Spray painting is a great way to quickly and efficiently add colour and detail to any project. Not only that but in commercial and industrial spaces, a spray paint coating can improve weather resistance, rust resistance and offer total protection.
If you’re reading this article, you’re likely in the same position as many other business owners or project managers who want an asset painted: do you buy the gear yourself or outsource it to a pro?
The answer, of course, depends on your budget, timeframe, and goals. In this article, we’ll give you an in-depth look at the reasons why you might choose to outsource to a professional spray painter vs buying a spray paint machine. We’ll also provide some tips on finding a reliable pro if you decide that’s the route for you.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Spray Painting Machine
It’s a common dilemma for business owners—should you purchase a spray painting machine or hire a professional to do the job? Each option has its respective benefits and drawbacks. Let’s take a look at what they are.
Buying a Spray Painting Machine
Pros: When it comes to buying your own spray painting machine, the main benefit is that you’re investing in an asset that can be used multiple times over. You’ll also save on labour costs and gain the flexibility of being able to paint when and where you need to.
Cons: On the other hand, buying an industrial-grade spray painting gun and accompanying equipment can be expensive. Not only do you have to pay for the gun itself, but you also have to invest in protective gear, cleaning supplies, and ongoing maintenance plus servicing costs. You also have to account for training an employee or hiring an expert since picking up a paint gun and delivering a smooth, perfect finish is not that simple.
When making the final call, consider these three things: cost, schedule and quality (more on them further on). Buying a spray gun and all the subsequent equipment needed is a big initial expense, but can have long-term benefits if you have the budget and workflow to train someone internally to use it. Still, there’s a big learning curve, and you may not be satisfied with the initial results (bubbly coats, rough finishes, patchy cover).
On the flip side, outsourcing to a professional spray painter ensures a high-quality finish and fast turnaround. It can also be cheaper for one-time situations since you don’t need to worry about buying bulk equipment.
The way we see it is, you wouldn’t hire a mechanic internally if you have a fleet of work vehicles. Sure, you need to service more cars than the regular Joe-Blow, but is it worth paying for all the needed mechanic gear and the garage rent?
The same goes with professional spray painting. Even if you need jobs painted regularly, it’s often more cost-effective to trust the experts to manage the job and rest easy knowing your job is going to come back looking great!
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Hiring a Professional Spray Painter Instead
When it comes to spray painting, you have two options: buy the machine and do it yourself or hire a professional spray painter. Each option offers its own set of distinctive benefits and drawbacks.
If you decide to purchase a spray painting gun, it gives you the flexibility to paint any time you want, with the caveat that you must learn and maintain the equipment. By owning your spray painting gun, you also have to consider other costs, such as protective gear, cleaning supplies, and painting materials.
On the flip side, if you decide to hire a professional spray painter, there are benefits, too—it can save a lot of time, for starters. Plus, it’s much easier since all you have to do is sit back and let somebody else take care of business. Additionally, professional painters have more experience and knowledge than most DIYers and can produce higher-quality results in less time.
At the end of the day, there isn’t a clear-cut answer on whether buying or hiring is best for your business. It depends largely on your specific needs – factor in cost vs benefit analysis when making an informed decision either way.
When Should You Hire Professional Spray Painters?
Knowing when the job is too big for you to handle yourself is key to making sure your project is done properly and quickly. Here are a few cases when it would be better to hire professional spray painters:
Large-scale projects
If you’re dealing with large-scale projects such as painting heavy machinery or large assets, it’s better to hire experienced professionals. Professional spray painting contractors have the capacity to tackle large-scale jobs that require massive amounts of paint. They also have access to the right equipment and personnel to complete the job on time and with great quality results.
Quick turnaround times
If you’re dealing with a project that requires quick turnaround times, such as an important machine, then it might be better to outsource or hire professionals who specialise in this area. Professional spray painting contractors know how to finish a project within certain timeframes and can easily make sure that the finished product meets high standards.
Highly specialised jobs
If the project needs highly specialised detailing like intricate graphics, then hiring a professional spray painter is a must. Professional painters know exactly how much paint is needed for detailed designs, what types of paint can best achieve sharp lines and all other details related to this kind of work.
Considerations for Outsourcing Spray Paint Jobs
If you don’t have the space, expertise, or commitment to buy a spray painting machine, then outsourcing your project could be the right choice. Here are some considerations when weighing whether to keep spray paint jobs in-house or outsource work:
Cost
Cost should be a key factor in deciding whether to hire an outside professional for your spray paint projects. The cost of hiring a professional painter is often worth it when complicated finishes are needed, or you don’t have enough staff trained in using the equipment safely and efficiently.
