tanning system

Let’s be real, when it comes to spray tanning, your technique matters… but your equipment? It’s everything.

You can have the best solution, flawless training, and a loyal client base, but if your machine isn’t performing at a high level, your results (and your reputation) can take a hit.

So let’s break it down: how exactly does equipment quality impact your spray tan results, and why should it be a top priority in your business?

1. The Difference Between “Good” and “Wow” Results

High quality HVLP spray tanning systems are designed to deliver a fine, consistent mist. This means:

• Even coverage
• Smooth blending
• Natural looking color

Lower quality machines? They often produce:

• Uneven spray patterns
• Larger droplets (hello, streaks)
• Inconsistent color development

The result: With premium equipment like APOLLO Sunless systems, your tans look airbrushed and flawless, every single time!

2. The Secret to a Flawless Finish

If you’ve ever wondered why some tans look silky smooth while others look patchy, here’s the truth:

The secret is how fine and even your spray mist is.

Top tier equipment:

• Creates ultra fine particles
• Allows better absorption into the skin
• Reduces overspray and waste

Lower end machines:

• Spray heavier, uneven droplets
• Increase the risk of blotchiness
• Waste more solution (aka, lost profit)

A finer, more even mist = better results + better margins.

3. Consistency Builds Client Trust

Your clients expect the same glowing results every time they walk through your door (or you show up mobile style).

High quality equipment ensures:

• Reliable pressure output
• Consistent spray patterns
• Predictable results across appointments

Cheap or worn out machines?

• Fluctuating pressure
• Random sputtering
• Inconsistent color payoff

And nothing shakes client confidence faster than inconsistency.

4. Better Equipment = Easier Maintenance

Here’s something many artists don’t realize: quality equipment is actually easier to maintain.

Professional systems are built with:

• Durable components
• Thoughtful design for easy cleaning
• Reliable parts that last longer

This means:

• Fewer clogs
• Less downtime
• More appointments!!!

5. Your Equipment Impacts Your Speed & Efficiency

Time is money, especially in a busy tanning business.

With high performance equipment, you’ll notice:

• Faster application times
• Smoother flow control
• Less need for touch ups

That means you can:

• Book more clients
• Reduce fatigue
• Deliver a premium experience without rushing

Here is our sunless tanning equipment favorites to check out all our spray tanning systems.

6. Quality You Can Feel (and Market)

Let’s not forget, your equipment is part of your brand.

Using a professional, USA made system like APOLLO Sunless:

• Elevates your perceived value
• Positions you as a serious pro
• Gives clients confidence in your services

And yes, clients notice!

The Bottom Line

Your spray tanning machine isn’t just a tool, it’s the foundation of your results.

When you invest in high-quality equipment, you’re investing in:

• Better tans
• Happier clients
• Stronger reviews
• A more profitable business

Ready to Upgrade Your Glow Game?

If you’re tired of fighting with inconsistent results or ready to take your business to the next level, it might be time to upgrade your equipment.

Explore APOLLO Sunless systems and experience the difference precision, power, and craftsmanship can make.

Because your clients deserve flawless, and so do you! Here are our favorite distrubuters of our HVLP systems!

Spray tanning is one of the fastest growing beauty services, and for many women it has become the perfect opportunity to launch a flexible, profitable business. Whether you’re starting a mobile spray tanning service, adding sunless tanning to your salon, or turning a beauty side hustle into a full time career, proper spray tan training is the key to success.

Great training doesn’t just teach you how to spray, it teaches you how to deliver flawless results, build confidence, and create happy, loyal clients.

If you’re considering spray tan training, here’s everything you need to know before getting started.

Why Spray Tan Training Matters

Some people assume spray tanning is simple: pick up a machine and start spraying. But professional spray tanning is actually a skilled service that requires technique, product knowledge, and client care.

