Buying guide for best paint sprayers
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A paint sprayer allows you to quickly paint walls, fences, decks and other surfaces without having to handle a brush. Sprayers can be easily maneuvered in any direction and don’t require you to apply constant, even pressure to the surface you’re covering, which means they can help reduce the aches and pains caused by hours of repetitive motion.
While you may think paint sprayers are just for commercial work, many are designed for home use. They don’t need a separate air source, can be powered by a standard wall outlet and don’t usually require any special paint mixing or thinning.
If you have a painting or staining project that you’ve been avoiding, our research shows that the Graco Magnum Project Painter Plus Paint Sprayer is the best all-around tool for just about any property maintenance job.
Best paint sprayers
This airless electric sprayer is great for home improvement projects and DIYers who want to see commercial-grade results without having to call a contractor. The 25-foot hose enables you to move the gun around with ease whether you’re climbing ladders, painting a long fence or staining a large deck or patio. The stainless steel piston pump and flexible suction tube let you use unthinned paint right out of the bucket with no messy mixing, thinning or viscosity checks needed.
The stationary base includes a storage compartment for the gun, extra spray tips and any other tools you might need within reach. Like many Graco paint sprayers, it's easy to connect it directly to a garden hose to flush out any unused paint and keep the internal parts clean.
Wagner is a premium brand in the painting world, so it’s no wonder that its affordable, portable sprayer punches above its weight. Its HVLP operation atomizes paints and stains, giving your work a consistent surface free of drips and splatters. You can rotate the air cap to select from horizontal, vertical and round spray patterns, and a flow control knob on the trigger lets you control paint output as needed. The tool also has a pressure control dial for even greater versatility.
To reduce arm fatigue, the pump base can be placed on the floor while you use the lightweight spray gun connected to it via a generous 20-foot hose. It includes a 1.5-quart plastic cup and a 1-quart metal one.
This electric paint sprayer has all the features you need to bring a professional touch to large jobs. Graco has loaded this tool with time- and money-saving features, including PushPrime ignition for quick, reliable starting and a ProXChange pump that can be completely replaced without picking up a single tool. You can adjust the pressure to easily control the flow of paint from the TrueAirless spray tip, and the flexible suction tube and powerful motor allow you to spray unthinned paint directly from a bucket.
The oversize tires, handle and 50-foot hose make this paint sprayer easy to push around the jobsite, reach around corners and use while climbing a ladder or scaffolding. You can thoroughly clean the sprayer simply by connecting it to a garden hose.
For medium-size jobs around the home like staining a shed or painting a large fence or room, this paint sprayer from Wagner has you covered. Its High Efficiency Airless (HEA) technology provides a soft, smooth spray that gives your projects a professionally consistent finish while producing up to 55% less wasteful overspray. The hopper, which has a spill-resistant lid to keep dust and debris from contaminating your material, can hold up to 1.5 gallons, and the motor is powerful enough to spray it right out of the can with no thinning necessary.
This paint sprayer has a 25-foot hose that can fit in the tank along with the gun for compact storage and transport. While buyers report that it takes some time to clean this tool properly, even first-time users are able to get pro-level results.
This powerful electric sprayer is a handyman’s best friend thanks to its 30-foot hose, adjustable pressure settings and the fact that it can spray unthinned paints and stains at up to 0.33 gallons per minute. Airless operation provides a dripless, even coating that decreases overspray by up to 55%. Unlike many competitors, this sprayer comes with an all-metal gun that is light to carry but won’t crack or break if dropped on paved surfaces or cement floors. A large dial allows you to control the flow of your paint.
This sprayer has a storage compartment for keeping extra tips and hand tools like wrenches and screwdrivers within reach and safe from accidental spray. The carrying handle on the metal frame makes it easy to move the base wherever you need it.
This compact, handheld electric paint sprayer is great for small projects and details. You can choose your spray pattern with a twist of its rotating air cap, and a control flow knob gives you the flexibility to adjust the spray as needed. It includes four color-coded nozzles to choose from based on the type of paint or stain you’re using and how you prefer to move the sprayer.
