The 3 Best Paint Sprayers For Your DIY Project

It can be confusing when it comes to choosing what kind of paint sprayer you need for your DIY project. There are different brands, models, what kind of tip to use, etc.

This article will help you choose what’s the best paint sprayer for your project. Whether it’s for interior painting such as ceilings, walls, trim, kitchen cabinets, or exterior painting such as your fence, house or deck.

I’ll list the best paint sprayers before going more in-depth about paint sprayers.

The best paint sprayers for your DIY home project

These paint sprayers are not only affordable, but they’re also ideal for do-it-yourself projects.

This powerful sprayer can handle even unthinned paint, so you can achieve a smooth, professional finish with ease. Plus, it’s easy to move around as it has a lightweight design and a one-hand carrying handle. 

It can be used for both large and small surfaces such as walls, ceilings, fences, house exterior, trim, kitchen cabinets, doors and such. Just use the proper tip for the job.

What people have said about it:

The Graco TrueCoat 360 Electric Airless Paint Sprayer is a handheld sprayer designed to apply unthinned paint with precision and ease.

The Stainless Steel Piston Pump delivers high-pressure power to spray unthinned paints. Unclogging the tip is quick and easy with the Reverse-A-Clean Spray Tip which quickly reverses to clean clogs.

When it starts to sputter then just reverse the tip and hold it away from the surface you’re painting, spray for a second to remove the clog, reverse the tip back and continue spraying as normal.

It comes with 7 FlexLiner paint bags that can be reused. The nifty thing about these are that they can be squeezed removing the air which gives you the ability to use the sprayer upside down or any direction for that matter without it starting to sputter when the paint gets low.

Very useable in tight places such as when you’re painting kitchen cabinets or furniture like bookshelves and similar.

What people have said about it:

It’s easy to use, although thinning the paint might be needed. Test spray without thinning first to see if you’re satisfied with the finish, it’s not always needed to thin the paint.

The HomeRight Super Finish HVLP Paint Sprayer comes with 3 brass tips that can be swapped out for different size projects and a 40 oz. cup so you don’t have to refill quite as often as other handheld paint sprayers.

What people have said about it:

What is a paint sprayer and what are the different types available on the market today

A paint sprayer is a tool used to apply paint quickly and evenly to a surface. It works by spraying the paint out of a small nozzle, atomizing the paint into a fine mist and propelling it forward.

Paint sprayers are often used to paint large areas quickly and evenly, and they can be used for both interior and exterior painting projects. There are several different types of paint sprayers available on the market, and each has its own unique set of features.

• Airless
• HVLP
• Compressed Air

Airless

Airless paint sprayers are ideal for painting large areas quickly and evenly, and they can be used for both interior and exterior painting projects.

Airless paint sprayers work by drawing paint from a container, through a pump, and out of a small nozzle. The pump pressurizes the paint, which is then atomized into a fine mist by the nozzle. Paint thinning usually isn’t needed.

The tip is usually changeable so you can paint both large surfaces and small with it. The different kinds of tips are explained later in this post.

I personally use this type when painting ceilings and walls. For smaller projects I use an HVLP paint sprayer since our airless one uses more paint to fill the system such as the hose.

HVLP

High Volume Low Pressure paint sprayers use a low pressure air stream to atomize the paint into a fine mist. HVLP paint sprayers create less overspray. Paint thinning is usually needed.

It uses an air compressor to atomize the paint which is then pushed through a hose and out the nozzle. The air pressure and volume are adjustable, which allows you to control the amount of paint that is sprayed onto the surface.

Compressed air

A pneumatic paint sprayer, also known as Compressed air sprayer, is a type of paint sprayer that uses compressed air to atomize and project paint onto a surface.

Pneumatic paint sprayers typically have a high paint capacity and can achieve a high flow rate, although it can get quite messy.

Additionally, they tend to be less expensive than other types of paint sprayers. However, pneumatic paint sprayers require an air compressor, which can add to the cost of the project.

But if you already have an air compressor then all you need to get is a spray gun.

How to choose the best paint sprayer for your project

When it comes to choosing the sprayer for your project you need to take into consideration:

• The size of your project
• What type of finish you want
• Your budget.

