What are the pros and cons of painting using a brush vs spray?

We are having some wood cabinets built for us and are trying to decide whether to spray paint them vs. conventional brush painting. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each method? Also, what type of paint do you suggest be used?

Spray painting, when done carefully, gives you uniform coverage without the lap marks you get from brush painting. It’s also faster. I spray painted my shutters (with a Wagner Power Painter) a few years ago, and it made short work of them. However, I also took them down and used a tarp to catch the overspray, which leads me to the disadvantages.

Spray painting always has an overspray problem. You have to use something to catch it, and you have to work in a well ventilated area, preferably outdoors. If you are outdoors, though, you have wind and wind-blown debris to worry about. I use my garage, with the door open, and that works well when the wind is not blowing in. It’s also tricky to get good coverage without drips and runs. You need to keep the sprayer head at least 18″ from the working surface, and spray using smooth, uniform strokes. If you have never used a sprayer before, practice on some scrap wood before you try it on your cabinets.

You can get good results with a brush if you’re patient and careful. For cabinets, I wouldn’t use anything wider than 3″, and it’s worth it to get good (i.e., not cheap) brushes. Thin the paint a little for best results, and lightly sand between coats with 240 to 400 grit sandpaper.

Whether or not you use a brush or a sprayer, I recommend an oil-based enamel that can stand up to moisture and is washable. Satin and semi-gloss paints give the best appearance for interior woodwork. As to a particular brand, there is not too much difference among them. Benjamin Moore is a good brand, as is Home Depot’s Behr brand. You will want a primer coat first, followed by the finish of your choice. For wet areas, I like a product called Kilz as a primer, as it’s moisture and mold resistant, and it covers blemishes and discolorations well.

NEW 10PC Artist Paint Brush Set With Wood Handles – ART $2.50

HANDMADE SHAVING BRUSH BEAUTY FULL WOOD $9.99

1 Dozen Wood Hub 4 Row Brush Polishing Jewelers Tools $24.00

Mintcraft 1/2IN WOOD BRISTLE BRUSH 150005 $12.44

Paint Holder Extension Ladder Brush Wood Aluminum Step $3.95

Birdwell Cleaning NAIL BRUSH WOOD HANDLE 251 $12.44

2 New Wood Ralph Lauren Paint Brushes $6.00

Birdwell Cleaning POLY WOOD HANDLE BOWL BRUSH 734-48 $12.44

Fine chinese zitan wood carving brush washer $128.00

Fine chinese zitan wood carving brush washer $132.00

GOLF BRUSH T TEES BLUE NEW 3 PER PACKAGE PRO 3 WOOD $8.00

13 Village Snow-Covered Bottle Brush Trees,Wood Bases $4.99

World Wide Sourcing 4IN WOOD HNDL BRUSH SET A 22040 $13.19

Mintcraft 4IN WOOD BRISTLE BRUSH 150040 $12.44

World Wide Sourcing 3PC WOOD HANDLE BRUSH SET A 22500 $12.44

VTG? TOLE METAL SILENT BUTLER/CRUMBER W/WOOD BRUSH~XLNT $3.99

Vintage Shoe Brush Wood w/Sterilized Hair Made In USA $8.99

MARTOL 12 BRUSHES PAINTING PENS SET FOR OIL WOOD $4.99

Fine 5″ Chinese “Min Guo” period wood brush pot $49.99

Two Halsa Brushes Round Paddle Wood Handle New $11.99

Badger Hair Shaving Brush w/ Wood Handle & Holder Stand $14.99

NEW 10PC Artist Paint Brush Set With Wood Handles – ART $7.99

Lot of 4 Vintage Wood Handled Shaving Brushes $0.99

NEW 10PC Artist Paint Brush Set With Wood Handles – ART $2.50

Wood-Brown Shaving Brush-Vintage $0.99

NEW 3PC SET 10″ STEEL WIRE BRUSHES WITH WOOD HANDLE $0.99

NEW Wholesale Case Lot Wire Brushes Wood Handle TOOLS $121.47

Vintage Wood Handled Shaving Brush $0.99

Small Size Brown Black White Wood Plastic Writing Brush $2.97

NEW Wholesale Case Lot Wire Brushes Wood Handle TOOLS $65.47

“Kant Kum Out” Wood Handled Metal Rim Shaving Brush $0.99

Vintage Christmas Bottle Brush Tree Wood Base 6″ Tall ! $0.99

Sauvage Brush Oak Floating Wood Hardwood Flooring Floor $5.29

BRUSH BANDIT 250 XP Wood Chipper John Deere Diesel E $2,650.00

NEW 10PC Artist Paint Brush Set With Wood Handles – ART $2.50

NEW Wood Handle Umpire Plate Plate Brush $0.99

6 BOTTLE BRUSH TREES -4 SIZES-WOOD BASES $4.99