For bigger projects like painting the exterior of a home, the Graco Magnum ProX19 cart paint sprayer is our top pick. Get better painting results, thanks to a fully adjustable pressure nozzle that accommodates both thicker latex-based paint and thinner formulas like stains. An anti-clog nozzle reverses the tip when it gets clogged, meaning fewer breaks and zero messy accidents. An added pump filter reduces debris for a clean finish.
Use the suction tube to draw paint directly from a 1- or 5-gallon bucket. It’s easy to wheel around the yard, due to a handy cart setup. When you’re finished, easily connect it to a garden hose to flush the interior out quickly and reduce cleanup time.
Type: Airless | Tank volume: 5 gallons | Performance rating: .38 GPM | Spray tips: One | Maximum pressure: 3,000 psi | Weight: 42 pounds
Pros
- Works with 1- and 5-gallon paint buckets
- Anti-clog nozzle
- Easily wheels around for large projects
- Includes a 50-foot flexible hose
Cons
- Reviewers recommend circulating antifreeze during winter to prevent freezing
What to Look for When Buying a Paint Sprayer
To ensure you choose the best paint sprayer, consider whether you’ll be working on interior or exterior spray painting projects. You should also think about the type of paint you plan on buying for your projects, and ensure the paint sprayer is compatible in order to avoid clogs. Keep in mind that some paint sprayers require paint to be thinned before use.
Size and Capacity
According to Rodriguez, sprayer size and capacity is dependent on the type of paint to be sprayed and the size of the project you are working on. “Always remember to read the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidelines on selecting the right size sprayer and capacity, as well as associated accessories,” he advises.
Typically, larger cart sprayers are more effective for big projects like exterior home repaints. Paint sprayers that offer a siphon for 1- or 5-gallon paint buckets work well for interior rooms. Smaller 30 to 40 ounce paint sprayers are more appropriate for painting furniture and cabinets.
Paint Type
“The paint viscosity and finish will determine the type of sprayer that should be used to achieve the recommended results, says Rodriguez. Sprayers with larger nozzles are a better pick for thick, viscose paint types like latex. For thinner paints and stains, a smaller nozzle is more appropriate.
Project Type
Rodriguez mentions that the project type defines the amount of paint needed, the preparation and clean up that is required, the material or surface to be painted, the speed of application and the end result. Some paint sprayers shouldn’t be used indoors or require ventilation. Always read the manufacturer’s technical/product data sheets for specific guidelines on selecting the right sprayer per project type.
Tip Size
Understanding the types of tips with regard to orifice size, fan width and material may impact your painting. While some paint sprayers have smaller orifices, others have considerably larger ones, allowing for more coating to be applied when sprayed. If you plan on using your paint sprayer on a large surface, consider a tip with a larger width. However, if you’d like to paint a smaller surface, tips with narrower widths will do the trick.
Types of Paint Sprayers
Compressed or pneumatic: Air-based paint sprayers use air compressors to atomize and apply large volumes of paint quickly. These paint guns tend to be more affordable, but are typically accompanied by a great deal of overspray. These sprayers often require paint to be thinned before use.
Airless paint sprayers: Airless paint sprayers are typically electrically powered and apply paint at high pressures up to 3,000 pounds per square inch (psi). The paint travels through a hose and comes out of a tiny hole at the gun’s tip. Airless paint sprayers are well known for their glass-smooth finish. Although these machines will expedite a painting job, you should consider the potential overspray, especially when working on outdoor projects.
HVLP paint sprayers: HVLP paint sprayers spray high volumes of paint using low pressures. They tend to be more expensive, as they’re often used by professional painters and finishers. These paint sprayers are available in five stages, and the more stages it’s equipped with, the more powerful it will be when it comes to applying thicker paints.
Why You Should Trust Us
As a freelance writer, I specialize in lifestyle and commerce content, and am a lover of DIY projects and interior design. To make sure I was looking at the right specs for these best paint sprays, The Family Handyman team consulted Alberto Rodriguez, senior technical service advisor at Rust-Oleum. He provides crucial support for research and development. With a focus on technical application and testing for product trials, he plays a key role in Rust-Oleum’s commitment to delivering long-lasting, labor-saving coatings that offer extensive coverage and ultra-durable results in industrial environments. Rodriguez’s expertise ensures that professionals and enthusiasts alike achieve optimal results with Rust-Oleum products.
How We Found the Best Paint Sprayers
Our search for the best paint sprayers begins by looking through stores our readers are likely to shop, including Ace Hardware, Walmart and Amazon. We sourced the most top rated and bestselling picks from each. Then, we looked at the specs and compared them against the price in order to narrow down the list further.
Each paint sprayer project includes different needs, so we included options for a wide range of applications and sorted them by their most useful features. We looked at compatibility with different types of paint, from thin stains to thick latex. One of the most important areas we looked at was ergonomics: Is each pick easy to use, hold and maneuver?
Finally, we double-checked user reviews, ensuring that each paint sprayer on this list stands up to real world applications.
FAQ
How do I use a paint sprayer?
When it comes to using an air sprayer for an indoor paint job, paint the ceiling first and then continue to the walls—that’s how the painting pros do it. We recommend sticking to a pattern. Move in horizontal or vertical strokes, with a slight overlap on each stroke.
As detailed in our guide to using paint sprayers, protection is a key part of the process. Always remember to use proper ventilation to shield lungs from volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Here are a few tips from Rodriguez to streamline your project:
- Surfaces should be clean, free of debris and appropriately prepared prior to painting.
- Surrounding areas and areas that you don’t want to paint should be masked off and protected.
- Always test in a small area first before starting the project to ensure that you’re achieving the desired finish.
- The recommended tip size and air pressure should always be used.
- Thin paint if necessary.
- The sprayer should be cleaned thoroughly after each use.
- Always remember to read the manufacturer’s technical/product data sheets for specific guidelines.
What paint sprayer do professional painters use?
Professional spray painters often use HVLP paint sprayers. The high volume and low pressure makes these units more efficient and result in a clean, professional finish.
How do I clean a paint sprayer?
In general, Rodriguez suggests following a particular order of operations when cleaning a sprayer. “Release fluid pressure, flush coating, clean pump, clean spray tip and scrub the spray gun,” he says. The overall cleaning process may vary depending on the type of paint sprayer you have.
In our guide to cleaning paint sprayers, we note that an initial flush, followed by clearing the filters and a final flush, cleans your paint sprayer to the point where even vivid colors won’t taint your next painting project.
Where can I use a paint sprayer?
“A paint sprayer can be utilized on a wide range of exterior/interior applications and surfaces, including machinery, pipes, walls, ceilings, furniture, decks, fences and more,” says Rodriguez. That said, proper protection should always be first and foremost. “Use a respirator mask, work in a well-ventilated area, use exhaust fans, open windows and doors and take frequent breaks,” he advises.
Source:
- Alberto Rodriguez, senior technical service advisor at Rust-Oleum
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