Paint Efficiently and Evenly with These Paint Sprayers for Amateurs and Professionals

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Paint sprayers require more of a learning curve than a paint roller and tray, but their speed and efficiency are well worth the extra practice time.

With a specialized nozzle that transforms liquid paint into a fine spray, these tools cover swathes of surface area in seconds. Their motorized pumps provide an even, consistent output as you maneuver around your project, making them especially effective on multi-faceted items—like cabinetry, fencing, and custom furniture—as well as broad areas like trim and ceilings.

I have a lot of experience using these tools for residential jobs as well as bespoke furniture, so I’m familiar with the best brands, styles, and techniques. I cover all of that here, plus recommendations for the best paint sprayer for your project, be it a slapdash DIY or a full-on home reno.

The Best Paint Sprayers

• Best Overall: Graco Magnum X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayer

• Best Value: Graco TrueCoat 360 DS Handheld Paint Sprayer

• Most Affordable for Small Jobs: Wagner Spraytech Control Spray Painter

• Most Affordable for Large Jobs: Wagner Spraytech Control Spray Max HVLP Paint Sprayer

• Best Cordless: Graco Ultra Cordless Airless Handheld Paint Sprayer

What to Consider

Type

Most residential paint sprayers come in two types: airless or high-volume low-pressure (HVLP). Airless sprayers use an electric motor to pressurize the paint and force it out of the tip, expelling it in a fine spray. These are expensive, pro-quality machines that coat large surfaces quickly and evenly, maximizing efficiency in large jobs. They can also handle thicker materials.

HVLP sprayers generate less pressure than airless models, which isn’t practical for large surfaces, but makes them well-suited for focused, detailed work. Pneumatic paint sprayers are also an option, but they’re more common for commercial and industrial applications.

Project Size

Sprayers tend to go through more paint than rollers and brushes do, so if you have a large job, like painting the walls in several rooms, consider a model that connects straight to a one- or five-gallon paint bucket.

If you’re using a large machine with a separate handheld spray gun connected to the machine via a hose, make sure the hose is long enough to reach the surface you’re painting. While longer hoses make you more mobile, they’re also more challenging to wrangle, and result in more wasted paint at the end of the day when it’s time to clean them out, so don’t go with the longest option unless you really need it.

Handheld models are well-suited for smaller tasks and, with no hoses, they provide much better mobility. The cups that store the paint for handheld options have to be refilled more often than larger models, but we recommend them for projects where you’ll need to maneuver a lot, like painting cabinetry or pieces of furniture.

Some paint sprayers advertise their recommended annual usage in gallons per year (GPY), which simply indicates the amount of paint the sprayer can handle annually without needing premature maintenance, particularly of the motor. While this metric is useful for frequent users, it’s not as helpful for deciding what you need based on your projects.

Flow Rate

Measured in gallons per minute (GPM), the flow rate of the sprayer gives you a rough idea of the speed with which it can apply paint. The actual flow rate varies depending on the material you’re spraying and the tip size you’re using, though. Here, we use GPM to compare the overall efficiency of different paint sprayers.

Power Source

Paint sprayers typically run on corded electric power, but some handheld units are battery-powered. These cordless sprayers are mobile enough to use anywhere—and you don’t have to worry about tripping over extension cords—but their limited runtime isn’t ideal for larger jobs. Some, like the Graco Ultra cordless airless handheld paint sprayer, accept DeWalt batteries, which you may already have lying around the garage.

Renting Versus Buying

If you’re tackling a one-time project, or aren’t sure if you’ll take to the learning curve of a sprayer, consider renting a paint sprayer. Rental prices vary, but they’re still much lower than purchasing a machine that you may end up never using again—that might be the case if you’re looking to repaint all of your walls at once, for instance. That said, if you regularly tackle painting projects in your home, or are diving into a DIY furniture hobby, a sprayer is well worth the investment.

Tips

The tip of the nozzle affects the amount of material forced out, as well as the size and shape of the coverage area (also known as the “fan”). Since paint sprayers can apply a range of materials like lacquer, shellac, and stains—in addition to paint—tip type is a substantial factor.

While consumer-grade HVLP sprayers commonly have adjustable tips, airless sprayers use interchangeable options. Airless paint sprayer tips come in a range of sizes, so to achieve your desired finish, it’s important to choose the correct tip for the job. Tips with larger openings (also called the orifice) are best for thicker materials, allowing it to flow through without clogging, while smaller orifices are for thinner materials like lacquers or stains. Tips that produce wider fans cover more surface area with each pass—great for efficiently coating large surfaces—while narrower fans are best for more precise applications.

Airless tips use a three-digit numerical system to indicate their fan width and opening size, and once you understand how it works, it’s easy to find the best one for you and your material. The first number represents one-half of the fan width in inches, when sprayed 12 inches from the painting surface); the next two numbers represent the opening size in thousandths of an inch. So, a 515 spray tip produces a 10-inch fan, and an opening of 0.015 inches.

If you’re not sure which tip to use with your specific product, the packaging on your paint or stain can should have an accurate suggestion.

How We Selected

When selecting the options for this guide, I called on my extensive experience painting custom furniture in workshops, as well as with residential painting projects—both of which required a variety of sprayers. I made sure to include a mix of styles, including heavy-duty commercial machines, handheld models, and even a battery-powered option for those looking for maximum mobility. I also kept overall price in mind as I made my picks, including basic options under $100, up to higher-end models that go for over $1,000. I intentionally avoided any extra cheap options though, as I’ve found these off-brand models typically have a high risk of motor failure and clogging.

