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Spray Tanning

Regular inquires regarding spray tanning has prompted us to include this information page. Below we list the arguments for and against the two types of equipment we have in our range. Note: we are not involved in the application of Spray on Tan so our information is purely of a technical nature.

The two application methods are Airbrush and HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure)

Airbrush:

For
Against
  • Light weight
  • Allows precise accurate placement of Tanning fluid therefore minimum waste caused by over spray.
  • Quiet operation
  • Slow application speed
  • Spray bottle may have to be refilled during application
  • Expensive compared to HVLP

Pictured below is the very versatile Sparmax DH-125 side feed airbrush and Sparmax Auto-Stop Airbrush Compressor - AC-300A. This combination is ideally suited for spray tanning. As you can see the airbrush comes with a gravity feed cup as well as a siphon bottle. The Spray Tan kit in our catalogue also comes with an additional larger 80cc bottle.

HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure)

For
Against
  • Fast application
  • Large container so no refilling required
  • Much cheaper than Airbrush
  • Noisy compared to Airbrush
  • Some over spray so more liquid is used
  • Spraygun is slightly heavier and more awkward to use than airbrush

The complete Wagner HVLP range is suitable for this application. Pictured below is the W640 which is not only light and compact but very well priced.

Please note that we no longer sell HVLP spray products.
This page has been left here for information purposes only.

We do continue to sell Airbrush and associated equipment..

How to Spray using HVLP sprayers

Like everything there is a technique to be learned with using this equipment, which will come with practice. First time users will need to master the right spray technique for this type of equipment.

All spray tan methods have a problem with 'over spray' or spray mist. That is why even professionals use spray booths. With experience this problem is minimised. You can't expect to get the hang of this the first time you try it. If you don't have a spray booth you should practice outside.

You can't just stand back and hose the body down with the gun. You need to cut back the tanning solution and apply it slowly with the nozzle only about 10 cms from the body. Each spray pass should be like a slow brush stroke. Flow volume can be controlled by the trigger adjustment at the back of the gun.

Always keep the nozzle pointed at the body when spraying. Never swing the gun backwards and forwards so that the nozzle points away from the body. The gun should be turned so that as it follows the contours of the body it pivots and keeps pointed at the body at all times. Spraying off the body creates over spray.

Always apply a few light coats. Don't try and get it all done in one coat and always trigger the gun on and off at the beginning and end of each stroke when the gun is moving to avoid flooding and drips.

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