Best Paint Sprayer 2018 Compare Reviews & Ratings

Toss those rollers and paint brushes aside and save them for the smaller projects as you will want some efficient paint sprayers working on your next project. You will no longer have to deal with the time-consuming drawbacks; such as double coats, brush marks and arm fatigue that come from the traditional way of painting. Paint sprayers not only simplify the tiresome repetitiveness of achieving a beautiful uniform finish but will do so without losing quality.

Professionals depend on two basic types of paint sprayers, airless paint sprayers and HVLP (High-volume, low-pressure) paint sprayers with one not being better than the other but what works best for a specific job. We want to explain to you what each type of sprayer brings to the table. Check out our in-depth buyers guide on the best paint sprayers of 2018.

What Type of Paint sprayer are you looking for:

Compare our Top 7 Best Paint Sprayer Reviews

Stop weaving through the endless reviews and read our top 7 sprayers from each category to help you decide which is sprayer is best for you.

#1. Wagner Paint Sprayer 0518080

Here we have a robust multi-purpose sprayer that aims high on design and its functionality and low on the price tag. Users will enjoy the handling as it delivers adjustable air flow, adjustable air pressure while offering various types of spray patterns. The energy that bursts out of the incredible turbine makes it easier to take on the different viscosity, effortlessly. You will be relieved to know the paint sprayer packs a mere 10 lbs in weight reducing user fatigue while increasing production. Read our full review…

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Top Wagner Sprayer Questions

Q – Is this a bleeder sprayer?

A – Yes! It offers continuous air flow which will reduce the chance for the paint to clog.

Q – Will the paint be able to adhere to brick?

A – Yes it will.

Q – Can it handle the viscosity of latex paint?

A – Yes! It will work with all painting materials regardless of viscosity.

My take on this sprayer

#2. FUJI 2202 Semi-Pro 2 HVLP Spray System

The Fuji 2202 Semi-Pro 2 is ideal for beginners that need a sprayer for large projects. The sprayer is automated, so it eliminates the need to fumble around with manual operations and no worry about the settings keeping productivity high. The paint sprayer is a non-bleeder which is terrific for coating and extra coverage, but you will probably need to keep an eye out for any clogging without the continuous airflow. Read our full review…

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Top Fuji Sprayer Questions

Q – Is the sprayer compatible with oil-based materials?

A – Yes! If you thin out the material and use the ideal needle and the right air it will work fine.

Q – Can I use milk paint?

A – You will need to use the viscosity tester (included) to see if it’s compatible with the sprayer.

My take on this sprayer

#3. HomeRight Finish Max C800766

Looking for a reliable paint sprayer that does the job well without siphoning your back pocket? Here is an affordable paint sprayer that includes a variety of features and that is so easy to use that both professionals and beginners will be onboard. The low note is that the sprayer will sound like you’re vacuuming up a large living room due to the vacuum sounding noise it will emit. On the high note, there is no overspray due to the low-pressure air and high volume that will push the paint through the nozzle. Read our full review…

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Top HomeRight Sprayer Questions

Q – Could I use this for spray tanning?

A – No! Used only for painting

Q – Is there a way to know what the paint’s viscosity is?

A – Yes! It comes with a viscosity cup.

My take on this sprayer

#4. Graco Magnum X7 HiBoy Professional Sprayer

Lo and behold there is a paint sprayer that is high in quality while being surprisingly low on the budget. It can handle various materials except for solvent-based lacquers, hot solvents, and textured materials. It utilizes a robust motor that can deliver exceptional results both on the interior and exterior jobs, effortlessly. It may be a lightweight machine, but this sprayer isn’t afraid to take on the many tasks that gets thrown its way while reducing user fatigue. Read our full review…

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Top Graco X7 Sprayer Questions

Q – Can it handle large jobs?

A – You can expect to finish what you start – within reason – it’s a beast!

Q – What is the ideal annual usage?

A – The recommended amount is 125 gallons, but owners haven’t reported any issues when exceeded that amount.

Q – Can I use the sprayer as a backup generator?

A – Yes. Compatible with a generator that uses 1500 watts.

