Paint sprayers can make painting a room or house much easier and provide better results than brushes, rollers or other traditional painting tools.
However, choosing a paint sprayer can be tricky, as many options are available at different price ranges. Ultimately, the type you choose will depend on the size of your project, your budget and your experience using these types of tools.
What Are Paint Sprayers?
Paint sprayers are tools that enable you to apply an even, consistent coat of paint to surfaces by pulling a trigger.
They are designed for larger or more detailed projects and vary in design and features. They can run on gas, electricity, battery power or compressed air, and there are various levels of power and nozzle types.
Paint Sprayers vs. Traditional Painting Methods
There are many reasons to use a paint sprayer instead of more traditional painting implements.
Compared to brushes and rollers, paint sprayers provide much faster coverage than brushes or rollers, and the finish is more likely to be even as there is no chance of visible brush marks.
Paint sprayers can also reach crevices, corners and other uneven surfaces that may be hard to reach and cover with a roller or brush. Some sprayers even let you control the thickness and consistency of the paint and the type of spray pattern, making it easier to achieve a professional-quality result.
Types of Paint Sprayers
High-Volume, Low-Pressure Paint Sprayers
High-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) sprayers are typically used for smaller projects (such as painting furniture or smaller rooms) and when fine detail is particularly important.
HVLP sprayers can come with built-in air compressors or attachments to connect to separate compressors, and they are available in “cart” or “cup” versions. The pressure is lower than airless sprayers, but they still provide a smooth finish.
Airless Paint Sprayers
Instead of using compressed air, airless paint sprayers use pressure from a pump to push paint through the nozzle.
The high pressure turns the paint into a fine spray, allowing for a uniform finish. They work particularly well with thicker paints, and professionals usually use them for medium-to-large projects.
Handheld and Cordless Paint Sprayers
Handheld and cordless sprayers are designed to be more portable and easier to maneuver than corded sprayers.
You don’t need to be near an electrical outlet, making them particularly suited to outdoor applications. Although they sometimes lack the power of corded products, they provide faster, more even results than brushes, rollers or spray cans.
Choosing the Best Paint Sprayer
You should look at a few factors when deciding on the best paint sprayer for your project, including project size and scope, surface type and material and user skill level and experience.
Project Size and Scope
The size of the area that you want to paint may influence your choice of sprayer.
Large Projects
If your project is larger and you want to avoid regular refilling, a larger product with a drum/can and siphon is a better choice than a “cup-style” sprayer. Airless “cart-style” sprayers are well-suited for painting large surface areas like exteriors.
Small Projects
If you’re working on painting smaller surfaces that require a high level of accuracy, HVLP sprayers are useful and are often compact enough for easy handling and storage.
If you own an air compressor and you’re trying to tackle a small project, you may only need a spray gun attachment and hose. However, this setup is often prone to overspray and lacks the precision of other options.
Surface Type and Material
The type and material of the surface being painted play an important role in determining the best paint sprayer to use.
Different textures affect how paint adheres and dries. Tough or porous surfaces like brick may require a more powerful sprayer (such as an airless sprayer) that delivers thicker coatings. Smoother surfaces like metal or finished wood may require the finer and more controlled spray of an HVLP sprayer.
The paint itself also influences the choice of sprayer. Thicker materials like latex paint or varnish may work best with an airless sprayer to provide even coverage without thinning the paint.
Thinner materials like lacquers or stains are better suited for the precision of HVLP sprayers, which can reduce overspray.
User Skill Level and Experience
Some sprayers are easy for almost anybody to operate while others are more difficult for non-professionals. HVLP sprayers are generally easiest for beginners, as their lower pressure enables better control of the paint flow.
The high pressure and fast paint delivery of airless sprayers often make them harder to use, and they require a little more skill to handle correctly. You don’t necessarily need to be a professional to use them effectively, but they may require practice to avoid over-spraying or uneven paint application.
Many sprayers also include features that allow you to adjust the speed, spray pattern and thickness of the paint coat.
Cost Considerations
Paint sprayers vary widely in price, depending on the type and quality of the product.
While some cup-style HVLP sprayers can be bought for $50 to $100, cart-style sprayers cost hundreds. Airless sprayers tend to cost at least $100 and can even go into the thousands. With any type of sprayer, additional features also usually result in additional costs.
Where to Rent the Best Paint Sprayer
If you are on a budget, renting a higher-quality product may be more cost-effective than purchasing a cheaper one outright. This lets you get the best possible results for your project without paying thousands of dollars for a product you’ll only use once!
At Koopman Lumber, we offer rentals for paint sprayer products from trusted brands like Graco, Titan and Wagner.
Tips for Using Paint Sprayers Effectively
While different paint sprayers have different operating instructions, there are a few general tips that those using paint sprayers will want to implement:
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- Test your paint sprayer first: Don’t start spraying your surface before you have tested the sprayer on paper or cardboard to see if the pressure and pattern are satisfactory. Too little pressure can result in an uneven coat. If the paint coat is too thick even with lower pressures, consider switching to a thinner paint or even diluting your paint.
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- Consider your paint choice during application: Emulsion paints are prone to quick drying and visible lines between sections. If you are using emulsion paint, start with the corners and edges of the room and then move on to the wider, flat surfaces.
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- Clean your paint sprayer during use: Always clean the nozzle inside (using the cleaning needle that most sprayers include) and out immediately (while the paint is still wet) after each use to remove dust and paint residue. It is recommended to clean the nozzle between coats of paint to ensure each coat is even.
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- Store your paint sprayer appropriately: To prevent dust from entering the paint, keep your sprayer in a dust-free environment when not in use.
How Koopman Lumber Can Help
At Koopman Lumber, we have been helping homeowners carry out professional-quality DIY and renovation projects since the 1930s. We have a network of hardware and paint stores all across New England and a team of experts with extensive experience in interior and exterior design who can provide advice and assistance on any project.
For more information on how we can help you paint your home, check out our Paint and Decorating department, where you can buy or rent paint sprayers and other tools and products from various renowned brands. Additionally, our full-service paint sprayer repair department is prepared to help if you encounter any equipment issues.
