Using Velvet Finishes Paint in a Paint Sprayer

This post is sponsored by Velvet Finishes, however all opinions are 100% mine. Affiliate links may be contained in this post.

It’s no secret around here that I have a love for both Velvet Finishes paint and my HomeRight Paint Sprayer.

In fact, last year, when Kellie from Velvet Finishes asked me about trying her paint, one of my first questions was “Can I use it in my paint sprayer?”

Luckily, the answer was yes.

Now if she would have said no, it wouldn’t have been a deal breaker. There are lots of times when the weather isn’t cooperating with me and I can’t use my sprayer or other times when the project is small and it just doesn’t make sense to use the sprayer.

But on big projects and pieces with lots of little details and nooks and crannies, I like to use Velvet Finishes in my paint sprayer to cut down on my work time.

Because I like having more time for cheap beer, ya know?

Am I right or am I right?

Many of you, my dear people, have asked me if you can use Velvet Finishes in a paint sprayer and I’ve said, “Yep, you sure can!” Just like with any other paints though, you do have to thin Velvet Finishes before spraying it.

So here’s how it all works. Even though there’s a lot of writing, its really easy – I promise.

Using Velvet Finishes Paint in a Paint Sprayer

Step 1: 

First, unscrew the paint container from the bottom of the sprayer. Fill the container with paint. I generally fill the container somewhere between 1/2 and 3/4 full. If its a really thick paint, then 1/2 full because more water will be required. If its a thin paint, then 3/4 full because less water will be required.

Step 2: 

Add water. Generally, I try to have a cup of water nearby. Add a little water at a time. Start with about 1/4 of a cup of water for thinner paints and 1/2 cup for thicker paints – you can always add more.

Its really important to note that some of the Velvet Finishes colors are much thicker than others. The lighter colors such as Minimalistic, Cosmopolitan, Ethereal, and other light colors are thinner. Those won’t require as much water. Darker colors like Vivid and Glamorous are much thicker and will require more water. The color I’m using here, Boheme, is a paint that’s kind of in the middle – its not too thin, its not too thick.

After you have added water, stir.

You want to fully incorporate the paint that is on the bottom with the water on top.

Step 3:

You’re probably wondering how you’ll know when you’ve have added enough water. That was one of my questions when I first started using a paint sprayer.

The paint sprayer I use, the HomeRight Finish Max, comes with a handy dandy little tool called a Viscosity Cup. Fancy name, but simple to use. Also, with my paint sprayer came an instruction manual that outlined how quickly the paint should run out from the fully filled viscosity cup when the paint is thinned correctly. For most paints, the paint should empty out of the viscosity cup within 25 – 40 seconds.

So, after adding your water and mixing, dip the viscosity cup in the paint, hold it up and count how long it takes the cup to run out. If the time falls within 25 – 40 seconds, you’re ready to paint. If its more, add more water and mix until it falls within that timeframe. Chances are it won’t be less, but if it is, its usually ok to paint with. Test the sprayer on a scrap piece of wood first to make sure the paint comes out well.

After you thin paint a few times, you’re going to get the hang of it and not need to use the viscosity cup as much. Honestly, I’ve done it so much now that I rarely ever need it.

Step 4: 

After you’ve thinned your paint correctly, you are ready to go. Reattach the paint cup to the sprayer, plug it in and pull the trigger.

You will want to keep the sprayer in constant motion by moving your arm – not the sprayer – as you cover your piece. Generally, I find that each piece I do with a paint sprayer and Velvet Finishes takes 2-3 light coats.

If you have extra paint leftover that you have thinned, I usually just put it back in the container with the un-thinned paint and give it a good shake. If you don’t want to do that though, you could store it an airtight container of its own.

Step 5: 

Finish your project by sealing the paint with Protect – there’s no thinning required on that one.

DIY Dress-Up Station 

If you’re wondering how easy clean up is with the paint sprayer – I promise its so easy. I’ll actually have another post about doing just that in a couple of weeks, so stay tuned.

Also, Velvet Finishes will soon be carrying HomeRight paint sprayers on their site!

Because they go together like Rama lama lama Ka dingity dinga dong.

Name that song! 😉

Have you used Velvet Finishes before? Do you prefer a paint sprayer or a brush and roller when using it?

You know you don’t wanna miss any of this crazy.

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Disclosure: This post was a collaboration with Velvet Finishes. However, all opinions and love of both Velvet Finishes and my paint sprayer are 100% mine.

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