Painting is as DIY-friendly as it gets, but if you’re using a plain old paintbrush, projects can get messy and time-consuming. That’s why a paint sprayer is a favorite power tool at the Good Housekeeping Institute — especially with those of our experts who are known to change paint colors, from cabinets to accent walls, the way most people switch out throw pillows. Paint sprayers are also great for outdoor surfaces, like fences, decks or home exteriors, and for craft projects, like refinishing a picture frame or piece of furniture.
Intimidated by the thought of operating a paint sprayer? Don’t be. “I’ve taught hundreds of people to use sprayers,” says Nick Slavik, a professional painter based in New Prague, MN and host of the Ask a Painter Live broadcast. “Everyone is a bit intimidated at first, but remember this: Paint goes in one side and comes out the other. It’s not more complicated than that.” The only tricky part is finding the best model for your needs.
Painting is a topic Good Housekeeping knows well, whether it’s reviewing paint brands or sharing pro tips for a clean finish. When it comes to testing paint sprayers, “we look for the models that are the easiest to use and deliver the smoothest results,” says Rachel Rothman, chief technologist at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Read on for details on six paint sprayers that make the grade.
Our top picks
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Best Overall Paint Sprayer
TrueCoat 360 DS Paint Sprayer
Our experts tapped this handheld airless paint sprayer as the best choice for most DIY enthusiasts because it delivers smooth results across a wide range of surfaces, from fences to furniture to interior walls, plus its lightweight design makes it easy to operate. “We also like that this sprayer can be used upside down — nice if you’re painting a ceiling,” says Rachel Rothman, Chief Technologist at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She adds that Graco has a proven track record for performance and reliability based on our past paint sprayer tests. The Graco’s corded electric operation means unlimited running time, though you’ll need an extension cord for most outdoor projects.
• Type: Airless • Paint capacity: 32 oz. • Range: 120 ft. (with extension cord) • Weight: 4 lbs.
Works on many surfaces
No paint thinning required
Sprays upside down
Best Value Paint Sprayer
Control Spray Max
This HVLP sprayer costs less than other models in our roundup without much compromise in performance. Our experts noted its versatility, including its ability to spray stains and polyurethane, in addition to thinned paint. The rotating air cap makes it easy to adjust your spray shape and focus — tight for detail work, and wide when painting large expanses of a wall, fence or deck. The Wagner features a 20-foot hose, so you can leave the stationary base on the ground while you work. Though the sprayer is well-designed, its mainly plastic construction isn’t as durable as all-metal paint sprayers designed for heavy-duty use.
• Type: HVLP • Paint capacity: 48 oz. • Range: 20 ft. • Weight: 11 lbs.
Excellent value
Adjustable controls
Lengthy hose
Paint needs to be thinned
Best Cordless Paint Sprayer
Ultra Cordless Airless Handheld Paint Sprayer
If you have experience with cordless power tools, say a drill or saw, you know how nice it is not being tethered to a cord. It’s the same with paint sprayers, which is why our experts chose this handheld Graco model. “This sprayer is the perfect pick if you already have DeWALT power tools at home since it runs on the same lithium XR batteries,” says Rothman. The airless paint sprayer works with most latex paints, and it can also spray both mineral-spirit-based materials and water. One caveat: weighing 11 pounds, it’s among the heavier handheld sprayers we reviewed, so arm fatigue could be an issue if you plan to lug it around for long stretches.
Wheeled paint sprayers are valuable workhorses on large-scale projects since they make it easy to maneuver from place to place. Our experts like the oversize handle on this Graco airless sprayer, plus its ability to support 150 feet of hose. “The adjustable pressure control is another nice feature, allowing you to dial up for more precise pump output for the task at hand,” says Rothman. The sprayer can crank out .38 gallons of unthinned paint per minute and its stainless-steel construction stands up to the rough-and-tumble of busy job sites.
With its lightweight design, cordless operation and smooth ergonomics, this HVLP sprayer from HomeRight is the perfect fit for small projects, like painting furniture or touching up the back deck. It’s simple to set up and operate, though you need to thin paint before adding it to the hopper since thick liquids can cause clogging. Our experts also noted how easy it is to clean the sprayer — just fill the device with water and spray until it runs clear. That’s important because, as Slavik notes, “when sprayers malfunction, 90 percent of the time it’s because of improper cleaning.” The HomeRight earns solid marks on Amazon; those less-than-stellar reviews are often centered around the limited capacity of the sprayer, so consider another model if you’re looking to paint an entire room, or take on other large-scale projects.
