our Complete Guide to Achieving a Deep, Airbrushed Glow at Home

When you want a flawless, dark, professional-looking tan without spending hours in the sun or risking the damage of UV rays, a high-quality spray tan solution is your best friend. Among the many brands on the market today, Sun Laboratories stands out for offering some of the richest, darkest, and most natural-looking tanning formulas available.

Whether you’re a beginner who’s never touched a sun tanning spray, or a seasoned self-tanning pro looking to upgrade your routine, this guide will walk you through exactly which Sun Labs product to use when you want a deep, dark, even spray tan. We’ll also explore how different types of self tanning sprays, sunless tanning mist, spray tan lotions, and sunless airbrush formulas work—so you can choose the best one for your skin tone, comfort level, and desired intensity.

By the end of this article, you’ll know:

• The best dark spray tan solution Sun Labs makes

• How to apply it like a professional

• Whether a water tanner, best bronzer spray, or traditional spray tan solution works best for you

• How long your spray tan will last

• Whether a sunless airbrush method is right for your needs

Let’s dive in and build your perfect Sun Labs spray tan routine.

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SECTION 1 — Why Choose Sun Labs for Dark Spray Tanning?

Sun Laboratories—also known as Sun Labs—has been an industry leader in sunless tanning spray and airbrush tanning for decades. Their formulas became famous for one primary reason:

They produce REAL color. Fast.

While many drugstore self tanning sprays barely give you a light glow, Sun Labs formulas are designed to create:

• Deep color

• Smooth, streak-free results

• Long-lasting tans

• Natural undertones with no orange tint

Sun Labs uses a blend of:

• Botanical extracts

• Aloe vera

• Hydrating ingredients

• And high-quality DHA

That combination allows the skin to tan evenly, without blotches, dryness, or patchiness. This is why so many professional spray tan artists use their spray tan solution as their go-to dark formula.

But which product is best when you want a very dark spray tan?

Let’s break it down.

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SECTION 2 — The Best Dark Spray Tan Solution by Sun Labs

If your goal is deep, rich, ultra-dark color, the top choice is:

⭐ Sun Labs Ultra Dark Spray Tan Solution

This is the brand’s signature sun tanning spray formula used by both professionals and at-home tanners.

Why this is the best Sun Labs spray tan solution for dark color:

• Ultra-dark DHA concentration

• Designed for airbrush guns and mist sprayers

• Gives quick color development (typically within 3 hours)

• Creates a deep bronze tone suitable for medium, tan, and darker skin

• Works well on both face and body

• Used by tanning salons for “ultra dark” spray tan packages

• Works with DIY kits, HVLP spray guns, and portable handheld devices

If you want a bronze that mimics a full week on a tropical beach, this is the formula.

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SECTION 3 — Spray Tan Solution vs Sun Tanning Spray vs Water Tanner: What’s the Difference?

People searching for spray tan solution, sun tanning spray, water tanner, and best bronzer spray often end up confused because these terms seem interchangeable. But they're not the same.

Let’s clear up the difference and show you which one fits your needs.

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1. Spray Tan Solution (Professional Airbrush Formula)

This is what the pros use.

A spray tan solution:

• Comes in large bottles

• Must be used with a spray tan gun or airbrush tool

• Gives the most even, flawless results

• Is adjustable (light coat, medium coat, or heavy coat)

• Works best for very dark tanning

If you want the most natural, longest-lasting, dark tan, choose a Sun Labs spray tan solution such as Ultra Dark.

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2. Sun Tanning Spray (Aerosol or Fine Mist Bottle)

A sun tanning spray is pre-packaged in a pressurized can or mist sprayer.

It’s popular because:

• It's easy for beginners

• No airbrush machine required

• Easy to reach tricky areas

• Great for quick touch-ups

Sun Labs makes several sunless tanning sprays options for people who want dark results without airbrush equipment.

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3. Water Tanner (Lightweight Liquid Tanner)

A water tanner is a clear, lightweight formula that sprays like water. It feels clean and dries quickly, making it great for people who want:

• No staining

• No sticky feeling

• A fast-drying application

• Barely-there scent

But water tanners are usually not the darkest option.

They’re better for light to medium tans, not deep ultra-dark tones.

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4. Best Bronzer Spray (Instant Cosmetic Color)

A best bronzer spray contains:

• Immediate temporary bronze

• Long-lasting DHA tan

• Blurring pigments that act like makeup

Sun Labs’ bronzing sprays deliver intense instant color, which is perfect when you need:

• Last-minute color

• A rapid spray tan for a special event

• Instant coverage while your DHA develops

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5. Self Tanning Sprays (At-Home Convenience)

These combine:

• Easy application

• Even coverage

• Lightweight mist

Sun Labs offers at-home self tanning sprays that give salon-level results without expensive equipment.

They work especially well when:

• You are new to tanning

• You need a fast solution

• You want mess-free application

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6. Spray Tan Lotion (Not a Spray but Often Compared)

A spray tan lotion is not a spray—it is simply a lotion formula, but many people confuse the terms. Lotions give:

• More hydration

• Control over intensity

• The ability to layer color

However, lotions usually don't deliver the same flawless finish as a sunless airbrush spray.

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7. Sunless Airbrush (Fine Mist Finish)

A sunless airbrush system:

• Gives the BEST finish

• Looks like high-end salon tanning

• Works well for ultra-dark results

Sun Labs Ultra Dark Spray Tan Solution is perfect for sunless airbrush tanning.

