Best Paint Sprayers for Your Project
The Best Paint Sprayers for Home & Commercial Usage
Have the demands of a painting project led you to consider a paint sprayer? It’s no surprise that professionals and homeowners want the efficiency and smooth finish that spray machines offer. But if you have never owned one, it’s essential to assess project requirements and the frequency of usage, enabling you to maximize the results you need.
You don’t have to spend a bunch of money or have extensive experience; you only need a little practice and guidance. As professional house painters, we have several hours behind spray guns, and we will share our multi-decade experience offering the best paint sprayers for your specific project needs.
We are comparing leading brands from Graco, Titan, Tritech, Wiwa, & Wagner.
Paint Sprayer Usage
Most first-time buyers are misguided in their need to purchase a paint sprayer. Don’t settle on a sprayer without the direction needed to understand a few primary applications where a gas or electric paint sprayer would be most beneficial. Here are a few practical areas around the home where a paint machine is advantageous.
For home interiors, spraying ceilings significantly reduces the load of redundant overhead work. Interior trim, cabinets, and bookshelves are additional areas where a sprayed interior paint finish gives a professional and uniform finish.
Painting or staining large exterior surfaces using a sprayer increases speed and accuracy. Painting exterior siding, fencing, and other large surfaces is where a paint sprayer will cover those areas more efficiently!
The primary benefit of a sprayer is its ability to increase the amount of paint applied to large areas and areas that are otherwise hard to paint. Although, the most overlooked benefit is that paint sprayers improve paint coverage. While some paint will be lost due to overspray, the consideration of paint saved due to reduced coats is often overlooked.
Furthermore, paint sprayers increase productivity and reduce repetitive motions allowing painters to cover more area in less time.
Airless Paint Sprayer & Spray Tips
When using the appropriate spray tip, the finish of an airless paint sprayer will provide a more uniform paint finish than brushing or rolling. Here is how an airless sprayer works.
An airless paint sprayer’s main feature is the pump. Paint is pumped into the manifold of the machine and put under pressures as high as 3000 PSI. Through a steel enforced hose, the pressure is transferred to the spray gun containing a trigger that allows operators to control the flow of paint.
Interchangeable spray tips manage the paint flow omitted by the spray gun. For a 5-15 tip, for example, the first number represents the width of the spray, referred to as the fan. Multiply the first number by 2 for the total fan width, measured in inches.
The second number represents the amount of paint allowed through the small hole or orifice. The orifice is measured by one-thousandth of an inch. So, the second number (15) equals 15 one-thousandths of an inch. Consequently, a larger 5-17 will allow a higher volume of paint through.
HVLP Spray Guns
HVLP paint sprayers, like airless sprayers, can also save time and effort. However, an HVLP sprayer is not made for high production settings. While it’s faster than brushing paint, the true advantage is a highly smooth and detailed paint finish.
Another key difference is that airless sprayers don’t use air, and HVLP paint sprayers are air-assisted. High volumes of air assist HVLP sprayers in leveling each paint drop, minimizing any indications of paint text, also known as paint stipple.
Since HVLP paint sprayers are a low-pressured air-assisted means of spraying fine finishes, they have limitations. The first obvious limitation is its inability to spray thicker paint materials. The second is its paint capacity limitations. Most HVLP machines utilize a 1-quart cup for paint storage.
Like an airless, an HVLP does offer various tip sizes. Most professional house painters use fine finish tips that are often smaller, omitting a fine paint spray and offering improved volume control for thinner viscosity paints, varnishes, lacquers, and urethanes.
If you are not spraying fine finishes, an airless sprayer is hands down more versatile.
The Best Sprayer for Cabinets
An HVLP sprayer offers a paint finish comparable to a manufacturer-grade coating. High-end cabinetry and other premium woodwork are where an HVLP gun will make those glossy finishes lay flat and appear smooth like glass.
Pros:
- Professional Grade Finish
- Powerful Turbine for Max Results
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Price
- Learning Curve
- Limited Usage
High-Performance Sprayer for Commercial Painting
If you are a commercial painter, you need a machine that offers rock-solid performance and durability. Most painters assume the most advanced or expensive is the best fit, but that is not always the case.
Pros:
- Ability to Spray Thich Textures
- Extended Pump Life
- Gas Powered
Cons:
- Limited Indoor Usage
- Loud Engine Sound
- Limited Means Of Purchase
Entry Level Paint Sprayer That Performs
Don’t make the mistake of buying the cheapest paint sprayer only to be disappointed with its performance. If you buy the cheapest paint sprayer, you will have essentially just wasted your money.
Pros:
- Portability
- Light Weight
- Ample Power
Cons:
- Limited to Single Gallon Buckets
- Not for Frequent Usage
- Limited Functions & Dials
Best Handheld Overall Sprayer
Although the concept of handheld paint sprayers is relatively new, advancements give these machines the power that has professionals and homeowners alike taking advantage of this handy tool.
Pros:
- Quick Clean Up
- No Hoses
- Versatility
Cons:
- Battery Life
- Adjustability
- Price
Best Paint Sprayer for Homeowners
Our top choice for homeowners considers numerous factors, ranging from price, usability, durability, and power. We do not recommend cheap disposable no-name brand paint sprayers.
Pros:
- Power/ Performance
- Cost
- Durability
Cons:
- Weight & Bulky Design
- Learning Curve for First-Time Users
- Storage/ Maintenance
Best Spray Gun
Even most professional house painters overlook the impact a quality spray handle has on overall paint production. A quality gun will reduce hand fatigue and increase spray times.
Another factor to consider is filtration and resistance. If the plunger in the trigger fails or the filtration system allows trash to clog your spray tip, this could be a significant hassle slowing down productivity.
The Titan R-Pro spray gun gives the performance all painters should demand.
Pros:
- Ergonomics
- Adjustable Handle Sizes
- Less Frequent Clogging
Cons:
- Price
- Proprietary Parts
- Limited Purchase Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
If you are inexperienced, don’t buy a paint sprayer without doing your homework. And don’t forget, good painting techniques always take time to perfect.
If you are looking for pros that deliver a uniform sprayed paint finish, look at our social media pages for examples or contact us for quality service.