Size matters

If you’re going to paint a small room, trim, kitchen cabinets or some doors then a handheld paint sprayer is enough to get the job done.

For bigger projects like several rooms, painting a house exterior, large fences, or decks, an airless paint sprayer is the best and most practical choice.

OK finish or professional finish

Most sprayers give a nice finish. With HVLP and pneumatic sprayers you usually need to thin the paint which could affect the final finish depending on the paint and brand.

Cheaper DIY models tend to give a finish that is good enough for most people.

The price

DIY models are cheaper than professional ones. Since professional sprayers might be used daily they are built with more durable and expensive parts compared to a DIY model that won’t be used quite as often.

It doesn’t make sense to buy a professional-grade sprayer if you’re just going to use your sprayer a couple of times per year. You could also rent a paint sprayer if it’s available in your area.

This will cost about $100/day, so if you’re going to need one for several days it might make sense to buy one instead.

The benefits of using a paint sprayer over traditional painting methods

Traditional painting methods can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Paint sprayers offer a number of advantages that make them worth considering for your next painting project.

For one thing, paint sprayers provide a more even coat of paint than brushes or rollers, meaning that you won’t have to worry about streaks or brush marks. It gives a really nice professional-looking finish.

They also allow you to cover large areas more quickly, and they can even be used to apply paint to difficult-to-reach places.

For example, basement ceilings that have a lot of pipes, cables, and nooks and crannies could take a whole day to paint with a paintbrush and roller, while a paint sprayer can do this in under 2 hours. And you usually need 2 coats as well so it’s a big time saver and it also saves your neck and shoulders.

So if you’re looking for a way to speed up your painting projects and achieve better results, then a paint sprayer might be the right tool for you.

What tip to use?

Combining the proper spray tip with your paint sprayer plays a big role in helping you get the professional finish you want. Not only does the tip determine the amount of paint that leaves the sprayer’s nozzle, it also determines how wide a spray fan the sprayer will create.

Low-viscosity paint such as lacquers, stains, and enamels require a small tip, while high-viscosity paint such as latex requires larger spray tips.

Tip sizes

According to Graco most spray tips are identified by a three-digit code. The first number, when multiplied by 2, tells you how wide of a fan the tip will create when sprayed at a distance of 12 inches from the surface. So if it starts with a 5 it will give a 10-inch wide spray fan.

The second two numbers are the orifice size of the tip, in thousandths of an inch, which determines how much paint will leave the spray tip.

So, a 515 tip will have a 10-inch wide spray fan and a 15-thousandths of an inch orifice. It’s the combination of fan width and orifice size that determines how thick of a coating you’ll spray.

For example, a 317 tip and a 517 tip both have the same orifice size – 17-thousandths of an inch. But, the 517 tip sprays a 10-inch-wide fan, while the 317 sprays a 6-inch-wide fan. Because the same amount of paint is leaving the nozzle of the spray tip but is being dispersed across a wider fan, the 517 tip will deliver a thinner coating.

Graco recommends these tip sizes for:

• Laquer or Stain .009 – .013
• Oil Based Paint .013 – .015
• Latex Paint .015 – .019
• Heavy Latex or Smooth Elastomeric .021 – .025
• Elastomeric & Blockfiller .025 – .035 +

Color coding system

Graco uses a color system to identify the different tips and their use:

• Blue or black – General use
• Green – Fine finish or low-pressure
• Yellow – Pavement striping or field marking
• Gray – High-pressure, heavy-duty tips for heavy coatings and texture

Spray tip extensions and their uses

A spray tip extension is a long, narrow tube that’s attached to the end of the paint sprayer’s nozzle. This allows you to extend the reach of your paint sprayer so that you can paint hard-to-reach places.

Paint sprayer extensions come in different lengths, ranging from 10 inches to 30 inches.

Spray tip extensions allow you to reach areas to spray that were previously out of reach with your regular spray gun. They can also be used to apply paint to tight spaces, such as the space between cabinets and countertops.

They’re practical to use for spraying ceilings, walls, and exterior painting. They also decrease the need for ladders and scaffolding and reduce the amount of stress on your body from climbing and bending.