Proper training helps you:

• Achieve streak free, natural looking tans
• Learn the correct spray patterns and body positioning
• Customize color for different skin tones
• Understand solution formulas and DHA levels
• Provide professional client consultations
• Avoid common mistakes like overspray or uneven application

Most importantly, good training gives you confidence, and confident artists create the best client experiences.

What You’ll Learn in Spray Tan Training

A quality spray tan training course covers several essential areas of the sunless tanning process.

1. Spray Tanning Fundamentals

Before you ever pick up a spray gun, you’ll learn the basics of how sunless tanning works.

Training typically covers:

• What DHA is and how it develops color
  
• How spray tan solutions interact with skin
  
• The difference between cosmetic bronzers and developing color
  
• Why proper skin preparation matters
  

Understanding the science behind spray tanning helps you deliver predictable, consistent results.

2. Spray Gun Technique

One of the most important parts of training is learning how to properly use a professional HVLP spray tanning system.

You’ll learn:

• Correct spray gun distance
  
• Proper trigger control
  
• Spray pattern overlap
  
• Speed and movement
  
• How to avoid streaks and blotches
  

Professional HVLP systems, like those used by many experienced artists, create a fine mist that produces smooth, even color when used correctly.

3. Body Positioning and Spray Order

Professional training teaches a systematic approach to spraying the body.

Most artists learn a step by step routine, such as:

1. Back of legs
   
2. Back
   
3. Arms
   
4. Sides
   
5. Front of legs
   
6. Stomach and chest
   
7. Face and hands
   

Following a consistent pattern helps ensure even coverage and efficient appointments.

4. Customizing Spray Tans for Different Clients

Not all skin tones are the same, which means every client may need a slightly different approach.

Training will teach you how to:

• Select the right solution strength
  
• Adjust passes for lighter or darker results
  
• Customize for undertones
  
• Work with very fair or deep skin tones
  

This is where artistry meets technique, and where trained spray tan artists truly shine.

5. Client Preparation and Aftercare

One of the biggest secrets to beautiful spray tans actually happens before and after the appointment.

Training will cover how to guide clients through:

Pre Tan Preparation

• Exfoliating
  
• Avoiding lotions and oils
  
• Wearing loose clothing
  
• Proper shaving timing
  

Post Tan Care

• Development time
  
• First rinse instructions
  
• Moisturizing routines
  
• Extending tan longevity
  

Educated clients get better results, which means happier customers and more repeat business.

Hands On Practice Is Key

Watching videos or reading instructions can help, but the best spray tan training includes hands on practice.

Practicing on real models allows you to:

• Perfect spray gun control
  
• Learn body contour techniques
  
• Adjust your spray pattern
  
• Gain confidence before working with paying clients
  

Many successful artists say that hands-on experience is the moment everything clicks.

Equipment Training: Understanding Your Tools

Professional training also introduces you to the equipment you’ll rely on every day.

Most spray tan artists use HVLP spray tanning systems because they:

• Create a fine, even mist
• Provide consistent airflow
• Deliver smooth, natural looking color
• Work well for both mobile and salon setups

Understanding your equipment, from the turbine to the spray gun, helps you work efficiently and maintain professional results.

How Long Does Spray Tan Training Take?

The great thing about spray tanning is that you can learn the core skills quickly.

Many certification courses take:

• 1 day intensive training
  
• Online + hands on workshops
  
• Weekend certification classes
  

However, like any skill, mastery comes with practice and experience.

Most artists become very comfortable after completing their first 20–30 spray tans. Here is our Spray Tanning Checklist to make sure your clients remember all the proper aftercare steps.

Do You Need Certification?

While regulations vary by location, certification is highly recommended because it:

• Builds credibility with clients
• Helps you learn professional techniques
• Provides safety and sanitation education
• Shows that you take your business seriously

Clients trust trained professionals, and trust leads to repeat bookings and referrals.

Tips for New Spray Tan Artists

If you’re just starting your spray tanning journey, here are a few helpful tips.

Practice Often

The more bodies you spray, the better your technique becomes.

