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By Bunnings magazine / Apr 2019 We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
The Spruce / Justin Park A paint sprayer is the fastest, most efficient way to handle large home painting, staining, and sealing projects. Rob Abrahams, Co-Founder of COAT Paints and DIY expert, notes “Paint sprayers are very useful for bigger projects, as they are usually faster in terms of the actual painting process. However, the preparation time can be a lot longer than when using a brush or roller. These machines do need a little practice to grasp the technique, but once you’ve nailed it, they give an even and flawless finish.” We researched and tested the best paint sprayers on the market, evaluating ease of use, durability, and overall value. Our top pick, the Graco Magnum 262805 X7 Cart Airless Paint Sprayer, is an easy-to-use machine that’s great for big projects and can be used with a hose length of up to 100 feet. Here are the best paint sprayers. Courtesy of Amazon What We Like
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A carted paint sprayer is a convenient option for larger home projects or professional painting applications. The Graco Magnum X7 gives you the flexibility to easily maneuver in a project area while also supporting an extended amount of paint hose—up to 100 feet. Keep in mind that 25 feet of hose is included with the purchase of this model, but it’s easy to swap it out for a longer hose if you have a larger work area or plan to paint elevated areas, like a second or third story of a home. Our product tester used this paint sprayer to stain a deck and some outdoor planters. He commented that while the air sprayer is easy to assemble, there is a bit of a learning curve to using it. However, he did feel that once mastered, the tool performed well, providing an even coat of stain and greatly reducing the time required to finish this normally lengthy task, saying "Despite some gripes with the time to set up and hassle of moving it around, we took solace in knowing that staining our deck took less than half the time it might’ve had we used brushes or rollers to get the job done." This airless paint sprayer can siphon directly from a 1 or 5-gallon bucket, and the 0.625 horsepower pump is intended for spraying up to 125 gallons of paint per year. The Graco Magnum X7 is compatible with a 0.017 tip, so you can use a larger tip for heavier coatings to prevent clogging. Easy to use and easy to clean, thanks to the PowerFlush garden hose adaptor, you'll be very happy with the time savings and convenience of this carted paint sprayer. Price at time of publish: $558 Type: Airless | Max. Flow Rate: 0.31 gallons-per-minute | Capacity: 1 to 5 gallons | Assembled Weight: 36 pounds | Power Source: Electric The Spruce / Justin Park Courtesy of Amazon What We Like
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A versatile and popular paint sprayer, the Graco Magnum Project Painter Plus is designed to be used for a wide variety of applications, and the adjustable spray speed makes it easy to achieve the finish you’re looking for. While some paint sprayers are only compatible with water-based or thinned paint formulas, this model can spray a wide variety of coatings, including unthinned paint. In addition, a reversible tip on the included spray gun makes it easy to deal with any clogs quickly and without losing time on your project. This airless paint sprayer has been used by professionals and DIYers alike. We sent it to our product tester's home, where he used it to paint a deck and some outdoor planters, and then reported that while considered an "entry level" paint sprayer, this model's performance was every bit as good as those of higher-end tools, and the sprayer saved him considerable time as compared to painting with a brush or paint roller. He added, "There’s no doubt that the Project Painter Plus saved us hours versus brushing our deck with stain, but it’s worth noting that the cleanup (as well as the aforementioned setup) is significant." The Graco Magnum Project Painter Plus is lightweight, easy to use, and sprays latex and oil-based paints and stains with ease. It’s often recommended for painting the exterior of houses, providing quick and even paint coverage for interior walls, or staining fences. It comes with a 25-foot hose, but you can upgrade to a 50-foot hose if desired. It's recommended annual usage is no more than 50 gallons of paint per year. Price at time of publish: $313 Type: Airless | Max. Flow Rate: 0.24 gallons-per-minute | Capacity: 1 to 5 gallons | Assembled Weight: 15 pounds | Power Source: Electric The Spruce / Justin Park Courtesy of Home Depot What We Like
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Airless paint sprayers are typically used for projects that involve large, flat surfaces. They offer fast application of both thin and thick coatings, such as latex stain. The Graco Magnum X5 is a capable model that has become a go-to sprayer for medium-to-large projects by professionals and DIYers alike. It includes a 25-foot hose, but you can use up to a 75-foot hose if desired. Draw paint directly from your 1-gallon or 5-gallon paint can; there's no need to thin the paint first. Plus, it's easy to control pressure and flow. What you'll like most about this airless paint sprayer is its ability to smoothly apply even unthinned paint. While it does produce some overspray (as airless sprayers are known to do), it is one of the fastest ways to paint large surfaces, like walls, siding, and fences. For best results and the longevity of the sprayer, you must follow the manufacturer’s set-up and clean-up processes. This sprayer is rated for up to 125 gallons of paint per year. Price at time of publish: $349 Type: Airless | Max. Flow Rate: 0.27 gallons-per-minute | Capacity: 1 to 5 gallons | Assembled Weight: 19 pounds | Power Source: Electric Yattich What We Like