Q – I want to touch up some old dressers I bought at a yard sale, can I use this sprayer?

A – As long as you use a fine tip, such as a 315 and adjust the pressure have fun!

My take on the sprayer

#5. Graco Magnum 262800 X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayer

Looking at the Graco magnum 262800 X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayer it doesn’t appear to stand out too much as far as designs, but it works excellent with large home projects that many homeowners can quickly get 125 gallons of usage per year! The sprayer comes with longevity as the pump consists of stainless steel instead of plastic and you can quickly clean it by attaching your gardening hose to the sprayers power flush adapter!! Equipped with a lasting full trigger working with tips going up to 0.015. Read our full review…

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Top Magnum Sprayer Questions

Q – Is the sprayer for both exterior and interior use?

A – Yes. However, you will achieve higher results outdoors.

Q – Is there an overspray?

A – If the paint flow is correctly adjusted, you won’t have to worry about any overspray or mist.

Q – Is there a warranty?

A – If used by the terms of use the manufacturer will honor a 12-month warranty from the date of purchase.

My take on this sprayer

#6. Krause & Becker HP 3000 Airless Paint Sprayer

Here we have an air compressor that works great while taking it easy on your back pocket. The airless sprayer as easy to use pressure controls, and the gun has a built-in trigger; which allows you to finish the job and to finish it efficiently!! The paint sprayer has an incredible lifespan due to its stainless steel body – without any known corrosion issues. The sprayer is ideal for beginners has it includes a fantastic safety feature called a trigger lock – helpful when you’re still on the learning curve. Users will quickly notice the excellent flow rate as it emits 0.31 gallons per minute!!! Read our full review…

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Top Krause & Becker Sprayer Questions

Q – Is the pressure adjustable to control oversprays?

A – It utilizes a built-in pressure knob that will allow you to adjust the pressure to avoid misting.

Q – Will I be able to attach my paint roller to this?

A – Yes!! You definitely can attach your roller accessory.

Q – I need to stain my fence, so what tip should I use?

A – 210

My take on this sprayer

#7. Wagner Control 0518050 Double Duty Sprayer

When you want a paint sprayer that offers maximum control while simultaneously delivering minimum overspray, the Wagner Control 0518050 double duty sprayer should come to mind. Beginners will experience a slight learning curve with the horizontal pattern spray, but intermediate users will adapt effortlessly and enjoy the fantastic spraying capabilities – without the excessive loud noises – some sprayers sound too much like a vacuum cleaner – not this paint sprayer! It produces a thin spray that will not be too bad for interior projects as it will hardly pollute the air. Enjoy using the sprayer with various materials such as stains, sealers and other light materials with low to null overspray and maximum control. A great find!

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Top Wagner Control Sprayer Questions

Q – Is this product noisy?

A – No! It delivers excellent capacity without all of the loud noise that some others produce!

Q – My sprayer keeps clogging causing me to clean it every few minutes. What’s wrong here?

A – You need to strain the paint properly while placing it into the reservoir. Straining out the paint will help out with any clogging issue.

My take on this sprayer

The Best Paint Sprayer Buyer’s Guide

The best paint sprayer is an indispensable tool that can be used to paint small objects or large surfaces. It allows users to adapt to the desired finish and paint faster. Paint sprayer reviews show that the designs have evolved significantly over the years. The units have the capacity to mix the paint with air pressure and eject small drops of paint at high speed producing the spray effect.

They consist of a nozzle, a mouthpiece (available in different types), a container to store the paint and a turbine that provides pressurized air with the necessary force to spray the paint. The evolution of designs has yielded different types of paint sprayers. Each variant is designed for a specific purpose and to produce a distinctive finish. These sprayers are simple to use in addition to being more effective and economic than brushes or rollers.

Types of Paint Sprayers

Conventional paint spraying systems have been around for many years. This type of equipment facilitates, expedites and generates excellent finishing. However, the sprayers are known to waste paint due to overspray. The spraying mechanism requires a regulation of air pressure between 40 and 60 psi, which causes approximately 60 percent of the applied paint to become misty. As a result, only 40 percent of the sprayed material is applied to the surface. On the other hand, conventional units are easier to maintain.