Schedule
On the other hand, spraying a job yourself allows you to manage your own schedule and complete it quickly without having to wait for an outside painter. Still, professional painters are known to meet strict deadlines efficiently, so it’s likely the fastest option.
Quality and Experience
Professional painters have years of experience applying coatings and finishes with precision. They also understand how to ensure better protection against rust, corrosion, fading, and wear and tear compared to DIY-ers. Professionals also have access to specialised coatings that aren’t available in stores which could provide additional protection against extreme weather conditions.Checking Quality and Equipment in Outsourced Services
When outsourcing spray painting services, apart from the cost of outsourcing, it is also essential to check the quality of the service provided, which is why you should always hire a professional that has the right tools for the job. Professional spray painters use specialised equipment that offers more control and accuracy than what you can achieve with a standard home spray-painting system or hand-tool gun. Make sure that the service provider is using top-of-the-line equipment, such as airless and HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) guns, for maximum precision and control.
Tips and Tricks for Successful Spray Paint Projects
Spray painting projects can be daunting. If you’re still committed to purchasing a spray gun, the following tips will give you the best chances of success.
Choose the right equipment
To get the best results, it’s essential to use the right spray painting gun. If you’re buying your own equipment, make sure it has good air pressure, cup capacity and horsepower. If you’re dealing with a contractor, ask what kind of spray painting gun they use before starting the job.
Learning the basics
It’s essential to gain some knowledge of how to use a spray painting gun. Be sure to read up on how to spray from different angles and distances for even coverage as well as how to maintain your equipment properly.
Get a Well-Ventilated Area
If you’re going with the do-it-yourself option, set up in a well-ventilated area. A garage or basement with windows or fans is ideal for any kind of spray painting job. Also, make sure that no one is around while you’re working so that no one inhales chemicals like paint fumes which can be harmful when breathed in directly over time.
Wear Protective Gear
Safety first! When spray painting, it’s essential to wear protective gear such as safety glasses and masks to avoid any contact with paint fumes or other hazardous materials that could get sprayed into the air during the job.
With these tips and tricks in mind, you’ll be ready to tackle any project with skill and confidence!
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Hiring a Professional Spray Painter Instead
When it comes to spray painting, you have two options: buy the machine and do it yourself or hire a professional spray painter. Each option offers its own set of distinctive benefits and drawbacks.
If you decide to purchase a spray painting gun, it gives you the flexibility to paint any time you want, with the caveat that you must learn and maintain the equipment. By owning your spray painting gun, you also have to consider other costs, such as protective gear, cleaning supplies, and painting materials.
On the flip side, if you decide to hire a professional spray painter, there are benefits, too—it can save a lot of time, for starters. Plus, it’s much easier since all you have to do is sit back and let somebody else take care of business. Additionally, professional painters have more experience and knowledge than most DIYers and can produce higher-quality results in less time.
At the end of the day, there isn’t a clear-cut answer on whether buying or hiring is best for your business. It depends largely on your specific needs – factor in cost vs benefit analysis when making an informed decision either way.
When Should You Hire Professional Spray Painters?
Knowing when the job is too big for you to handle yourself is key to making sure your project is done properly and quickly. Here are a few cases when it would be better to hire professional spray painters:
Large-scale projects
If you’re dealing with large-scale projects such as painting heavy machinery or large assets, it’s better to hire experienced professionals. Professional spray painting contractors have the capacity to tackle large-scale jobs that require massive amounts of paint. They also have access to the right equipment and personnel to complete the job on time and with great quality results.
Quick turnaround times
If you’re dealing with a project that requires quick turnaround times, such as an important machine, then it might be better to outsource or hire professionals who specialise in this area. Professional spray painting contractors know how to finish a project within certain timeframes and can easily make sure that the finished product meets high standards.
Highly specialised jobs
If the project needs highly specialised detailing like intricate graphics, then hiring a professional spray painter is a must. Professional painters know exactly how much paint is needed for detailed designs, what types of paint can best achieve sharp lines and all other details related to this kind of work.
Ultimately, whether you decide to buy or outsource spray painting services, all comes down to your business goals, time and budget constraints, and the size of the job. If you’re looking for a specific finish, have a tight deadline, or simply don’t have the time to learn the ins and outs of the spray painting technique, then outsourcing the job to a professional spray painter may be the best choice.
On the other hand, buying a spray painting machine is probably the best way to go if you’re looking for a longer-term solution or want to get creative with your projects. Whichever route you take, making sure you have the right setup for your spray painting needs is essential for ensuring you get the best results.
If you’re looking at outsourcing professional spray painting, contact APT Spray Painting today! APT Spray Painting is proud to hold a Quality Assurance certification, making us a great addition to your supply chain.
