Best Spray Tanning Machines

Nowadays, people associate tanned skin with overall health--it conjures up the image of a rugged, outdoors type (for men), or an athletic, Kardashianesque complexion (for women). By contrast, a pale, anemic complexion is usually taken as an indication of being sickly. There are numerous types of tanning solutions on the market--you can find self-tanning creams, oils, lotions, and sprays.
There are also a number of tanning machines, using different methods of applying spray tanning solution that function in a way that gives a natural, uniform look to your skin. The various machines differ in the pressure and volume at which the tanning spray is delivered, as well as the method of delivery: You’ll see high-volume, low pressure (= HVLP) devices, low-volume, low-pressure (=LVLP) devices, airbrush spray machines, and spray tanning booths. Here is a guide to the best spray tanning machine on the market. It'll help you:

• Choose the right type of spray tanning machine,

• See useful tips about that type of spray tanning machine,    

• Read reviews of different brands of spray tanning machines, and what customers are saying,

• Select the right brand of spray tanning machine, and

• Compare prices and find the best deals.

• HVLP--This is the most common type of machine, operating at between 400 to 700 Watts.  It will include a hand-held spray gun, which minimizes leakage and waste of formula. In the HVLP device, intake air goes into the turbine through the back end of the sprayer. The air then gets diverted to the tanning solution cup and air cap. The air then pressurizes the tanning solution cup and atomizes the paint. This pressure forces the paint out of the tube and through the air cap. It is more economical than the alternatives since it can deliver a tan with as little as 30-50 ml of solution. The Fuji 2100 Mini Tan M Model System Spray Tan is an HVLP unit, with special quiet-turbine technology. That makes it half as noisy as a standard turbine.

• LVLP--This employs a turbine to shoot the solution out of a gun, in an even and quick spray mist. It operates at a lower pressure (1 psi) than HVLP, and is more noisy, even though it also yields a softer spray. LVLP has lower overspray levels and a lower volume of air. Also, it will have a greater efficiency by 5-10% than the HVLP devices. On the other hand, LVLP spray guns will take longer to perform an application than an HVLP device.That makes it less suitable for use as a mobile tanning unit, but it is a good choice for the home or a spray tanning business, despite being more expensive than the HVLP units.

• Airbrush Spray Gun Machine--An airbrush employs a compressor to apply the tanning solution. It has the advantages of being cheaper and less noisy than the LVLP design. It works at high pressure, delivering more solution in less time--but much of the solution goes to waste.  There are also airbrush spray tanners for small areas and contouring, applying different levels of tanning solution to different parts of the body. This will enhance the curves of a woman’s body, as well as the musculature of a man’s body.

• Spray Tanning Booths--A spray tanning booth can consist of a shower-stall sized chamber, constructed by a professional, with small holes on all sides. It sprays a mist from all sides of the booth, which covers the entire body uniformly and quickly. It will tend to be less accurate than a handheld spray gun, so it will require touch-ups where the spray didn't reach. Also, there are parts of your body, such as your forearms, which do not tan at the same rate--so a uniform tan will definitely not seem truly “natural”. But there are also tent-like structures which work as well to concentrate the tanning solution spray. For example, the Fascination FX Spray Tanning Machine uses a "skylight" design tent in order to concentrate the spray. Also, MaxiMist's products also come with a "clear-view" tanning booth, which consists of a tent with clear vinyl windows to let the room's light in--that’s an added convenience, besides the solution-saving features that the tent offers.

Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

• Loudness: As we mentioned, the LVLP devices tend to be noisier. Some devices are so loud that they make it difficult to talk to the client when performing a spray tan. So investigate the loudness of the machine before making a purchase. The Aura Allure Spray Tan Machine Kit, on the other hand, has a very quiet mechanism. This makes it ideal for salons, spas and beauty schools, to allow conversing with the students and clients. The MaxiMist Allure Xena Sunless Spray Tanning System works at 72 dB--this is comparable to a dishwasher or vacuum cleaner, which makes it possible to converse with the client during the application.

• Comes with tanning solution as a bonus: Many brands of spray tanning machines have a promotional offer, where they offer tanning solutions when you purchase a unit. For example, Black Fascination FX Spray Tanning Machine offers you Norvell Venetian Spray Tanning Solution, Norvell 1-Hour Spray Tan Solution, and Norvell XLaTan Pre-Sunless pH Balancing Spray.

• Putting on several applications: The DHA concentration in a spray tanning solution will determine how dark your tan will be. DHA stands for dihydroxyacetone. It reacts with the proteins in the outer layers of your skin, turning the skin brown. The DHA concentration in a tanning product will determine how dark a tan it will produce. It’s actually not encouraged to use a high DHA-concentration product: even though it will give quick results, it tends to give an unusual color, or will fade more rapidly. If you use a lighter tanning product, you will have to apply a number of coats in order to get a deeper color tan.

• How long will the tan last: The tan will start to appear 2-4 hours after a treatment, and will gradually darken for the next 12 to 24 hours. The tan can last for two to three days when using a high-quality tanning product. (Some products give results for as long as 5 days.) Bathing or perspiring heavily will make the tan fade more quickly since it will make the outer layers of skin slough off more quickly. This will make it necessary to perform a spray tanning every week or so.