Take Before and After Photos

Photos help you evaluate your results and build marketing content.

Invest in Quality Equipment

Reliable equipment ensures smooth application and consistent results.

Continue Learning

The sunless tanning industry continues to evolve with new solutions, techniques, and trends. Here are some of our favorite distributers to learn more.

The Bottom Line

Spray tan training is the first step toward building a successful sunless tanning career.

With the right training, practice, and professional equipment, you can confidently deliver beautiful, natural looking results your clients will love.

And when your clients love their glow, they’ll keep coming back.

Ready to Start Your Spray Tanning Journey?

Whether you’re launching a mobile business or upgrading your salon services, having the right equipment makes all the difference.

APOLLO Sunless offers professional HVLP spray tanning systems designed for reliability, precision, and flawless results, proudly made in the USA.

Explore our systems and take the next step toward building your spray tanning business with confidence. Click here to check out our systems!

If you’re running a busy sunless salon, you already know this truth: your equipment can either make your day seamless… or stressful. When you’re fully booked, juggling clients, and building your brand, the last thing you need is a loud, overheating system that can’t keep up.

That’s exactly why the APOLLO Whisper Mist was designed.

Built for salon professionals who demand performance, durability, and quiet power, the Whisper Mist is the ultimate HVLP system for high volume spray tanning businesses.

Let’s break down why this system is the salon powerhouse that works as hard as you do.

Why the Whisper Mist Is Perfect for Salon Use

Ultra Quiet Operation (Your Clients Will Notice 👏)

The Whisper Mist is quieter than both of our other systems thanks to its box design, which helps muffle sound while maintaining powerful airflow.

Why does that matter?

Because a quieter system means:

• A more relaxing client experience
  
• Easier communication during the spray tan
  
• A more elevated, professional atmosphere
  

Luxury isn’t just about results, it’s about the experience. The Whisper Mist helps you deliver both.

Built to Stay Cool Under Pressure

Busy salon? No problem.

The Whisper Mist is engineered with extra fans and advanced filtration to help prevent overheating and keep your system running smoothly for years.

• One fan pushes heat from the inside out
  
• One fan pulls cool air in to regulate temperature
  

This smart airflow system allows you to handle up to 60 spray tans per day without sacrificing performance.

If you’re booking solid during peak season, wedding season, prom season, or just every season, this is the machine that keeps up with your hustle.

Designed for Mobility

We know salon layouts change. Booths move. Rooms get redesigned.

Even though the Whisper Mist weighs about 50 lbs, it’s built on wheels, making it easy to move around your salon space whenever needed.

Stable. Durable. Flexible.

Just like your business.

How to Best Use the Whisper Mist in Your Salon

To get the absolute most from your investment:

1. Position It for Proper Airflow

Even though it has advanced cooling, always allow space around the system for ventilation. This supports long term performance.

2. Clean Filters Regularly

With high daily usage (especially if you’re doing 30–60 tans a day), routine filter checks and maintenance will extend the life of your unit.

3. Use the Correct Spray Gun Setup

Stick with the T5020 or Deluxe Spray Gun for optimal performance and atomization.

4. Train Your Team

If you have multiple technicians, ensure everyone understands proper cleaning and handling procedures. Protecting your equipment protects your profits.

The APOLLO 4 Year Warranty: Here’s How It Works

We stand behind what we build. Since 2003, APOLLO Sunless has sold over 150,000 units, and we’re still going strong, manufacturing high quality systems right here in the USA.

Here’s how our warranty works:

Step 1: Register Within 30 Days

When you receive your Whisper Mist, upload your receipt to our website within 30 days.

This doubles your warranty from 2 years to 4 years.

Yes, double it.

What’s Covered?

Our warranty covers manufacturing defects for:

• The system
  
• The hose
  
• Alloy components
  
• Gaskets
  
• Internal parts
  
• And everything included in your system
  

This is not limited to just the motor, it covers the full system.

That’s confidence in craftsmanship.