Depending on your spraying technique, a tip extension may help you spray a project in significantly less time.

FAQ about paint sprayers

A lot of questions will pop up when you start researching the best paint sprayer for your needs. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

Is it worth getting a paint sprayer?

If you’re not sure whether a paint sprayer is right for you, here are a few things to consider.

One benefit of a paint sprayer is that it can save you a lot of time. If you have a large area to paint, or if you’re painting intricate trim work, a paint sprayer can help you get the job done quickly.

Another benefit is that paint sprayers often give you a more even coverage than brushes or rollers. This can be especially helpful if you’re painting a textured surface.

A spray painter also gives you a professional finish compared to rollers and paintbrushes that leave a stippled or streaky finish behind.

Can a beginner use a paint sprayer?

Yes, paint sprayers can be used by people with little or no experience. Paint sprayers can save you time and effort, and they can give your project a professional-looking finish.

Practice using the paint sprayer on a scrap piece of wood or cardboard to get a feel for the equipment. Or, fill it with water and spray it outside on the ground to see how it behaves.

Always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using a paint sprayer for the first time. With a little bit of practice and care, anyone can use a paint sprayer to achieve great results.

Can you put any paint in a sprayer?

Paint with a high viscosity that can’t be thinned isn’t suitable for a paint sprayer. Neither is texture paint since it will clog the machine.

Use only water-based or oil-based (mineral spirit-type) materials with a flash point greater than 100° F (38° C). Don’t use materials that state “FLAMMABLE” on the packaging. For more information about your material, request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the distributor or retailer, this information can usually be obtained online as well.

To ensure that your paint is compatible with your sprayer, always check the manufacturer’s instructions. They will list the types of paint that can be used with their equipment.

Do professional painters use sprayers?

Absolutely! Professional painters use paint sprayers all the time because they’re so much faster than traditional painting methods like brushes and rollers. It also saves the painter’s shoulders and neck since it’s less strenuous.

A professional painter will also have a higher-quality paint sprayer than someone who is only using it for a DIY project since they use it so often. The lifespan of these sprayers is much higher but they are also much more expensive.

Do I need to thin paint for the sprayer?

It depends on the sprayer. Some models will let you spray without thinning the paint while some sprayers require the paint to be thinned before it can be used.

If you’re not sure, always check the manufacturer’s instructions. They will list the types of paint that can be used with their equipment and whether or not it needs to be thinned.

How much faster is a paint sprayer than a roller?

It depends on the project but it’s generally four times faster. For a large project, it could save you days.

Does spraying use more paint than rolling?

Yes, it does. This is partly because of overspray. When you’re using a brush or roller, most of the paint goes on the surface you’re painting. With a sprayer, some of the paint will end up on surrounding surfaces and some will fall to the ground or blow away in the wind when painting outside.

How do you thin paint for a paint sprayer?

When painting with a paint sprayer, it’s important to thin the paint to the proper consistency if your paint sprayer doesn’t have the capability to spray unthinned paint. Otherwise, the paint will be too thick and will not spray evenly.

Thin your paint with about 10% water or mineral spirits for oil-based paint and mix it thoroughly. Then test spray on a surface to see if the paint is the proper consistency and gives a desirable finish. Add about 5% more thinner and mix again if it’s too thick.

More than 15% shouldn’t be needed. If you thin it too much it will drip and run.

How much does a paint sprayer cost?

It depends on what kind of sprayer you want to buy. If it’s for professional use it will cost more compared to a DIY model.

The brand and model also play a role in the price. A handheld model will generally be less expensive than a larger machine. Battery-powered sprayers are also considerably more expensive than corded sprayers.

Should you paint the ceiling or walls first?

It’s easier to mask the walls than the ceiling, so start by spraying the walls. When they have dried then mask the walls before you spray the ceiling.

How much paint do I need to spray a house?

Before you start painting, it’s important to calculate how much paint you’ll need to cover the surface of your project.

To do this, you’ll need to know the total square footage of the area you’re planning to paint. Once you have that number, multiply it by the number of coats of paint you’ll be applying.

