Tips on How to Choose the Best Spray Tan Equipment for your Business

When purchasing a new spray tanning system for your business, there are a few factors you should consider to ensure that you receive the most value from your investment and it is helpful to be prepared with knowledge of the basic parts of a spray tanning system and also to know exactly how and where you will be using your new equipment.

Get to know the 3 Main Parts of a Spray Tan System

First, it’s important to know the components that make up a spray tanning system- the turbine, the spray tan applicator and the hose. Basic knowledge about each of these system parts can help narrow down the best fit for you..

Turbine

The most widely used turbine in the spray tanning industry is the High Volume and Low-Pressure, or HVLP, because of their reliability and convenience when being used in spray tanning your clients. The turbine draws sufficient air into the unit which is then transferred through the hose which provides the air needed for atomization. HVLP turbines can disperse a high volume (HV) of air to propel the tanning solution at low pressure (LP). The low-pressure application reduces undesired overspray and results in a finer & consistent spray.

Selecting a turbine that is rated for your projected volume of tans is vitally important!

Spray Tan Gun/ Applicator

There are many types of spray tan applicators available in the market,each with their unique feature sets. Some key differences to note include: siphon feed vs gravity feed, plastic body vs metal body, bleeder style vs non-bleeder style and applicator weight. Noting these differences and knowing your preferences, can help you to determine your applicator. 

Spray Tan Hose

There are also different features in a spray tan hose that you might need to consider. Hose length and flexibility should be considered, as well as the type of fittings used. Are they plastic or metal? Quick connect or twist in lock? Are the fittings lightweight (heavy fittings can add weight to the hose and applicator)?

Know Your Equipment Needs

To get the most from your investment, it is vitally important that you choose equipment that aligns with your business model and needs! Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Who will I be spraying? Friends and family or clients? Individuals or groups?
2. What will my volume beto start and what is my projected volume? A few clients per day or a full day of tanning?
3. Where will I be spraying tanning? Mobile or brick and mortar establishment?

Identifying your business needs will determine the equipment specifications that are necessary (or unnecessary) for your business. 

Size and Weight

If you intend to use your equipment for a mobile tanning business, we recommend choosing a machine that weighs less than 15 pounds. The lighter and more compact your spray tan machine is, the easier it will be to pack up and transport. On the other hand, if you intend to use it for a salon set-up, the weight and size would not be an issue.

Volume of usage

Know your forecasted number of tans per day. When choosing equipment, check the rated maximum number of tans established by the manufacturer. An overused motor will overheat or can cause damage to the machine which will result in a shorter lifetime value. Additionally, it is wise to invest in equipment that you can grow your business with. Select a machine that can handle your goal number of tans per day, not necessarily the number you are currently providing. 

Noise

Decibel rating is definitely a factor to consider if you are choosing a machine for a spa or other setting where you must be mindful of the noise level. One thing to consider is that the smaller the turbine, the less noise insulation the casing allows. Small machines are great for mobile, but for a studio or salon, a larger machine with a lower decibel rating is recommended. 

Applicator

Choose a spray tan gun that feels comfortable for you to hold and use. Starting out, you may not be certain which applicator features you prefer. In this case, I recommend starting out with a plastic body applicator like the Apollo T6000, as they are lightweight,simple to use, easy to disassemble and clean, and made of durable and quality parts.

Metal vs. Plastic Applicators: What is the difference?⁠
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While you can't go wrong with either, both come with their own set of pros and cons that you should keep in mind!⁠
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Plastic applicators⁠
➕ Pros: lighter in weight (leading to less wrist fatigue), easy to travel with, and simple to disassemble and clean⁠
➖ Cons: plastic body and parts are less durable than steel⁠
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Metal applicators⁠
➕ Pros: more durable with a tad smaller needle, which produces a finer mist ⁠
➖ Cons: more pieces disassemble and clean (or replace) and are prone to corrosion, so pieces must be thoroughly dried after cleaning⁠
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The biggest mistake that I see customers make when selecting their machine is settling for a “cheap” machine to start with the intention of investing down the road. My first thought is why would you sacrifice the quality of your tans in the beginning stages of your business, just to save a few dollars? You will end up spending more money in the long run by purchasing a lesser quality machine now, because you will end up purchasing another machine in the near future. Trust me on this one- I see this all the time! Knowing the basic parts and the application of your spray tanning system will help you select a machine that will grow with your business. If you have any questions, or for more assistance with equipment selection, please reach out to us a 888-317-4569 or sales@thesunlessstore.com.