What’s Not Covered?

The warranty does not cover:

• User error
  
• Improper maintenance
  
• Mistreatment of the system
  

Think of it this way: we cover what we build. You protect it with proper care. Click here for more information on the Apollo Warrenty.

Why This Matters for Your Business

When you invest in equipment, you’re not just buying a machine, you’re protecting your income stream.

A system that:

• Handles up to 60 tans a day
  
• Stays cool under pressure
  
• Runs quieter than traditional HVLP systems
  
• Comes with up to 4 years of warranty coverage
  

That’s peace of mind.

And peace of mind lets you focus on what really matters: growing your sunless empire. Here is also one of our favorite distributers for all your sunless tanning solutions.

Built for Women Who Mean Business

The Whisper Mist isn’t for hobbyists. It’s for salon owners who are serious about scaling, elevating client experience, and investing in equipment that lasts.

You work hard. Your system should too.

Ready to Upgrade Your Salon Setup?

If you’re ready to:

• Increase efficiency
  
• Elevate your client experience
  
• Invest in USA made quality
  
• Protect your business with a 4 year warranty
  

Explore the Whisper Mist today or connect with an APOLLO distributor to find the perfect setup for your salon.

Your future fully booked calendar will thank you. ✨

In the sunless tanning business, your results are only as good as your tools. That means your equipment needs to be more than good, it needs to be exceptional. At APOLLO Sunless, we don’t believe in cutting corners. We believe in crafting professional grade HVLP systems that deliver flawless and consistent results. Apollo systems will support your success every step of the way. Discover the Craftsmanship of Apollo Sunless.

Why Craftsmanship Matters

Every APOLLO Sunless machine is proudly made in the USA by people who live and breathe HVLP technology. We’re not here to rebrand paint sprayers or toss out cookie cutter machines. Our systems are built for sunless tanning, designed with attention to every detail, from airflow control to ergonomic spray gun design.

Take the Whisper Mist system, for example. It features fireproof foam insulation and dual fans that actively cool the turbine by pulling in fresh air and exhausting warm air. These features aren’t just bells and whistles, they’re engineered for safety and performance.

HVLP turbines naturally run hot, and placing them inside closed boxes or furniture like ottomans may restrict airflow, increase heat buildup, and in rare cases, pose fire hazards. That’s why we never recommend enclosing the machine, ventilation is essential.

Performance You Can Count On

Our HVLP systems are precision tuned to deliver ultra fine mist with minimal overspray, resulting in more even coverage, less waste, and a professional finish every time.

We’ve had questions about things like the pickup tube not reaching the bottom of the cup, and here’s the scoop: it’s designed that way on purpose. If the tube touched the bottom, it could interfere with the seal and restrict solution flow, leading to sputtering or an uneven spray. We’re always listening, and updates like a flat tube design are already being explored.

And what about placing your machine on a chair or table? It won’t affect performance, our systems are completely sealed and unaffected by gravity, but it can be risky. A tumble from a table is a quick way to damage your system, so ground placement is the safest choice.

The Little Things That Keep You Glowing

APOLLO’s attention to detail goes beyond just the machine. For example, our spray guns, like the T6000 and T5020, are engineered for durability, but they need regular care to stay at peak performance. That means:

• Lubricating key parts like the needle shaft and material adjustment screw threads (and on the T5020, a couple of air distributor plate indents too).
  
• Rinsing with water and mild dish soap after each day or use.
  
• Using pro quality gun cleaners (like the one from Sjolie) with safe ingredients, no need for harsh chemicals like acetone.
  

These simple maintenance steps keep your spray smooth, your gun in top shape, and your business flowing effortlessly. Here are some of our favorite distributers!

Designed with You in Mind

We know that motor noise is a thing, but minimizing it without sacrificing performance or safety is where we shine. We’ve engineered our systems to run as quietly as possible while still giving you the airflow needed for fast, even coverage. If you need total silence, the only real fix is placing the system in another room, but for most artists, our Whisper Mist is as discreet as it gets.