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While this isn't the right choice for large painting projects or for people who expect to use their paint sprayer on a frequent basis, if you just want a paint sprayer to tackle a few small-to-medium projects, such as painting a bedroom, a small fence, or some old furniture, then it's hard to go wrong with the Yattich HVLP Paint Sprayer. This HVLP spray gun comes with five copper nozzles in various sizes from 1.2 mm to 3 mm and has three spray pattern settings to handle a wide range of paints and stains. The sprayer has an adjustable flow rate up to a maximum of 800 ml/minute. You'll need to thin most types of paint, and like most paint sprayers, there's something of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, you can achieve smooth, even results in a fraction of the time it would take you using a paintbrush or roller. The device is easy to disassemble and fairly easy to clean once your project is finished. The paint reservoir holds up to 1 liter, which is enough for many small projects. The sprayer comes with cleaning accessories and detailed user directions. Price at time of publish: $52 Type: HVLP | Max. Flow Rate: 800 ml/min | Capacity: 1 liter | Assembled Weight: 3 pounds | Power Source: Electric Courtesy of Home Depot What We Like
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An HVLP paint sprayer is a popular option, since its high-volume, low-pressure output results in less wasted material. In addition, the low-pressure output makes this type of paint sprayer better for detail-oriented projects where brush strokes would be an eyesore. Keep in mind, however, that the trade-off for using an HVLP sprayer with less overspray and waste is that it’s more time-consuming than using an airless sprayer to get full coverage. However, if you have patience and want to minimize waste, the HomeRight FinishMax is a versatile HVLP spray gun that has been used for home and furniture projects with great success. One thing that sets this version apart is its brass spray tip, which resists corrosion and wear. Easily adjust the nozzle to one of three spray patterns (horizontal, vertical, and round) to apply paint, stain, sealant, and other coatings. You can also increase or decrease the flow of material easily on the spray gun itself. The overall design and function of this model is easy to master for users that are new to painting with a spray gun, but it also offers quality results that meet the needs of more seasoned and serious DIYers. It's recommended annual usage is no more than 50 gallons of paint per year. Price at time of publish: $100 Type: HVLP | Max. Flow Rate: Not listed | Capacity: 27 ounces | Assembled Weight: 2.76 pounds | Power Source: Electric Courtesy of Home Depot What We Like
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If you’re looking for a paint sprayer that will lay down a smooth coat on metal surfaces without a lot of bothersome overspray, consider this go-to option from Campbell Hausfeld. While the DH580000AV is an affordable paint spray gun, you can adjust the pattern, material, and air spray settings to achieve the right mode of application for your project. The gravity-fed paint cup holds up to 20 ounces of paint, so you'll be able to work for a long time before needing to refill. This HVLP spray gun is ideal for projects that include metal, like spraying paint or clear coat on car fenders, motorcycles, metal fences and door, metal furniture, and more. And once you've finished, it's easy to clean the cup and sprayer body. With proper maintenance this spray gun will offer consistent performance and even application of primers, enamels, lacquers, and more. Note that you'll need an air compressor that provides at least 4.5 cubic-feet-per-minute at 40 psi to power the paint gun. Price at time of publish: $70
Type: HVLP | Max. Flow Rate: Not stated | Capacity: 20 ounces | Assembled Weight: 2.3 pounds | Power Source: Pneumatic Courtesy of Amazon What We Like
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Using a paint sprayer for decks is a great way to shorten the process of periodically staining your outdoor space. In addition, you can avoid an aching back and sore knees from bending over your deck using a paintbrush to apply stain or sealer. If you have many square feet of deck planks, plus spindles, banisters, or lattice to factor in, a paint sprayer is a welcome shortcut to this recurring outdoor project. The Wagner Spraytech is an HVLP (high-volume, low-pressure) paint sprayer that performs best with relatively thin formulas, such as wood sealants, stains, and varnishes. It may be possible to use it to spray latex paint, but you will need to thin the formula considerably. There's a regulator on the handle that allows you to increase or decrease the flow, and there are three spray patterns to choose from: horizontal, vertical, or round. The biggest advantage of a paint sprayer for decks is the even application of the stain. Unlike brushes or rollers which may leave marks or lay down uneven layers of product, the Wagner Spraytech makes it easy (and fast) to apply deck stain or sealant evenly. It even includes two separate paint cups: a 1-quart cup for smaller jobs and a 1.5-quart cup for tackling larger projects. Price at time of publish: $90 Type: HVLP | Max. Flow Rate: 0.08 gallons-per-minute | Capacity: 1 or 1.5 quarts| Assembled Weight: 5.5 pounds | Power Source: Electric TCP Global What We Like