The tank and pump detach easily from the motor, making it a breeze to soak it in the sink for a thorough post-job cleaning. At just over 4 pounds, the tool itself is light enough to carry and move without strain, although it might be challenging when its 40.5-ounce tank is full to capacity for a large job.
For those who expect to keep their painting tasks relatively small but still want to finish them as quickly as possible, this handheld sprayer includes everything you need. It comes with four nozzles that allow you to tackle a wide range of fine surfacing work, a viscosity cup for preparing and thinning paint, three check valves and a 40.5-ounce paint container. Its anti-blowback system and adjustable suction tube allow you to paint floors and ceilings without wasting paint or making a mess. The gun also features three spray patterns and a flow control dial.
When it’s time to clean up, the gun breaks down for soaking, and it comes with a needle and brush for removing paint from crevices and nozzle tips.
Turn otherwise tedious painting tasks into easy jobs with this sprayer’s X-Boost turbine motor that lets you use unthinned latex and oil-based paints, primers and stains without hassle. It includes two nozzles, one for tight patterns and detail work and another that creates a wide spray for maximum coverage. It includes an 11.5-foot air hose and a durable storage case to keep everything neat and quick to pack up and move.
The stationary base keeps the spray gun nimble and comfortable to use for extended periods without cramping or fatigue. Wagner’s Lock-N-Go technology makes changing materials and cleaning the tool after use a snap, and users report that cleaning this sprayer is especially easy.
From treehouses and sheds to signs and fences, two rechargeable battery packs make this paint gun ideal for completing small projects in locations where electricity isn’t easily accessible. Unlike most sprayers that include plastic nozzles, this one has three color-coded brass ones that won’t warp or crack or leak. It features a spray control dial and weighs less than 3 pounds with a battery installed. This paint sprayer also comes with a cleaning brush, viscosity cup and charger.
While its use of batteries and the included 27-ounce paint container cut down on how long you’re able to continuously use it, this sprayer might be just what you need for a specialized job or touch-up that’s off the beaten path.
What to know before you buy a paint sprayer
Types of paint sprayers
There are three basic types of paint sprayers available today, each with its pros and cons.
High-volume, low-pressure (HVLP): These paint sprayers use a high volume of air to push paint through the tip and a low-pressure air stream for a mist-like spray pattern. They work best 6 to 8 inches from the surface you’re covering. This type of sprayer offers the best control because you can adjust the amount of paint that goes through the tip. HVLP sprayers are ideal for detailed projects like cabinets and doors. Their simple design also makes them easier to clean than other types.
However, low-pressure painting can be slow. If you have a large area to cover, you might need something more powerful. HVLPs don’t perform as well as other types when using lacquer or thick paint.
Conventional/compressed air: These paint sprayers use an air compressor to push paint through the tip. Inexpensive conventional sprayers are easy to use and they cut down on painting time.
These sprayers don’t offer as much control as HVLP or airless sprayers. Also, the size and power of the compressor will greatly affect the performance. If your compressor is too small, the paint job could be spotty. Pick a compressor that’s too big and you could use more paint than necessary.
Airless: These sprayers use high pressure to pump out paint and can effectively cover a large area in a short amount of time. Airless paint sprayers can be powered either by electricity or gas. Adjusting the pressure lets you customize coverage, producing results that are often indistinguishable from a professional job.
On the downside, controlling the spray pattern can be difficult. This type of sprayer works best for large jobs like painting a long fence or the exterior of a house. Due to the difficulty of adjusting the spray pattern and the noise of these sprayers, they aren’t ideal for detailed jobs or indoor work. Also, airless paint sprayers can’t spray paint that has any grit or texture.
Viscosity
Some paint sprayers can only function properly when the liquid you’re using has a certain viscosity, or thickness. This requires careful thinning of the paint to ensure that the sprayer won’t clog and will yield the best possible results.