Experience the APOLLO Difference

From the inside out, APOLLO Sunless machines are built to last, and built for you. Whether you’re running a mobile business or a full blown salon, your equipment should work as hard as you do. When you choose APOLLO, you’re not just buying a machine, you’re investing in quality and safety. Check out all our Apollo Systems here to learn more about what Apollo can do for you. 

Let’s be honest, there’s nothing like that just-sprayed glow. But maintaining that flawless bronze between sunless tanning sessions? That’s where the real magic (and a bit of skincare savvy) comes in.

Whether you’re rocking a weekly glow or stretching your sessions out, here’s how you, and your clients, can keep that tan looking freshly done, day after day.

1. Prep Like a Pro (Even After the Tan)

Yes, prep starts before your session, but the post-tan care is just as important. Stick to gentle, sulfate-free body washes and avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliating gloves until you’re ready for your next tan. Hydration is key, both inside and out.

Tips:

• Use a pH balanced, fragrance-free cleanser.
  
• Avoid bar soaps or foamy body washes.
  
• Pat skin dry instead of rubbing.
  

Drink plenty of water to keep skin plump and healthy.

2. Moisturize Like Your Glow Depends on It (Because It Does)

Dry skin is the enemy of a long-lasting tan. Moisturizing once a day is good. Twice a day? Even better. But steer clear of lotions with heavy oils or mineral oil, they’ll break down the DHA and cause patchiness.

Look for:

• Aloe vera based lotions
  
• Shea butter moisturizers
  
• Hyaluronic acid infused creams
  

Use Oil free and fragrance free formulas for the best results.

3. Tan Extenders = Your Secret Weapon

Pro Tip:

• Choose a tan extender that complements your solution’s undertone.
  
• Apply with a mitt to avoid streaks on hands.
  
• Use every 2–3 days to keep the glow going.

Glow enhancers, tan extenders, gradual tanners, whatever you call them, they’re your BFF between sessions. A few light applications throughout the week can give your color a subtle boost without overdoing it.

4. Skip the Steamy Soaks

Hot tubs, long baths, and saunas? They feel amazing, but they’re a fast track to fade town. The combination of heat and water softens the skin and speeds up exfoliation, which means your tan will say bye bye faster than you’d like.

Stick to:

• Quick, lukewarm showers
  
• Avoiding exfoliating sponges or loofahs
  
• Patting skin dry instead of rubbing
  

5. Shave Smart (Or Skip It)

Tips:

• Shave in the direction of hair growth.
  
• Moisturize after shaving.

If shaving’s part of your routine, use a sharp, clean razor and plenty of shaving cream or gel. Think of it as gently mowing the lawn, don’t hack at the grass!

6. Sweat with Caution

Post-workout tips:

• Wear loose, breathable clothing.
• Shower and re moisturize after sweating.
• Use body wipes if a shower isn’t possible.

Workouts are great for your body but not always for your bronze. Excessive sweating, especially in tight workout gear, can lead to streaking and uneven fading.

7. Don’t Wait Too Long Between Sessions

Even with the best care, tans fade. Encourage clients to come back before their color is completely gone. This helps with an even fade and a smoother transition into the next glow.

Ideal schedule:

• Every 7–10 days for consistent results
• Exfoliate gently before your next appointment
• Schedule sessions based on your skin’s natural exfoliation rate

Help Your Clients Achieve Glow Goals with APOLLO Sunless

With the right care and high performance equipment (hello, APOLLO HVLP systems!), maintaining a fresh, glowing tan doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Our precision spray systems deliver flawless results every time, helping your clients start with the best possible base for long lasting beauty.

Why APOLLO Sunless?

• Made in the USA with premium craftsmanship
• Designed for precision and ease of use
• Trusted by professional spray tan artists

Ready to elevate your spray tan results? Explore our sunless systems [here] or connect with a distributor near you today, check out some of our favorite distributors here.