These sprayers can be used in different applications, including automotive and industrial projects. This includes small maintenance and serial production processes. The conventional pneumatic gun uses compressed air flow, which is directed via a pump or a pressure pot. The unit is connected to a compressor and can be powered by gravity (when the bucket is located on top) or by suction (bucket located at the bottom).

A standard paint sprayer usually works by suction. An integrated motor allows the system to actuate a piston that sends a flow of air under variable pressure. This generates a uniform paint mist on the surface of the wall or cabinet. The gun will spray the paint on the target surface by gravity or suction depending on the pressure levels.

Conventional sprayers provide a number of advantages, including better control and versatility. The operator will find it relatively easier to control the spray pattern. The tool allows an individual to produce fine dots or large production-type spray patterns. This capability permits the spraying of both small and large surfaces without the need to switch nozzles or guns. Additionally, the user can control the level of atomization based on specific requirements.

Pressure is used to break the flow of paint as it leaves the gun and propel the paint particles in the piece. Unfortunately, due to the pressure much of the paint particles blow beyond the unit or bounce off. The transfer rate of this type of system is quite low, which means a considerable amount of airborne dust may reach the surface and compromise the quality of the final finish.

High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) Sprayers

HVLP paint sprayers have a special type of gun, which comes with precision holes in the head to limit air pressure between 15 and 45 psi. A saving of 35 to 50 percent in the cost of the material is common.

When working in the workshop, the use of an HVLP compressor and gun system is more comfortable, especially when it is possible to place the compressor in another area for several hours of use per day. The ambient air is charged with moisture, thus this system requires the installation of an air dryer at the compressor outlet. The HVLP turbine is light, quick to start and generates low noise.

Cleaning the gun is simple. It is the ideal investment for working in the workshop and while on the move. Some manufacturers offer units with advanced features. For instance, incoming air is filtered and heated slightly due to friction when passing through the turbine fan. HVLP air is clean, dry, free of oil vapors and other pollutants or problems that are quite common with compressed air systems.

Heating the air slightly helps lower the viscosity of the paint in addition to improving the atomization and flow, thus resulting in a high gloss finish with an extremely smooth surface. You will have to experiment with different nozzle configurations to achieve the desired results. The best HVLP turbines are compact and lighter without compromising on power and air volume.

Some of the turbines available on the market are equipped with an antistatic air hose. An HVLP paint sprayer is ideal for different surfaces, including doors, radiators, furniture, frames, shutters, bodywork and more.

Airless Sprayers

The airless technique allows users to spray paint and other types of materials at high pressure. High-pressure units are generally cheap, less cumbersome and lightweight. They have the capacity to spray the paint through a hole incorporated in a nozzle. It is fed under high pressure (from 120 bar to 480 bar) using a pump.

The airless equipment is operated electrically, pneumatically or using an internal combustion engine. The accumulation of the pressure is carried out by means of a piston or a membrane and the flow is controlled through an inlet valve and outlet valve.

Although airless sprayers generate high pressure, they differ from other systems in that they enable the atomization of paint without air since both elements do not mix at any stage of the process. When the material is exposed to air, the process results in overspray. This generates a cloud of excess material, which does not adhere to the surface and, therefore, leads to a higher material cost.

Paint sprayer reviews: Advantages of airless technology:

• Efficiency – it allows users to work on large areas in a short space of time
• Produces high-quality finishes
• Low material consumption and ensures the reduction of excess atomization when compared to other systems
• Ideal for rough surfaces, such as thick plaster
• Versatility – suitable for facades, roofs, buildings, road signs and more
• Allows spraying high viscosity products, unlike conventional equipment

The nozzle is a fundamental component of the airless sprayer; it determines the volume and the opening angle. These types of sprayers can work well with different materials, including enamel, lacquers, primer, varnishes, latex paint, silicate, antioxidant paint, acrylic paint and more. The material is filtered in both the main filter (located in the device itself) and the airless gun filter. This is aimed at preventing the nozzle from clogging.

