Spray vs. Hand-Painted Finishes – Which Is Right for Your Luxury Interior?
Spray vs. Hand-Painted Finishes – Which Is Right for Your Luxury Interior?
Blog Article
When overseeing the redecoration of a high-end property, every detail matters — not least how the paint is applied. At JRSL Interiors, we are regularly asked by designers, architects and property managers across London’s prime locations: Should we spray or hand-paint this project?
The truth is, both methods have their place. But choosing the right one depends on more than just budget. It’s about the surface, the finish, the setting — and how the space will be used.
1. Understanding the Difference
Spray painting delivers an ultra-smooth, machine-like finish, often used in modern interiors or on cabinetry and panelling. It’s especially popular in open-plan spaces with lots of light, where flaws are easily spotted.
Hand-painting, on the other hand, offers flexibility and control — ideal for heritage buildings, ornate cornices or textured plaster. It also allows for subtle layering and is easier to retouch over time.
2. When to Use Spray Paint Finishes
Spray applications work best in the following situations:
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Handmade kitchens and fitted joinery
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Internal doors and panelling for a sleek, uniform sheen
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Large, flat areas such as ceilings or media walls
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High-traffic areas where durable finishes are needed
We use air-assisted sprayers and dust-controlled sheeting systems to contain overspray, maintain cleanliness, and ensure precision. Our go-to spray finishes include high-performance acrylics and lacquers that are colour-matched to any designer palette.
3. When to Choose Hand-Painted Finishes
Hand painting remains our preferred approach for:
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Heritage mouldings, cornices and skirtings
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Ceilings in listed properties, where access is restricted
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Walls with existing movement cracks (where flexibility is key)
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Silk-effect and layered paint techniques
We typically recommend fine synthetic brushes or mohair rollers, depending on the texture required. With the right method, hand-painting can produce finishes that feel soft, natural and intentionally artisanal.
Case Study: The Boltons, SW10
In a five-storey townhouse in The Boltons, we were tasked with finishing a bespoke kitchen and formal dining space. The cabinetry was spray-finished in a custom-blended navy satin lacquer, while the adjoining walls — which featured 19th-century plasterwork — were hand-painted in a Farrow & Ball estate emulsion.
The result was a quiet interplay between contemporary sharpness and traditional depth — modern where it needed to be, heritage where it mattered.
4. FAQs for Property Owners and Managers
Is spray painting messy?
Not with the right equipment. We use containment pods, ZipWalls and extractors to ensure clean, dust-free environments.
Which method lasts longer?
Both methods can last equally well — but spray finishes are often more durable on cabinetry, while hand-painted finishes are easier to maintain on walls and ceilings.
Can you spray on-site, or do you remove items?
We can do both. Built-in joinery is usually sprayed on-site. Freestanding pieces can be taken to our controlled workshop.
Can you match colours exactly between hand and spray finishes?
Yes. We colour-match across all mediums — including oil, water-based and lacquer systems — ensuring seamless transitions.
Which finish is more expensive?
Spray painting often requires more prep and masking, which can increase labour. Hand painting takes longer but can be more efficient in smaller or complex spaces.
JRSL Interiors – Contact Details
JRSL Interiors
Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, London W1
0207 112 8885
info@jrslinteriors.co.uk
www.jrslinteriors.co.uk
Looking for advice on which finish is right for your project?
Speak to the JRSL Interiors team to ensure your property receives the right method — with no shortcuts, and no compromise.