thick coat. In other words, modern paint breaths.

When I paint a house I combine both methods. The primer and paint is applied with an airless sprayer, plus it is rolled while being sprayed. This is called back rolling and is used for the primer and first coat of paint. The second coat is sprayed only.

If I had to choose between spray only or brush and roll, I would go with brush and roll. You are correct that rolling pushes the primer and paint into cracks, nail heads or other surface imperfections. This not only looks better but lasts longer.