Every tradie has their preferred way to get paint on a wall — some swear by the trusty roller, others won’t pick up anything but a spray gun. The truth is, both methods have their place. Knowing when to roll and when to spray can save you time, money, and help you achieve the perfect finish every time.

The Roller: Reliable, Controlled, and Cost-Effective

Rollers are the backbone of the painting trade — simple, versatile, and dependable.

Best for:

• Interior walls and ceilings where you need even coverage and control.
• Small to medium projects where setup time for a sprayer isn’t worth it.
• Jobs with limited ventilation — no overspray or airborne mist.

Advantages:

• • Less prep and cleanup time.
  • Minimal masking required.
  • Ideal for thicker coatings and textured finishes.
  • No need for power, compressors, or tips — just grab your sleeve and go.

Tradextra tip:

Choose quality roller sleeves like our WovenMax Tech Medium Pile for smooth coverage and durability. Don’t skimp on sleeve quality — it affects both finish and efficiency.

The Spray Gun: Speed, Consistency, and Pro-Level Finish

Sprayers dominate when speed and surface quality matter. They atomize the coating for a fine, even layer that’s tough to match with a roller.

Best for:

• Large surface areas — walls, ceilings, exteriors, and commercial projects.
• Detailed work — doors, trims, furniture, or uneven surfaces.
• Smooth, professional finishes — no roller texture or lap marks.

Advantages:

• Fast application — up to 4x quicker than rolling.
• Uniform coating with no brush or roller marks.
• Great for tight spaces and complex shapes.

Tradextra tip:

For ultimate performance, check out Graco’s Contractor PC guns and 390PC or 695XT sprayers — reliable, easy to clean, and backed by solid NZ support.

When to Choose Which

Pro Tip: Combine Both for the Best of Both Worlds

Many tradies use a hybrid approach — spray for speed, then back-roll to push paint into the surface and even out the sheen. It’s especially effective on porous surfaces or exteriors that need durability.

The Takeaway

Rollers give you control and simplicity. Sprayers give you speed and a glass-smooth finish. The real pro move is knowing when each method shines — and having both ready to go in your Tradextra kit.

Need the right gear?Tradextra stocks everything from premium roller sleeves and frames to Graco and Wagner sprayers, masking gear, and prep tools — all backed by our hands-on trade experience.

👉 Visit our Albany or Warkworth Trade Shops or check out tradextra.co.nz to see what’s new.