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SECTION 4 — Which Sun Labs Product Should You Use for a Dark Spray Tan?

Your ideal product depends on your experience level and the tools you have.

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If you have a spray tan machine:

Choose:

⭐ Sun Labs Ultra Dark Spray Tan Solution

This will deliver the deepest, most even tan with professional results.

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If you want a dark tan but don’t have a machine:

Choose:

⭐ Sun Labs Ultra Dark Sunless Tanning Mist

This is the closest at-home option to a professional airbrush tan.

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If you want something lightweight and clean:

Choose:

⭐ A Sun Labs water tanner option

—but remember, this won't produce the darkest possible color.

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If you want instant color + long-lasting results:

Choose:

⭐ A Sun Labs best bronzer spray option

(great for photos, events, same-day color)

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If you want to tan AND moisturize:

Choose:

⭐ Sun Labs Dark Spray Tan Lotion

(A lotion that tans like a spray)

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If you want ultra-dark but also subtle application:

Choose:

⭐ Sun Labs self tanning sprays

(great for layering)

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If you want the best airbrush finish:

Choose:

⭐ Sun Labs Ultra Dark sunless airbrush formula

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SECTION 5 — How to Apply Sun Labs Dark Spray Tan Solution the Right Way

Using the right product is only half the equation—application is equally important.

Here’s how to get a flawless ultra-dark spray tan at home.

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STEP 1: Exfoliate 24 Hours Before

Use a mitt, sponge, or exfoliating glove.
This removes:

• Dead skin

• Old tanner

• Dry flakes

This step is essential for even color.

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STEP 2: Moisturize Dry Areas

Apply lotion lightly to:

• Knees

• Feet

• Elbows

• Hands

• Wrists

This prevents extra absorption and dark patches.

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STEP 3: Shake Your Spray Tan Solution

Especially the Ultra Dark formula.
Shaking activates the bronzers.

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STEP 4: Apply in Circular, Overlapping Motions

Whether you’re using:

• A professional spray tan solution

• A handheld sun tanning spray

• A sunless tanning mist

• A self tanning spray

• A sunless airbrush device

…be sure to spray lightly and layer slowly.

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STEP 5: Let It Fully Dry

Stand still for 5–10 minutes.

Wear dark, loose clothing afterward.

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STEP 6: Rinse at the Right Time

For Ultra Dark:

• Rinse off after 6–8 hours

• For EVEN DARKER color, wait 12 hours

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SECTION 6 — How Long Will Sun Labs Dark Spray Tan Last?

A Sun Labs spray tan typically lasts:

7–10 days with proper care

Longevity depends on:

• How often you sweat

• How often you shower

• How well you moisturize

• Whether you exfoliate too soon

To keep your tan dark:

• Moisturize twice daily

• Avoid oil-based products

• Avoid hot tubs and long hot baths

• Add touch-ups with a self tanning spray or sun tanning spray

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SECTION 7 — Should You Choose a Spray Tan Solution or Tanning Lotion?

Here’s a quick breakdown.

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Choose Spray Tan Solution if you want:

• Professional results

• Ultra-dark color

• Airbrush finish

• Long-lasting tan

• All-over even coverage

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Choose Spray Tan Lotion if you want:

• Hydration

• Buildable color

• Control

• Simplicity

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Choose Sunless Airbrush if you want:

• Photoshoot-ready results

• Red-carpet-level smoothness

• Instant and developing color

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SECTION 8 — Most Popular Sun Labs Dark Spray Tanning Products Ranked

Based on user reviews and professional spray tan artist feedback, these are the top Sun Labs products for deep color:

#1 Sun Labs Ultra Dark Spray Tan Solution

Best for deep, rich, professional-level results.

#2 Sun Labs Ultra Dark Sunless Tanning Mist

Best for at-home users wanting a simple spray.

#3 Sun Labs Dark Bronzer Spray

Best instant color + DHA results.

#4 Sun Labs Water Tanner (Dark)

Best for clean, fast-drying applications.

#5 Sun Labs Ultra Dark Airbrush Spray Lotion

Best hybrid lotion + spray formula.

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SECTION 9 — Who Should Use Sun Labs Ultra Dark Spray Tan Solution?

This product is PERFECT for you if you want:

• An intense bronze

• Long-lasting dark color

• Salon-level results

• Airbrush perfection

It’s especially ideal for:

• Medium skin tones

• Olive skin tones

• Tan/dark complexions

• People who want color fast

If you are very fair, you can still use the Ultra Dark formula, but apply lightly your first time.

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SECTION 10 — Final Thoughts: The Best Sun Labs Product for a Dark Spray Tan

If your goal is maximum darkness, the best choice—without question—is:

⭐ Sun Labs Ultra Dark Spray Tan Solution

It delivers:

• Deepest color

• Smoothest finish

• Most natural bronze tone

• Fast development

• Salon-style airbrush quality

Whether you prefer a sun tanning spray, water tanner, sunless tanning mist, self tanning sprays, spray tan lotion, or sunless airbrush method, Sun Labs has an option that fits your lifestyle and gives you the rich, glowing tan you want.

If you want the darkest possible results, always choose the spray tan solution version—the Ultra Dark formula gives the most intense, flawless, deep bronze finish Sun Labs is known for.