Check the paint can for the coverage area, either online or in the store(since it can differ from brand to brand), and compare it to your project’s square footage. This will tell you how many cans of paint you need to buy.

It’s always a good idea to get 5-10% more paint, just in case you make a mistake or want to touch up later on.

You can also use the paint calculator at these sites to get an estimation:

Sherwin-Williams

Benjamin Moore

Lowes

Do you have to back roll when spraying paint?

Backrolling shouldn’t be needed in most cases. But if the surface is textured or you’re having trouble getting full coverage, backrolling can help.

To backroll, simply roll the paint onto the surface with a roller after you’ve sprayed it on. This will help to spread the paint evenly and ensure that it gets into all the nooks and crannies.

Don’t spray too large of an area when doing this and backroll immediately before the paint starts to dry. If you get too much paint on the surface it helps to wait a few minutes before rolling it again.

How long does it take to spray paint a house?

The amount of time it takes to spray paint a house will depend on several factors, including the size of the house, the amount of prep work needed, and the number of people working on the project.

For example, a small one-story house can be painted in a single day if cleaning and prep work has been done. However, a larger two-story house will take longer to paint, and may require multiple days and workers.

How many square feet does a gallon of paint cover when spraying?

Check the paint cans coverage information and reduce that number by about 30% since spraying uses more paint compared to rolling and brushing.

A gallon of paint usually covers around 400 sq. ft, so by spraying you can expect to cover around 280 sq. ft. with one gallon of paint depending on overspray and your technique.

How can I spray my walls without hitting the ceiling?

You can use a hand masker to mask off the ceiling. Another way is to use painter’s tape to tape off the ceiling and then hold a piece of cardboard up against the ceiling when spraying by using a cardboard shield holder.

What does HVLP mean?

HVLP stands for high-volume low-pressure. It is a type of paint sprayer that uses a higher volume of air to atomize and propel the paint at lower pressure, resulting in less overspray and more efficient coating.

It gives a very fine finish and is usually used on trim, doors, cabinets and furniture.

Why does my spray painter sputter?

If your spray painter is sputtering, there could be a few reasons why. The first possibility is that the paint is too thick and needs to be thinned.

Another possibility is that the nozzle is clogged. Particles in the paint can build up over time and block the nozzle.

You can try cleaning it with a needle if your sprayer doesn’t have the reversible tip as Graco sprayers have. Otherwise, disassemble it and try to clean it out.

Finally, make sure that you’re using the proper pressure setting for your sprayer, your spray painter may be sputtering because the air pressure is too low.

Tips on using your new paint sprayer

If you haven’t painted with a paint sprayer before or it’s been a while, here are some tips to get the best results:

• Start by practicing on a piece of cardboard or scrap wood to get a feel for how the paint sprayer works and how much pressure you need to use. You can even use water to start with to get a feel for it, but keep in mind that the settings will be different since its water and the viscosity is low.

• When painting, hold the sprayer about 12 inches away from the surface and move it in a side-to-side motion as you paint.

• Overlap each stroke by about 50% to ensure that you’re getting full coverage.

• If you need to take a break, cover the tip of the sprayer with plastic to keep paint from drying in the nozzle.

• When spraying on broad, open surfaces such as ceilings and bare walls, spray the outside edges first; then spray the middle.

• When you spray, only work within the area you can easily reach while maintaining proper spray gun position. Don’t angle the tip at the end of your reach to spray further.

• Use a tip extension to paint high areas without having to climb a ladder.

• Keep in mind that light colors may require more coats than dark colors.

Summary

I hope this article has clarified some questions you may have had about paint sprayers. If you’re planning on doing a DIY project, I would highly recommend using a paint sprayer as it will save you time and give you a professional finish, and it’s fun!

Be sure to do your research beforehand and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using your paint sprayer. With proper preparation and care, your paint job will turn out great!

Related Videos

Here are some videos that are related to this article:

How to use an airless paint sprayer

How to use a handheld airless paint sprayer

Paint Sprayer Tips & Tricks

How to Thin Paint for an HVLP paint sprayer

Choosing and Understanding Spray Tips