The Titan’s heavy-duty chops start with its all-metal sprayer gun, which is more likely to survive drops than guns made of plastic. Our experts also call out the model’s generous two-year warranty, compared with the usual one-year, plus Titan’s ability to rebuild the sprayer’s fluid section (at a cost, of course). As for performance, the airless paint sprayer is built for speed, with a .6 horsepower pump that can apply paint or stain at a rate of .33 gallons per minute. “The controls are very intuitive,” says Rothman, “including the control knob on the front of the unit for adjusting the flow output.” Though hardly the cheapest air sprayer on our list, the Titan offers solid value for a machine of its overall quality and durability.
What to look for shopping for the best paint sprayer
To match the best paint sprayers to your needs, think about what kinds of projects you plan to tackle.There are two basic categories: airless and high-volume low-pressure (HVLP). Each has its pros and cons.
✔️Airless paint sprayers: These power sprayers usually run on electricity, either from a plug or battery pack, though there are some gas-powered models. Whatever the power source, they generate high pressure to pull paint from a container and out through the sprayer. They get the job done fast, and they work with most types of paint (without having to thin the paint with water), making them an excellent choice for big projects, like house exteriors, indoor walls and ceilings. The tradeoff for all that power and speed is higher cost. Airless sprayers are also noisy and they tend to offer less precision, so they’re not ideal for more delicate projects, like refinishing furniture.
✔️HVLP paint sprayers: These electric-powered sprayers use high-volume low-pressure (HVLP) air to push paint out through the nozzle in a mist-like pattern. They’re not as fast as airless sprayers, but they deliver a smooth, concentrated finish, so there’s not a lot of wasted paint. They usually have a built-in cup for the paint, which is easy to use, but time-consuming since you need to stop for refills. HVLP paint sprayers are ideal for furniture and other small, intricate projects. Note, however, that while the sprayers can handle most types of paint, it usually needs to be thinned out with water, and they’re not suited to thick varnishes and lacquers.
How we choose the best paint sprayers
Our experts start by surveying the paint sprayers that you’re most likely to find at online and brick-and-mortar retailers. From there, they zero in on the brands that have performed the best and proven the most reliable through decades of paint testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute. In assessing specific models, our experts determine how a paint sprayer will perform in real-world conditions. They look closely at factors like spray consistency and compatibility with assorted paints and stains. They also pay close attention to usability, evaluating ergonomics (weight, finger fatigue, overall comfort, etc.), whether a sprayer can be used upside down and more.
As part of our paint sprayer tests, our engineers built this rig in the lab, which allowed them to apply paint from a set distance and speed. They sprayed the paints onto panels made of wood, metal, and plexiglass, to assess adhesion across various materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of paint can be used in a paint sprayer? It depends on the paint sprayer. Airless models tend to be the most versatile, working with oil and latex paints, as well as stains, varnishes and lacquers. Many HLVP models can’t handle viscous liquids, so varnishes and lacquers are out, and thick latex paints need to be thinned before use.
Do paint sprayers come with accessories? Yes. This is another thing that separates top-of-the-line sprayers from the pack. Says Slavik, “I like paint sprayers with the ability to accept accessories such as hose extensions and many different types of tips for different applications.” Our experts also prefer sprayers with adapters that connect to a garden hose for fast, easy clean-up.
How can paint sprayers be used safely? Always wear safety goggles and ear protection (especially with noisy airless sprayers). It’s also a good idea to get comfortable with the machine before using it for real. “Buy some inexpensive paint and practice in a safe area,” says Slavik. That will keep both you as well as any valuable surfaces in and around your home safe and free of unintended overspray.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement Lab provides expert reviews and advice on all things home-related, including paint sprayers. In his role as Director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab, Dan DiClerico brings more than 20 years of experience to the Institute, having reviewed thousands of products for Good Housekeeping, as well as brands like This Old House and Consumer Reports. He also wielded all kinds of power tools during his years working in the trades.
For this report, Dan worked closely with Rachel Rothman, Chief Technologist & Director of Engineering at the Institute. For more than 15 years, Rachel has put her training in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics to work by researching, testing and writing about products across the home improvement space.
Dan DiClerico, Good Housekeeping Institute Director, Home Improvement & Outdoor Dan DiClerico has written about home improvement for more than 20 years, including countless how-to articles and reviews of products ranging from appliances to smart home technology.
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