How to Choose the Best Paint Sprayer

The choice of a paint sprayer depends mainly on the type of work you intend to handle (industrial use or simple DIY work). The target surface is another key factor that must be taken into account. For professional use (renovation of buildings or large areas), choose a multifunctional high pressure unit. On the other hand, a low-pressure sprayer is suitable for handle occasional work. As for the HVLP system, it is perfect for all surfaces.

Since the performance of each device depends on its technical specifications, it is necessary to consider various key factors, including pressure, volume, nozzles, value, ergonomics and more.

A good paint sprayer should have a pipe long enough to reach hard-to-reach surfaces. Meanwhile, a bucket placed above the gun is ideal for vertical or horizontal decoration. A bucket located below the gun is suitable for all applications. Depending on the model, the tank may be installed below the gun.

The choice of a removable pump gun is ideal because it facilitates cleaning of the device after use. On another level, it is helpful to know the duration of the warranty before choosing a particular unit. Ensure that it is at least a year.

1. Pressure or horsepower

Pressure refers to the force required to release the material at high or low speed through the nozzle. High pressure makes it easier to achieve a flow rate sufficient to paint a surface. The units are rated for the tip size and pressure. Higher pressure or horsepower translates to improved capacity to spray thicker coatings. Hence, pressure should be matched with the right tip size. A large tip requires higher pressure to prevent clogging.

Increased pressure generates more atomized paint. As a result, you may overspray the area and produce an orange peel effect on the surface of the painted area because there is excess paint. As such, conduct preparatory tests and monitor this parameter.

2. Value

To obtain maximum value from a sprayer, it is vital to consider price, durability, suitability and other key factors. The comfort and ease of use should be taken into account. A good unit is handy, practical and light (especially for large surfaces). With airless units, the initial cost of acquisition is significantly higher because you need a motor and a pump. However, you cannot enjoy maximum control due to the faster application rates. With HVLP sprayers, the application rate is slow but you can take advantage of savings on paint.

3. Volume

Volume refers to the amount of paint that can cover a given area in one minute (gallons per minute (GPM)). When the flow rate is too high, there is a risk of wastage. Transfer speed is expressed as a percentage and refers to the amount of actual material (paint and thinner) that is applied to the surface being painted.

While conventional paint sprayers often have transfer rates of between 25 and 35 percent, spray paint users report HVLP transfer rates of more than 65 percent. However, the actual performance depends on the target surface and the spraying techniques used.

In modern paint spray units, the flow of paint is usually adjustable and you may have to tweak the settings depending on the type of paint you are using. If you always apply the same type of paint, there will be no need to adjust it again.

4. Spraying tips

The nozzle is the orifice through which the gun releases the spray. The ideal option is to choose a gun whose nozzle is suitable for the quality of paint you want to use. The choice of a movable nozzle is preferable because it is suitable for all surfaces. The nozzle makes it possible to spray in several directions: horizontal, vertical or circular.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Paint sprayer versus paint roller

A: Painting a large surface with a sprayer is less tedious compared to a brush or a roller.

Q: What is the difference between airless and air paint sprayer?

A: Air sprayers differ from airless units since they must be connected to an air supply source in the form of an air compressor.

Q: Paint sprayer versus air compressor

A: An air compressor represents an additional cost when compared to simply investing in a paint sprayer.

Q: What do I need to do to get the best paint spraying results?

A: Perfecting your spraying skills takes some practice. You can improve your technique on a secondary surface like a cardboard. On the other hand, avoid spraying any surfaces when the temperature is below 45 degrees or above.

The steps you follow when painting with a spray gun are somewhat similar to roller painting. The difference is that the application technique changes because with a spray gun, the paint is projected on the walls, facades and ceilings. Painting work always starts with the preparation of the surface to be painted. The surface must be clean and smooth to ensure even coverage in one pass.

You have to prepare the paint and test its texture to ensure compatibility with the paint gun. To dilute the paint properly, a viscometer must be used to comply with the manufacturer’s thinning recommendations. It is possible to use a paint mixer. The triggers of the paint guns typically come two positions. If you press the trigger lightly, only air will come out. At that point, it will become a little harder and, if you press harder, the paint will start to come out.

