Roller or sprayer for painting bedroom doors?

[Heffa76]

I have 8 bedroom doors which I need to repaint with Dulux Interior Paint Wash&Wear Semi Gloss Vivid White.

My last attempt with one door (using a roller) was not so great, so this time I am considering spraying for a better cleaner finish. I have recieved mixed advice about how easy and hard it is to use a sprayer.

For a one time job, I would like to buy a half decent sprayer that it isn't to expensive to do the job? Also don't want to worry about paint dilution.

Want to give it a go but don't want to waste my time or money.

Was considering Wagnet W100 Wood and Metal Paint Sprayer.

Any suggestions or should I just roll again.

[EricL]

Hello @Heffa76 

It sounds like you’re in a bit of a dilemma between the potential benefits of a sprayer and the concern that a roller might still be the safer bet given the inexperience. Considering that you’ve already tried using a roller and weren’t happy with the result, and the fact you’re working on eight doors, a sprayer could indeed offer a smoother, more professional finish.
 

The Wagner W100 Wood and Metal Paint Sprayer could be a good choice for a one-time project like this, especially since it’s designed for smaller to medium jobs and is fairly easy to use. It’s not the most expensive option, so it keeps costs down, and you won’t need to dilute the paint. However, there’s still a bit of a learning curve, even for a user-friendly sprayer like this. You’ll need to get comfortable with controlling the spray pattern and distance, and it can take a bit of practice to avoid drips or uneven coverage.
 

If you’re concerned about the time it may take to master, and you’d prefer not to risk ruining a couple of doors, I’d suggest giving the sprayer a go, but only after doing a practice run on a test piece of wood or a scrap door. This will help you understand the flow and technique required before you start on the actual doors.
 

On the other hand, using a roller again might feel safer, especially if you're looking for more control and familiarity, but you can still improve the outcome by applying the paint in thinner, even coats and making sure you're using a high-quality roller designed for semi-gloss finishes. 

Ultimately, if you’re after a cleaner, professional look and are willing to spend a bit of time practicing with the sprayer, I think the Wagner W100 could do the trick. But if you want a guaranteed, low-risk result, sticking with the roller is probably your best bet. You might also want to consider investing in a higher-quality roller cover if you decide to roll.

Whichever method you choose, make sure to prep the doors properly and apply several thin layers to get the best finish. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Noyade]

Hi @Heffa76 

I found painting internal doors difficult when still positioned in the doorway.

I built a jig for outside that locked the door in a vertical position that made paint rolling so much easier.

Being outside would also be good for spray painting I guess without needing elaborate protection for the surrounding area.

But I've never spray-painted.

For me the downside includes only being able to do two doors a day and it must be a nice day outside.

Just a thought.

Cheers.