The fastest way to get the smoothest finish with latex paint is to use an airless paint sprayer, which you can rent for less than $100 a day. (Other sprayers are less expensive but require you to thin the paint to a precise consistency.)

Should I thin latex paint before spraying?

Yes, the latex paint does need to be thinned. Even though latex paint is water-based, it is thicker than the oil-based paint varieties. The thick latex paint needs to be thinned to be able to spray a fine mist of paint. Before applying your paint, it is a good idea to test out the paint’s viscosity.

Can I use house paint in a spray gun?

Yes. Treat Latex paint like water and get it all out of the gun so that it does not rust or contaminate the gun for future auto work. House paint is thicker, so use a 1.3mm or larger needle and air cap, if you have a choice.