Spraying or rolling latex: which is better?

The difference between spraying and rolling latex

When rolling, latex is applied in strips with a pile roller. An experienced painter works wet on wet, so the strips flow into each other. Even so, a slight roller texture always remains visible, especially when light falls across the wall from a window. When spraying, an airless machine atomises the paint into a thin, even layer without texture. The surface therefore looks calmer and smoother.

• Smoothness: spraying wins, especially on large, smooth walls.
• Preparation: rolling needs far less masking than spraying.
• Speed: on large areas spraying is faster, in a small toilet it is not.
• Touching up: a rolled wall is easier to touch up locally later on.

When should you choose to spray latex?

Spraying is ideal in an empty home, in a new-build property or during a complete renovation. Think of a house you have just bought that needs doing in one go, or an office where everything has to be finished within a short window. Oranje Kwast, for example, carried out professional latex spraying for a business client, with a smooth finish as the outcome. On high walls and ceilings, too, spraying saves a lot of time up the ladder.

Another advantage is drying time. Because the layer is thin and even, sprayed latex dries quickly and uniformly. As a result, the second coat can often follow the same day.

When is rolling the better choice?

In an occupied home where the bookcase cannot be moved, rolling is often more practical. Covering everything up for spraying then takes more time than the spraying saves. On a wall with lots of interruptions, such as a kitchen with cupboards and tiling, a painter is also more likely to reach for the roller. And if you want to touch up a wall yourself later when it gets scratched, a repair on a rolled wall is less noticeable.

If you are staying at home while the work is done, also read how painting works while you live at home.

Cost and advice

On large surfaces, spraying and rolling are often close per square metre, because the time saved by spraying makes up for the extra masking. In small rooms, rolling usually works out cheaper. For a rough idea of how the price is built up, see what spraying walls costs. Our painter looks on site at which method suits your rooms and includes it in the quote for interior painting.

What does Oranje Kwast charge?

For walls and ceilings, Oranje Kwast works with fixed prices per square metre. All amounts exclude VAT:

• Walls: €17 per m²
• Ceilings: €20.65 per m²

The minimum charge per job is €300 excluding VAT. The final price follows the free consultation; the quote form gives you an instant price indication.