Protect the workpiece by covering the floor with cardboard or tape. Removing paint stains on the floor and other surfaces are complicated; hence, protection is very important.

Q: What should I do when paint does not cover a surface?

A: Re-apply an additional coating to the surface.

Q: How is a spraying unit maintained?

A: It is vital to inspect, clean and replace any worn components. Some of the parts that require regular inspection include spray tips, manifold filter, inlet strainer, hoses and gun filter. Make an effort to schedule a maintenance check with a professional technician at least once a year.

Q: HVLP versus airless for cabinets

A: Airless units provide a greater range of motion, which can be beneficial when spraying boxes in place. On the other hand, HVLP sprayers are great for working in tight corners. The airless unit is considered the most professional variant; it does not mix paint with air, despite having a turbine. The air is only used to force the paint out, but it does not mix with the material. This means the paint that comes out is thicker and covers wider surfaces. It provides the best way to improve efficiency and impressive finishes when painting large cabinets.

Q: Why do I get so much overspray with an airless paint sprayer?

A: When paint comes into contact with air, you get overspray.

Q: What size spray tip to use for latex paint?

A: Tip sizes vary from 9 to 23 thousandths of an inch. When working with latex paint, opt for tips that are approximately 15 thousandths of an inch.

Q: What is the best airless paint sprayer for home use?

A: The Graco Magnum 262800 X5 Paint Sprayer is a good pick for anyone looking to handle DIY projects with ease.

Q: What do the numbers mean on a spray tip?

A: Manufacturers generally use an identical tip size number system, which makes it easier to understand what they stand for. The first number appearing on a set like 213 515 717 represents the spray pattern size. Manufacturers use the number to show spray pattern height.

Q: Is HVLP airless?

A: No, High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) sprayers are not airless.

Q: How do I thin paint for a sprayer?

A: You need to mix a gallon of paint with half a cup of water. If mixed properly, the paint should run freely through a funnel.

Q: How do you clean a paint sprayer?

A: To begin the cleaning process, switch off the power, place the prime valve in the open position before turning the pressure setting to the lowest point. Proceed to remove the filter from the unit and reassemble the gun without the filter. You will need to detach the guard before cleaning it together with the filter using water or paint thinner to flush the dirt.

If you have applied water to the paint, fill the spray gun tank with water and spray on a carton. If you have applied an oil paint, the same operation must be carried out with a solvent. In addition, the nozzle must be cleaned with a paintbrush to remove any paint residue before it dries.

Q: What’s the best professional airless paint sprayer?

A: The Graco 17G177 Magnum ProX17 Paint Sprayer is an awesome option for professionals looking for a reliable unit.

The Advantages of Using a Paint Sprayer

A paint sprayer allows you to work quickly without having to put in too much effort. Its spray system also makes it easier to paint all surfaces evenly. Precision application of the paint coupled with increased speed enables you to reach any hard-to-reach surface and complete the job faster. Once the paint is applied, it will dry quickly. Before using this tool, always protect the surroundings from the surface to prevent the paint from overspray.

Unlike a brush or roller, the sprayer can cover a large area quickly. The unit makes it easier to achieve an optimal application on all surfaces. The spray is uniform and smooth, thus ensuring an aesthetically pleasing result.

You will save time during your painting projects by covering large areas quickly. With good settings of the spray gun nozzle, it is possible to control the flow and save paint. The units are generally compatible with different types of paints, including acrylic and enamel.

With all its advantages, spray painting is an ideal solution for both DIYers and professionals. However, it is important to respect basic workmanship practices. These include protection of the soil and the furniture and application of waterproofing underlayments. The same applies to the thorough cleaning of the spray gun and the work area after application.

The best models allow you to work at different heights, thus ensuring flexibility when painting. The paint gun is not difficult to use but it requires some practice. For this reason, it is recommended that you test it on a disposable surface before applying the paint on the target surface. The application techniques differ significantly from those used to apply paint with brushes and rollers.