How to Choose a Spray Tanning Booth Solution for Your Salon
By Sun Tanning Store | Published: 2026-10-28
Category: Buying Guides
Learn how to select the right spray tanning booth solution for your salon, with practical decision rules and trade-offs.
Quick answer
Match your booth's technology and your clients' tanning goals to the solution's formulation: choose Norvell Optimum for classic booths and gradual color, Norvell iNTELLISPRAY for heat-activated booths, and VersaSpa solutions for balanced pH and faster development.
Booth compatibility comes first
Not every spray tanning booth solution works with every booth. Norvell Optimum Clear Plus is designed for early model spray tanning booths, while Norvell iNTELLISPRAY is specifically formulated for the Norvell Auto Revolution with heat-activated technology. If you use a VersaSpa booth, choose a VersaSpa solution to ensure proper atomization and coverage. Always check your booth manual or consult the manufacturer before switching brands.
Consider your clients' tanning preferences
Some clients want a quick cosmetic bronze that washes off, while others prefer a gradual tan that develops over time. Norvell Optimum Clear Plus offers both gradual tan and instant cosmetic bronzer options, so you can stock different variants to serve both types. VersaSpa's Perfector solution is designed to see color faster, with visible development in as little as 2 hours, which is great for clients who want immediate results.
Skin care and pH balance matter
Solutions with added skin care benefits can improve the tanning experience and results. VersaSpa's Perfector solution balances pH levels for a deeper, darker, and more even tan, while its moisturizer solution provides immediate hydration and locks in color. If your clients have sensitive or dry skin, these options may be more appealing than basic solutions.
Decision rules for choosing a spray tanning booth solution
- Booth type: Identify your booth model. If it's an early model booth, choose Norvell Optimum Clear Plus. If it's a Norvell Auto Revolution, choose Norvell iNTELLISPRAY. For VersaSpa booths, use VersaSpa solutions.
- Client preference: Ask clients if they prefer a gradual tan or instant bronzer. Stock both types if you have a mixed clientele.
- Development time: If clients expect to see color immediately, choose a solution with faster development like VersaSpa Perfector (visible in 2 hours). Otherwise, standard gradual tan solutions are fine.
- Skin care benefits: Consider solutions with added moisturizers or pH balancing for clients with dry or sensitive skin. VersaSpa's moisturizer and Perfector solutions offer these benefits. Test a small batch to see how your clients respond to the formula before committing to a large order.
Product facts
- Norvell Optimum (Clear Plus) Tanning Booth Solution 128 oz Gallon Jug: Norvell Optimum Clear Plus Tanning Booth Solution is designed for early model spray tanning booths and is available as gradual tans or instant cosmetic bronzers. This versatility lets you serve clients who want either a subtle, long-lasting tan or an immediate bronzed look.
Norvell Optimum (Clear Plus) Tanning Booth Solution 128 oz Gallon Jug - Norvell iNTELLISPRAY (Dark) Premium Booth Solution 1.3 gallon: Norvell iNTELLISPRAY Dark is heat-activated and specifically designed for the Norvell Auto Revolution booth, with built-in xLaTan prep spray and odor-inhibiting Ordenone. If you own that booth, this solution optimizes the heat technology for even application and helps control odor, a common client concern.
Norvell iNTELLISPRAY (Dark) Premium Booth Solution 1.3 gallon - VersaSpa Skin Care Perfector Solution, 1.4 Gallon: VersaSpa Skin Care Perfector Solution balances pH levels for a deeper, darker, and more even tan, with visible development in as little as 2 hours. This appeals to clients who want fast results and a more even tan, making it a good choice for time-pressed customers.
Who should choose what
Best for
- Salons with early model booths that want a versatile solution for gradual and instant tans (Norvell Optimum Clear Plus).
- Salons with a Norvell Auto Revolution booth that want a heat-activated formula with built-in prep spray (Norvell iNTELLISPRAY).
- Salons that prioritize fast color development and even results (VersaSpa Perfector).
Not for
- Salons using VersaSpa booths should not use Norvell solutions, as they may not be compatible.
- Clients who want a completely odorless tan may not find standard solutions sufficient; consider options with odor inhibitors like iNTELLISPRAY.