If you want the most convenient option, opt for a sprayer that doesn’t require this process. Manufacturers are happy to advertise this time-saving feature, and most sprayers worth purchasing have motors powerful enough to spray paint at the thickness it comes in with no additional chemical mixing needed.
Tips
The type and size of the sprayer’s tip can make a big difference in the overall success of your painting project. Some sprayers can only work with one tip size, while others can use different tip sizes. Thick paint like exterior latex requires a larger tip; stains require a smaller tip. Always follow the tip size recommendations found in the owner’s manual for best results.
Tips also come in different widths of the spray pattern, varying from 6 to 14 inches. If you’re painting an exterior or interior wall, a wider spray pattern will cover more area at once. When spraying a ceiling or house exterior, look for a sprayer that can accommodate a tip extension.
Many sprayers have a variable tip that can be rotated to change the shape of the spray pattern. This lets you move from horizontal to vertical painting with a click or two.
Additional features
Hose length: A long hose eliminates frustration and speeds up a big paint job. When painting a house, a 25-foot extendable hose means more time spent spraying and less time moving the sprayer. You can buy longer hoses for some sprayers, but check the manual to make sure that the length you want is compatible with your model of sprayer.
Coating type: Some coatings work best with certain sprayers. Exterior latex paint needs the bigger tips that are usually found on conventional or airless sprayers. You might need to thin the paint in order to use it in an HVLP sprayer. Check the owner’s manual for your sprayer.
Pressure control: Paint sprayers with pressure control allow you more flexibility when it comes to the way the paint is delivered and prevent you from wearing out the spray tips prematurely. Higher pressure sprays more paint but results in more overspray, while too little pressure costs you time. Most painters recommend that you first practice on scrap material so you can dial in the settings that work best for your project.
Portability: Depending on the type of job, the portability of the sprayer can be important. If you need to move your paint supply and sprayer repeatedly over the course of your work, handheld and cart sprayers are good options.
Tips for using a paint sprayer
- Clean the paint sprayer thoroughly after each use. Keeping your sprayer clean is critical. Paint or stain allowed to dry inside the tool will reduce its performance and could even ruin it. Most portable paint sprayers can be disassembled and soaked in soapy water or mineral spirits. Some high-powered models can connect directly to a garden hose for flushing out material. Consult the owner’s manual for best practices.
- Wear eye and ear protection while using a paint sprayer. The use of a respirator is required if painting indoors and highly recommended outside too, because even a slight change in the wind can leave you breathing in atomized paint or stain.
- Dispose of contaminated water or excess paint properly. Old paint or stain is considered hazardous waste and must be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. Never pour it down the drain or any grate or sewer that drains into bodies of water.
FAQ
Q. How much do paint sprayers cost?
A. You can purchase a portable, handheld paint sprayer for as little as $60. However, these inexpensive tools are best used for small, quick projects like a half bathroom or piece of furniture. When it comes to projects like walls, ceilings, decks or sheds where a paint sprayer’s efficiency really comes into focus, expect to spend $250 to $700 on a tool that is functional and powerful enough to expedite your progress.
Q. Are paint sprayers loud?
A. Generally, yes. While an electric sprayer is quieter than one connected to a professional-grade pneumatic compressor, it’s still about as loud as the average vacuum cleaner. Ear protection is advised.
Q. I’ve heard of people using a paint sprayer to apply spray tan. Is this true?
A. Believe it or not, yes. Some people have discovered that a portable paint sprayer works wonders for applying an even faux tan. Be sure to follow the tanning product’s instructions carefully with regard to your safety and, if possible, apply it outdoors to prevent giving your entire bathroom or shower a golden glow.
Q. Can I use any kind of paint in a sprayer?
A. For the most part, yes. Water-based, oil, lacquer, enamel and acrylic paints can all be sprayed, but gloss paint should be avoided. It contains chemicals that are extremely hazardous to inhale, and successfully achieving a perfect, glossy finish requires a pristine, dust-free environment that’s impossible to achieve outdoors or in a home.