Magnum X5 Stand Airless Paint Sprayer

This airless Graco model combines quality performance with ease of use, making it a great choice for entry-level users as well as seasoned pros. At 13 pounds and 14.5 inches wide, this compact sprayer is easy to both store and transport. The wide frame provides a nice sturdy base while you use it, and the 75-foot spray hose maximizes your mobility on the job.

This sprayer has a maximum flow rate of 0.27 GPM and cleanup is convenient too, with a special attachment that connects directly to a standard garden hose. With ten spray tips included, this machine is compatible with a wide range of spraying materials.

TrueCoat 360 DS Handheld Paint Sprayer

This Graco model combines the mobility of a handheld tool with the unlimited running time of a corded unit. As long as you have an extension cord long enough, you can bring this sprayer wherever you need it, whether that’s up a ladder to access ceiling rafters or outdoors to spray fencing. Thanks to an airtight connection system, it's also designed to spray upside down. The integrated storage area in the handle is a nice perk, with space to store two tips on hand while you work.

Control Spray Painter

If you’re looking for a handheld paint sprayer but don’t have the budget for the higher-end options, this Wagner model should provide the productivity you need at a fraction of the price. Its corded power supply means it weighs much less than similar battery-powered models—just 4.5 pounds—reducing hand and shoulder fatigue during operation.

I've used this exact model for spraying the exposed rafters on a home remodel, and it really came in handy for ensuring every nook, cranny, and wood face was covered quickly and evenly. That being said, the low flow rate isn’t practical for large jobs that require more speed and efficiency, so this model is best for smaller tasks like fencing, outdoor furniture, or trim work.

Control Spray Max HVLP Paint Sprayer

Even though it costs significantly less than most of the other models on our list, this Wagner tool is surprisingly versatile as it’s designed to accept stains and polyurethane in addition to thinned paint. You can also easily customize your spray shape by adjusting the pressure control dial and rotating air cap. Thanks to a 20-foot hose, you can leave the stationary base on the ground or a table while you work, cutting down on arm fatigue during operation.

Made primarily of plastic, this model probably isn’t rugged enough to stand up to frequent use, but if you’re only looking for a tool for the occasional project, it’s a fine choice.

Ultra Cordless Airless Handheld Paint Sprayer

This cordless option accepts Dewalt lithium XR batteries, making it a convenient choice if you already own Dewalt power tools. It includes two of these batteries, and each can process a gallon of paint per charge. Its handheld design is much more mobile than bulkier corded models, and without a hose to wrangle, it’s easy to carry from room to room. It also includes two tips – a 514 and 210 – so you can get started right away. The 5.75-pound weight is somewhat hefty, though, and might be too heavy for some users to operate for long periods of time.

Magnum Prox19 Cart Airless Paint Sprayer

If you’re anticipating multiroom or other large-scale projects, this Graco model is your best bet. With a wheeled base and oversized handle, it’s easy and comfortable to maneuver around a job site. It also supports up to 150 feet of hose, making it even better suited to big jobs.

The adjustable pressure controls also make it easy to adjust the pump output, allowing you to precisely dial the machine in for your specific task. Its stainless steel construction is also robust enough to spray materials at a rate of 0.38 GPM.

Graco 17C310 390 PC Electric Airless Sprayer

Looking for a commercial-style machine that’s still simple to use? This Graco sprayer is durable enough to tackle large projects quickly, easily, and—most importantly—with precision. Its 34-pound weight is light for a commercial machine, and it’s steel construction is much more durable than those made with primarily plastic components. A swiveling suction hose conveniently reaches your paint bucket regardless of position, and the versatile system is compatible with heavy latex and acrylics, as well as stains. Plus, with a max flow rate of 0.47 GPM—the highest of any model on our list—the job is done before you know it.

This is significantly more expensive than most other sprayers, but the time saved and professional-quality results are worth the high price tag. If you plan on tackling more than a few large projects, or interested in starting your own painting business on the side, this model is a fantastic option.

Tips for Using and Maintaining Your Paint Sprayer

Preparation

Paint sprayers naturally produce overspray, a fine paint mist that can land on surfaces behind the one you’re attempting to spray. In order to protect furniture and flooring around the area you’re painting, make sure to use tarps and tape to cover anything you don’t want painted.

Technique

If you’re just starting out, practice your spray first on some scrap wood or other surface you don’t mind getting paint on. Or, if you’re using an airless sprayer, use water instead of paint. This is fine for the machine, and allows you to practice maintaining the proper distance and pressure setting to get the coverage you want.

Maintenance

To avoid clogs and time-consuming scrubbing, it’s imperative that you thoroughly clean your sprayer, hose, filter, and tips after each use.

If you have an airless sprayer that uses a suction tube to pull paint from a bucket into the machine, look for one that’s compatible with a garden hose. This allows you to quickly and easily flush the system of paint when you’re finished for the day.

Full cleaning and maintenance procedures come with the instructions, and make sure to follow those closely to avoid damaging the machine while you clean it. Also, make sure to keep an eye on the performance of your sprayer tip, as it can wear down over time. Their recommended lifespan—represented in gallons of paint—is typically indicated on the tip packaging.

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