• Cleaning the apparatus: If you want to clean the apparatus, it is recommended to pour the unused tanning solution back into the bottle. Then fill up the reservoir with hot water, and attach it to the apparatus. Operate the machine at full spray, spraying the water into a sink, in order to clean all the passageways of the spray tanning machine. There is also a specialized cleaner solution that is special for cleaning the apparatus.

• The number of applications: Some machines will allow you to apply a coat of tanning solution with only 2 ounces of solution. So, if you have an 8-ounce bottle, expect to get 4 applications out of it.

• Application time: The different types of spray tanning machines differ in their application times as well. Here is the amount of time that it takes on average to complete an application:

  • HVLP--5 minutes

  • LVLP--10-15 minutes

  • Airbrush-- 25-40 minutes (this is because of the small area that the airbrush covers at any one time).

  • Tanning booth--1-2 minutes (this is because the tanning booth sprays simultaneously from all directions, for a uniform coat)

• Varying application speeds:  The MaxiMist Spray Tanning Overspray Extraction Fan has three powerful speeds: high (2387 Cubic feet/minute, or CFM), medium (2245 CFM), and low (2047 CFM). You want the machine to produce a high volume of air (a large CFM) at a low pressure (PSI = pounds per square inch), for the optimal results and the most economical use of tanning solution.

• Different types of streams: The Fuji Mini Tan M Model System Spray Tan HVLP can apply tanning solution in two different types of streams: it can produce a straight stream or a flat stream. The straight stream is for contouring the application, applying more solution in some places than in others.

• Heating system: There are HVLP tanning machines which apply heat (much like a hair dryer) so that the tanning solution will dry more quickly.

• Economizing on spray solution: We mentioned that HVLP devices are more economical. For example, the Fuji 2100 uses a bleed valve-style spray gun and a fluid control knob. The higher settings allow you to cover a larger area, while the lower settings concentrate the mist, for small areas like your wrist or forearm.

• Easy to clean: Many brands advertise having easy-to-clean features. For example, the MaxiMist Lite Plus Spray Tanning System has a Teflon needle which is designed so as not to clog over many uses. It also has a waterproof on/off switch and removable air filter.

• Flexible hose: There is a hose that connects the application gun to the spray tanning machine. The longer the hose, the more mobility it allows you in applying tanning solution. The MaxiMist Allure Xena Sunless Spray Tanning System comes with an 11.5-foot long applicator hose, which works on a twist-lock system so that no solution drips out.

• When to apply solution:  If you have your own spray tanning machine, you have control over when to perform a treatment. You should shower at least 8-12 hours before applying the solution. You should also exfoliate the skin, to remove any dead skin cells that may shed afterward and make the tanning to become patchy. Also, apply moisturizer to the skin, at least 24 hours before applying tanning spray. It is best to spray at night, so as to let the solution soak into the skin overnight. Rinse off the excess in the morning.

• How to apply solution: Your spraying method should depend on what part of the body you are applying solution: It is recommended to spray wide areas (such as the chest, face, neck, abdomen and back) with a side-to-side motion, and the narrow areas (such as the legs, the arms, and sides) with an up-and-down motion. When spraying the face, have the client close their eyes and hold their breath--this is to avoid inhaling the solution or getting it in the eyes. Perform the spraying with long, even passes, for uniform color.

• Distance from the subject when spraying: Spray at a distance of 8-12 inches away from the body. Clients notice that if solution drips from the nozzle, you are too close to the subject.

• Cost: MaxiMist makes a variety of spray tanning machines, which range in cost from $189 for the MaxiMist Lite Plus Spray Tanning System, and going up to the MaxiMist Ultra Pro High Volume Spray Tanning System, which can go for $600.  

Maximist—have their headquarters in St. Petersburg, Florida. They are makers of professional spray tanning systems, ranging from small, mobile tanning units that cost around $200, to professional tanning salon equipment which can cost $1000 and up. They also sell individual parts for their appliances: adapters, spray guns, spray heads, and more.

Belloccio—are makers of air-brush makeup and sunless tanning products, with their headquarters in San Diego, California. They make tanning systems, tanning accessories, airbrush kits, tanning solutions, and more. They offer a wide range of resources regarding tanning and makeup application.

Fuji Spray-- was founded in 1986, and are presently one of the leading manufacturers in North America of high-volume, low-pressure (= HVLP) paint spraying equipment. Their headquarters is located in Toronto, Ontario. They make spray systems for both professional and amateur spray tanners. They make spray guns, home sprayers, and other HVLP components, and 3 different series of spray tanning equipment.

Aura Sprayers--is a maker of HVLP sprayers and a brand of the Wagner Group of products. Their tanning solution sprayers are employing in spray tanning, and are equipped with a satin spray nozzle for optimal atomization. Their spray machines are designed for minimal overspray and easy-to-clean equipment. Their headquarters is in Markdorf, Germany, but they have branches worldwide. 

Apollo--is the brand of spray tanning systems made by Sjolie Sunless. They were founded in 1979, and are located in Rocklin, California. They make spray tanning solutions, pre-tan products, tanning booth equipment, and spray tan kits and mobile pop-up tents for applying spray tanning formula.