Ryobi Cordless Sprayer x Polka.Paint - mini DIY Tutorial
Whenever we create any content using our electric spryer from Ryobi, we alway hear from excited fans who want to know how it's done!
Watch the video for the details, but to answer the number 1 question....
The ratio of water to Granny B's paints when spraying is typically 300ml water for every litre of paint. So be sure to use that ratio when mixing smaller quantities.
How to Get a Professional Finish Using Ryobi Cordless Tools & Polka.Paint
In this tutorial, Ryobi Africa teams up with Granny B’s (makers of Polka.Paint) to demonstrate how to use their cordless tools — especially the sander and sprayer — to achieve a smooth, even paint finish with minimal fuss. Whether you're revamping furniture, décor, or metal pieces, these steps (and tools) will help you get great results.
What You’ll Need
Here are the tools and materials used in the video:
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Ryobi cordless sander
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Ryobi cordless paint sprayer
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Polka.Paint (Granny B’s paint) in the colour of your choice
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A surface to paint — could be furniture, metal, etc.
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Sandpaper (various grits)
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Drop cloths or protective covering
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Masking tape / painter’s tape
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Clean cloths to wipe down surfaces
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preparation
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Clean the surface well — remove dirt, grease, old paint or loose bits. A clean surface helps paint adhesion.
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Sand the surface to smooth out rough patches (e.g. bumps, old paint peeling) and to give texture so the new paint will grip. The cordless sander does this faster and more evenly than sanding by hand.
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Mask off trim / edges you don’t want painted. Lay down drop cloths to protect surrounding areas.
2. Spraying the Paint
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Set up the Ryobi sprayer and get comfortable with its spray pattern. Practice on a spare board or cardboard to ensure even coverage without overspray.
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Thin the paint if necessary: For sprayers, paint often needs to be slightly thinned or adjusted to the proper consistency (the video notes this depending on equipment). Too thick and it’ll clog or spray unevenly; too thin and it’ll drip or run.
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Apply the first coat using smooth, overlapping passes. Keep a consistent distance between the sprayer and the surface. Don’t try to cover everything in one heavy pass; several light/medium passes often look better.
3. Dry & Assess
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Allow the first coat to dry fully.
- Check for patches, drip marks, or areas that got less coverage. Lightly sand any raised bits or uneven texture if necessary.
4. Apply Second Coat
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After the first coat is dry and good, apply a second coat using the same sprayer technique. This helps even out the colour and finish, and improves durability.
5. Finishing Touches
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If needed, you can do some light sanding between coats for smoother finish.
- Clean up edges / touch up by hand if the sprayer missed tight corners or detail that masking couldn’t cover.
- Spray or brush on your Polka.Seal or Granny B's Sealer (Classic, or Armour)
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Once everything is dry, remove any masking tape, clean up, and admire your work!
Tips & Best Practices from the Video
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Using cordless tools (like Ryobi’s) makes things much more flexible — less worry about cords dragging or needing power outlets close by.
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Sprayer vs brush/roller: the sprayer gives a more even, professional-looking finish, especially on large or contoured surfaces. But if you don’t have a sprayer, good brushes/rollers work, especially for smaller or simpler pieces.
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Always protect surroundings with drop cloths, especially when spraying. Overspray can get everywhere.
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Drying time is important — don’t rush coats. A proper, fully dry base gives better final results.
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Proper prep = better finish. Even with great tools, if the surface is dirty or rough, the paint won’t go on smoothly or look as good.
Why Polka.Paint + Ryobi is a Good Match
From what’s shown in the video and related Granny B’s materials:
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Quality of paint: Polka.Paint is designed for good coverage and a smooth finish. It seems to pair well with spraying applications.
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Tools built for ease: Ryobi’s cordless sprayer/sander lets you work more freely — no trailing cords, more mobility.
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Versatility: You can use these tools + paint combo for a variety of items: furniture, décor, metal, etc. It’s not just for one type of project.