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What is Dryfall Paint?

Written by Vista Paint Team | Oct 13, 2023 11:26:35 PM

If you’ve been looking into different types of paint, you may have heard of the term “dryfall paint.” Dryfall paint is a unique paint that is usually used for specific types of paint projects. Here are a few helpful details to help you know if dryfall paint will be right for your project.

A dryfall paint coating is a fast-drying type of protective or decorative paint that is applied through a spray process. When you spray dryfall paint, it releases a large cloud of paint particles that dry instantaneously when they hit the wall you’re painting. Sometimes, you might hear dryfall paint also called a dry fog coating. This is simply because of the spray application that creates a haze that looks almost like fog in the room.

Overall, dryfall paint is fairly easy and effective to use, especially if you have a deadline. However, you’ll want to make sure that you use the proper techniques and equipment to avoid any overspray damage from the painting process.

What is Dryfall Paint Usually Used for?

Dryfall paint can easily cover large, irregularly shaped surfaces in a successful application. For this reason, dryfall paint is a popular choice for property owners looking to cover industrial ceilings with lots of exposed piping. This is common in factories, warehouses, and storage facilities, but you might also find this type of ceiling in old buildings that have been renovated to be used as small businesses. It is also used to quickly and easily coat walls in other industrial, commercial, and/or professional spaces that need a clean but basic look.

Keep in mind that most types of dryfall paint should only be used on interior spaces. The materials in the dryfall paint are still water-based and aren’t properly created to withstand the wear and tear of the outdoors. However, if you have an outdoor project that will be a lot easier to complete with a dryfall coating, look into oil-based dryfall paint options. Some types of dryfall paint even have a base of urethane, acrylic, or epoxy, making them more damage-resistant for outdoor areas.

What Happens When I Overspray with Dryfall Paint?

Normally, when you use a sprayer to apply paint to a piece of furniture, overspray damage might occur. This happens when you release too much paint from the sprayer, and the excess paint ends up dripping down the side of the object in an uneven fashion. This can cause damage to a surface when there is too much wetness and humidity from the paint. Some types of paint even produce tiny particles that float around in the air, causing permanent and costly damage to the surrounding areas, even miles away.

Overspray is a little different when you’re using dryfall paint. Excess dryfall paint quickly dries into a powder. Even if it is picked up by the wind and blown away, it is so fine and dry that it can be quickly cleaned up and brushed away. As a result, dryfall overspray is much more inexpensive and easier to clean, minimizing any harmful effects on the surrounding environment. This is one of the biggest reasons why dryfall paint has become a lot more popular.

 

How Do I Know if I Need to Use Dryfall Paint?

So, how do you know if dryfall paint is the right fit for you? Here are a few helpful tips. If you can say yes to any of the following, then dryfall paint could be a great match for your project.

  • You want a really fast painting process. Like, so fast that it is over in less than 24 hours.
  • You want quick-drying paint material.
  • You want paint that doesn’t need a primer. (of course, this depends on the type of material you’re painting. 
  • You want a paint job that hides a mess, no matter how old or new your building may be.
  • You want a smooth, professional-looking finish that doesn’t attract sticky particles.
  • You want a bright, light-reflecting, and enhancing atmosphere.
  • You want low VOC levels, low emitted chemicals, and low paint smells.

A Few Things to Remember

  • Remember, if you’re applying dryfall paint to the interior of your business, it doesn’t have any ways to prevent rust, corrosion, and other damage. The interior might look a lot better painted but you’ll still need to take other measures to prevent future leakage and issues.
  • Are you wondering if you’re going to need a primer? A few types of materials that need primer before the dryfall paint coat are wood and iron.
  • Even though dryfall paint is purposely created so it is easy to clean up, the dry, fine particles that land on the surrounding area after a paint application can still be a little tough to clean up. Even though they don’t stick to surfaces, you’ll have a much easier cleaning experience if you lay down drop cloths and cover other flooring, furniture, and surfaces that you don’t want to get any residue or debris on.
  • Keep in mind that not all paint is created equally. Even though you can load most types of paint into a paint sprayer, that doesn’t mean they should be used in the dryfall painting process. If you use the wrong type of paint in your sprayer, you could cause damage to your equipment, and end up with a paint job that is uneven, unattractive, and short-lived.

Do I Have to Spray Dryfall Paint?

Have a space that won’t entirely work with a sprayer? You can actually use a paint roller with dryfall paint. Just make sure that you spray down a basic layer first and then you can roll down a thicker, more complete layer of your dryfall paint. This will ensure that all the nooks, corners, or crannies get covered. Like any other type of paint job, just make sure you tape off any areas that you don’t want to be painted, wash away any debris, and sand down any wall textures.