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A pneumatic spray gun is a common option for applying paint and clear coats to automobiles. While models are plentiful and preferences vary greatly, the TCP Global Professional HVLP Spray Gun checks all the boxes for a paint sprayer for cars, motorcycles, ATVs, and similar vehicles. Its cup holds 1 liter of paint, so you can get most jobs completed before having to refill. This model has a 1.3 mm tip and includes options to fine-tune application of light to medium viscosity car coatings. You can adjust the spray pattern to suit your purpose, and a fully adjustable air regulator allows you to find the right setting within a range of 29 to 51 PSI. Keep in mind that to complete the set-up, this paint sprayer for cars will need to be paired with a high-pressure hose and air compressor. Price at time of publish: $70 Type: HVLP | Max. Flow Rate: Not stated | Capacity: 1 liter | Assembled Weight: 2.81 pound | Power Source: Pneumatic Final Verdict For a paint sprayer that’s efficient and easy to use, go with the Graco Magnum 262805 X7 Paint Sprayer. It's great for larger projects as the included hose can be swapped out for one that's up to 100 feet long. We also love the Graco Magnum Project Painter Plus, which is perfect for house exteriors and compatible with many different types of paint. The Spruce / Justin Park StyleThere are three basic types of paint sprayers: airless, high-volume low-pressure (HVLP), and compressed or pneumatic. Each has its own pros and cons. Airless paint sprayers are powered by electricity, either from an electrical outlet or from a battery. This means you don’t have to own or bother with an air compressor to paint. These paint sprayers work at very high pressure and get the job done faster than the other two types. They work with just about any paint or stain, whether thick or thin; however, it can be tough to precisely control the spray pattern, meaning you’ll get overspray, and these paint sprayers tend to be noisy. Rob Abrahams, Co-Founder of COAT Paints and DIY expert, adds “Airless paint sprayers can be used on walls and ceilings, woodwork, and even radiators and other metal objects. Because sprayers apply paint in a light mist, you get a thinner, more uniform layer of paint versus brush or roller application.” Large airless paint sprayers usually have a small tube that draws paint directly from the paint can, but some smaller models, often called cup sprayers, have an attached cup to hold the paint. Airless paint sprayers are the best type for large projects or exterior painting, such as painting walls, fences, big decks, ceilings, or lattices. You’ll get the best results spraying paint from a distance of around 12 inches. HVLP paint sprayers run on either electricity from a wall outlet or a battery, or else must be attached to a separate air compressor for power. Typically, these sprayers have a built-in cup to hold the paint, rather than drawing paint from the paint can. They are slower than airless paint sprayers, but create a very smooth coat of paint without much waste or overspray. Most HVLP paint sprayers can easily handle stains and paint, but don’t do so well with thick lacquers or varnishes. HVLP paint sprayers are a good choice for smaller projects, whether indoors or outside. They are especially good for painting furniture, cabinets, trim, moldings, and doors—all surfaces that require very smooth coats of paint for the best appearance. For the best results, spray from a distance of 6 to 8 inches. Compressed paint sprayers also require a separate air compressor for power. They are easy to use, and typically cost less than the other two types, but use a lot more paint, are prone to overspraying, and are messy. Still, compressed paint sprayers produce a very smooth, even coat of paint, making them a good choice for painting furniture, cabinets, or trim. Often, you’ll need to thin the paint before using it with a compressed paint sprayer, and these aren’t the best choice for thick coatings like lacquer or varnish. Most compressed paint sprayers have an attached cup to hold the paint, and are best used from a distance of around 12 inches. Paint typeDifferent paint sprayers are better suited for certain types or sheens of paint. For example, airless sprayers can handle paints of all thicknesses, including lacquers and varnishes, while thicker paints may clog up an HVLP sprayer. Says Lisa Rickert, CEO and Creative Director at Jolie Home, “I especially like spraying doors and cabinets because they have such a large surface area and are often painted with a semi-gloss finish, which would show any texture from brushstrokes. Plus, if your home is fully furnished and you don’t want to bother covering everything, you can take the doors off the hinges and spray them outside.” Coverage areaAre you painting the whole exterior of your home, or just a piece of furniture? The area you have to cover will dictate which product is best—for instance, paint sprayers with longer extension cords, larger paint cups, and longer hoses are ideal for larger projects, while lightweight handheld units are useful for small paint jobs. FAQ
This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs. For this roundup, she considered dozens of paint sprayers, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and product tester as well as customer feedback. She also received advice and suggestions from Lisa Rickert, CEO and Creative Director at Jolie Home and Rob Abrahams, Co-Founder of COAT Paints and DIY expert. Can you use a paint sprayer on exterior of house?A paint sprayer is convenient for applying paint in less time than with a brush or roller. Painting with a sprayer makes the work easy on big or small jobs. You can stain a bench with a sprayer or use one to paint an entire house exterior.
Is it better to spray or roll paint exterior?That means spray painting is the fastest way to paint large areas where you don't need so much accuracy, like an exterior wall; roller painting is good for interior walls where you need to avoid getting paint on other surfaces; and brushes help you do the detail work.
What type of paint sprayer has the least overspray?If you don't mind the noise, need to paint large surfaces quickly, and don't want to mess with thinning the paint, then an airless sprayer is a good choice. For less overspray and a finer finish on interior projects, HVLP is a better choice.
What spray gun do professional painters use?With the hardworking contractor in mind, HVLP paint sprayers (sometimes called turbo-sprayers) are professional paint-spraying equipment ideal for use on trim, finish work, furniture staining, cabinet painting, and any detailed applications where high-accuracy, speed, and a smooth finish are needed.
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Best paint sprayer for house exterior
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