Conventional or Airless Striper: How to Choose?

by Dan Zurcher
Created: February 10, 2011

There's reason on the job for both conventional (air) and airless types of striping equipment, but differences sway contractors' choices

The airflow in a conventional (often termed an "air" machine) goes to four places: the paint pot, striping gun, cleaner can, and stencil gun.
The airflow in a conventional (often termed an "air" machine) goes to four places: the paint pot, striping gun, cleaner can, and stencil gun.
Airless stripers are lighter weight because they don't require a compressor and don't have a built-in paint bucket. Instead pumping is done directly from the 5-gal. paint bucket.
Airless stripers are lighter weight because they don't require a compressor and don't have a built-in paint bucket. Instead pumping is done directly from the 5-gal. paint bucket.
Note the covered top on the tank, which enables quick and easy transport of this conventional (air) striper.
Note the covered top on the tank, which enables quick and easy transport of this conventional (air) striper.

Also, airless machines have an hydraulic pump, which is different than the motor. It has a piston and seals inside. I have had the piston replaced, but generally speaking all you need to do is replace the seals. I replace mine almost every spring; this is probably more often than necessary, but I feel good about it.

I want to say this, too: I have replaced my own seals on the job. I have also taken the bottom half of the pump off to clear a clog on the job (I found a “paint skin” and put it all back together in 30 minutes.) But I’m not bad with a wrench and I believe that anyone can do anything. So…don’t be afraid to work on an airless, they’re just not as easy to work on as a conventional.

What To Buy?

Everyone wants to know which type of striping machine to buy. The answer is simple: Buy either one you want! They cost about the same. Both the conventional and airless striping machines certainly have a place in the market, but neither of them is the “be all…do all.” They’re just different.

But if you're in the market for a striping machine try this first: Call every good-sized paving contractor in your city. Why? Because I stripe for two different paving contractors and both of them have striping machines sitting in their shop. I could buy a machine from either contractor and pay half price.