Spray Tan Machines Explained

Which is the best spray tanning machine?

When browsing the web for spray tan machines for sale, or even spray tan kits, one of the most common questions people ask themselves is which spray tan macine is the best? What spray tanning gun should I buy?

Of course, there is no one answer to this question. It depends on what you will be using it for, and of course on your budget.

HVLP vrs Airbrush

The trend over the last few years has definitely been towards HVLP. Airbrush tanning used to dominate the market and many spray tan technicians still swear by it, but HVLP now dominates, no doubt due to far quicker application times.

Yes, yes, I already know I want HVLP. But which one?!

There is so many HVLP machines on the market, but generally only one manufacturer comes out on top every time, and this is Earlex. Earlex manufacture the world-famous MaxiMist machines, as well as the new TS50 (used to be called HV5008). Their focus is on professional-grade systems but they do have home user offerings in the TS10 ("bowling ball" machine) and even the new TS20 now blurs the line between home user and professional.

The systems to be careful of are the cheap ones you can buy on eBay. Either unbranded, or a brand you've never heard of, these are to be avoided at all costs because performance and warranty are key. Remember that eBay and PayPal only protect you for 45 days after you make payment. After this, if the machine conks out and the seller is unresponsive, you're on your own. Also note that this is 45 days from payment - if the thing takes 2 weeks to ship from China you'll only have a month from when you receive it.

Often these spray tan machines will be advertised as professional quality, but will be either too weak to keep up with professional use, or the gun will be totally wrong because they're selling you a rebranded DIY paint sprayer.

Of course, the big name retail brands of the industry brand their own Chinese-made systems and you can feel relatively safe with the support and backup you will receive when buying from a big brand, just as long as you don't mind paying huge amounts of money for a machine with their name on it.

Stop beating around the bush!

Fine. We'll say it. Earlex is number one in the UK for spray tanning machines for a reason. Earlex are famed for both performance and reliability, and with their factory assembly line based in sunny Guildford (Surrey), they're not going anywhere. Spare parts are only a 24 hour delivery service away, and if the distributor you buy from proves unhelpful, Earlex technical support is available from 9-5 also.

Ok. I want an Earlex spray tan machine. Now what?

Now you have to decide what you want it for.

• Do you only want a machine for home use? If so, the TS10 or the TS20 are you best options.
• Is your spray tan machine for mobile or light salon use? The TS20 is perfect for up to ten tans per day, and will do 4-5 tans back-to-back without needing a cool down.
• Will you be using your machine for heavy salon use, or does your mobile business plan on taking bookings for spray tan parties? If so, the TS50 tanning machine is for you.

One final option, particularly those who said yes to the final point, is to go for a MaxiMist. When we say MaxiMist, we're talking full MaxiMist machines (sometimes referred to as the MaxiMist XL) - not the MaxiMist Lite or any other non-professional system.

MaxiMist vrs TS50

The MaxiMist is cosmetically very similar to the TS50 (the only real difference being that it does not have the new Helia gun - this, however, makes absolutely no difference to performance and quality of the spray tan), but it comes with a longer warranty and is available in exclusive Sienna Brown colouring.

I suppose it's like doing a lot of research on jumpers, deciding you definitely want an angora one, and now you're just trying to decide whether to buy it from M&S or whether to get a designer brand. Often the quality is not actually any different; you're just paying for that little logo in the corner.

So the MaxiMist is a great buy if you want that feeling of exclusivity, something a little different, or if you just like the colour. But in terms of performance, the TS50 and MaxiMist are identical. Made in the same place, by the same company, with all the same parts.

You will always pay extra for a true MaxiMist, so if you've paid for a MaxiMist, make sure it is a MaxiMist.

Beware of imitations!